News Summary
The jukebox bio-musical ‘A Beautiful Noise’ at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts showcases the life and music of Neil Diamond. This production, running through August 2025, features a unique therapy session structure that intertwines Diamond’s iconic hits with themes of self-discovery and fame. With an acclaimed performance by Nick Fradiani as a younger version of Diamond and a talented ensemble cast, the musical offers a vibrant tribute while touching on nuanced personal struggles and experiences that shaped the artist’s life.
Costa Mesa – The new jukebox bio-musical, A Beautiful Noise, that takes the stage at the Segerstrom Center for the Arts, celebrates the life and music of legendary artist Neil Diamond. Running through August 10, 2025, the production showcases the iconic hits of Diamond while exploring deeper themes of self-discovery, fame, and personal struggles.
The musical is uniquely structured around a therapy session between present-day Neil, referred to as Neil-Now, and his therapist, presented with a strong performance by Robert Westenberg and Lisa Reneé Pitts, respectively. This setup allows the audience to dive into the emotional intricacies of Diamond’s life through a series of flashbacks triggered by the powerful lyrics from The Complete Lyrics of Neil Diamond.
Nick Fradiani, the 2015 winner of American Idol, portrays a younger version of Diamond, aptly called Neil-Then. His performance has received particular acclaim from critics who highlight his vocal talent and ability to channel Diamond’s energy. The ensemble cast, known as The Beautiful Noise, supports the main characters with mesmerizing backup singing and dancing that encapsulates various aspects of Diamond’s journey.
The show features a collection of Diamond’s most famous songs, including Sweet Caroline, America, Cracklin’ Rosie, and You Don’t Bring Me Flowers. These classic hits are woven throughout the narrative and contribute to a second act that mimics a live Neil Diamond concert experience, allowing the audience to engage more directly with the nostalgic music.
The production’s minimalistic set, designed by David Rockwell, effectively transitions between different environments, including a concert hall and a therapist’s office. Musical director James Olmstead leads a live band, significantly enhancing the auditory experience. The choreography, guided by Steven Hoggett, combines jazz elements with narrative-driven movements that elevate emotionally charged scenes.
Central themes of A Beautiful Noise include Diamond’s struggles with self-doubt, the quest for artistic fulfillment, and the emotional toll associated with fame. This includes a poignant examination of Diamond’s battle with Parkinson’s disease, providing audiences with a relatable view of the artist beyond his public persona.
In its closing moments, the performance brings the audience together for a communal sing-along of Sweet Caroline, fostering a sense of community and connection. The presence of Neil Diamond himself was felt as he joined the cast via FaceTime during their bows, expressing gratitude toward the audience for their support.
While many aspects of the musical, particularly the vocal performances and the nostalgic song selections, receive positive feedback, critics indicate that the storytelling may not delve deeply enough into the emotional complexities of Diamond’s life. The overall experience feels more like a greatest hits concert with some filler scenes, which may cater more to longtime fans of Diamond than to newcomers unfamiliar with his story.
A Beautiful Noise stands out as a vibrant tribute to Neil Diamond, celebrating his remarkable career through music, while also addressing the nuanced experiences that shaped his life beyond the stage.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
Costa Mesa Prepares for a Variety of Events in July
Nick Fradiani Stars as Neil Diamond in A Beautiful Noise
Additional Resources
- Broadway World: A Beautiful Noise Review
- LA Dance Chronicle: A Truly Beautiful Noise
- ABC7: Beautiful Noise at Pantages Theatre
- Wikipedia: Neil Diamond
- OC Register: A Stellar Voice Elevates A Beautiful Noise
- Google Search: Neil Diamond
- New York Post: Neil Diamond Performs at Beautiful Noise
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Neil Diamond
- Revue WM: Neil Diamond’s Music Dazzles
- Google News: A Beautiful Noise Musical
Author: STAFF HERE COSTA MESA WRITER
COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER The COSTA MESA STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECostaMesa.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Costa Mesa, Orange County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the OC Fair, Concerts in the Park, and Fish Fry. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Costa Mesa Chamber of Commerce and Boys & Girls Clubs of Central Orange Coast, plus leading businesses in retail, fashion, and technology that power the local economy such as Vans, Experian, and South Coast Plaza. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAnaheim.com, HEREBeverlyHills.com, HERECoronado.com, HEREHollywood.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, HERELongBeach.com, HERELosAngeles.com, HEREMissionViejo.com, HERESanDiego.com, and HERESantaAna.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into California's dynamic landscape.
