A Beautiful Noise The Neil Diamond Musical • January 20, 2025 • Eccles Theater
Reviewed by Kevin Rolfe
Photo Credit: Jeremy Daniel courtesy of Broadway at the Eccles
I was there at the Delta Center (then called Vivint Arena) when Neil Diamond played his final Salt Lake City show. It was shortly after that Mr. Diamond announced his retirement from touring due to his Parkinson’s Disease diagnosis. It’s been a long time since that same energy has been felt here. When I walked into Eccles Theater on January 20, 2026, it was clear to me that Diamond-Mania had been resurrected and was the strongest it had been since 2017. Utah loves Neil, so it came as no surprise that the run of The Neil Diamond Musical, A Beautiful Noise, brought huge audiences every night of the run.
The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise arrived at the Eccles Theater in Salt Lake City as both a crowd-pleasing celebration and a thoughtfully constructed theatrical experience. While built around a catalog of instantly recognizable songs, the production distinguishes itself by framing Neil Diamond’s music within a reflective, emotionally grounded narrative that gives the evening weight beyond nostalgia.
The musical unfolds as a conversation between an older, reflective Neil Diamond, played by Robert Westenberg, and his younger self, played by Nick Frandani, a device that allows the story to move fluidly between past and present. This structure proves effective, grounding the spectacle in introspection rather than simple chronology. It gives the audience insight into the internal struggles behind the success — creative pressure, emotional isolation, and the complicated cost of fame — while still delivering the musical moments fans came to hear.
2015 American Idol winner Nick Fradiani, the actor portraying a young Neil Diamond, or as listed in the playbill, “Neil-Then,” delivered a commanding performance. He balanced vocal accuracy with emotional nuance. Rather than attempting a pure impersonation, the performance captures the spirit and energy of Diamond’s stage presence, particularly during the show’s concert-style numbers. His voice carries the grit and warmth required for Diamond’s signature sound, while quieter scenes allow vulnerability to surface naturally. When Fradiani first appeared on stage, and the audience heard his voice, I heard several people around me nodding to their friends in agreement that his voice would satisfy. And it did. The dual portrayal of Diamond at different stages of life deepens the storytelling, turning familiar songs into emotional signposts rather than standalone hits.
Musically, A Beautiful Noise is undeniably strong. The score draws heavily from Diamond’s most iconic work, and each number is staged with care and intention. Songs like “Song Sung Blue” and “Love on the Rocks” are used to explore emotional conflict, while upbeat staples such as “Cherry, Cherry” and “I’m a Believer” inject bursts of energy that keep the pacing lively. The live band is crisp and dynamic, capturing the rock-and-pop textures of the era without overwhelming the vocals.
The production design complements the storytelling without distracting from it. Lighting plays a crucial role, shifting from intimate, moody tones during reflective moments to vibrant, concert-style illumination during large ensemble numbers. The set remains flexible and streamlined, allowing scenes to transition smoothly while keeping the focus on performance. Costuming effectively anchors each era of Diamond’s career, subtly marking time without relying on excess.
What truly sets the show apart is its relationship with the audience. From the opening moments, there is a very real sense of shared excitement in the Eccles Theater. Many attendees clearly arrived with a deep connection to the music, and the production leans into that familiarity without becoming indulgent. The energy in the room steadily builds. From my seat, I could see heads swaying and bobbing. There was a unique tension within the audience. People were doing all they could to not sing along. The production for sure knew that this would be the case. Therefor they gave us moments of spontaneous audience participation that feel earned rather than forced. When “Sweet Caroline” arrived, the communal response was electric. A reminder of the unique power music has to unite a room full of strangers.
I don’t think I’ve seen a more perfectly cast production. As mentioned, Nick Fadiani does a lot of the heavy lifting, performing the bulk of Neil Diamond’s hits, while also acting out much of the chronology of Diamond’s life. But he doesn’t have to do the lifting alone. Tiffany Tatreau plays Jaye Posner in a way that made me feel for the things that character went through. Both in the production and in real life. Mary Page Nance as Marcia Murphy brought a special energy that drew me in. The chemistry between Nance and Fadiani was exactly what was called for within those roles. Her voice was perfect, and she added a welcome boost to each scene.
Lisa Reneé Pitts was an unexpected highlight for me. Unexpected because I wasn’t aware until the musical began that this was a character in the show. She plays the therapist who meets with older Neil. Scenes that are the backbone of the entire production. The way she portrayed “Doctor” made me feel like I was witnessing an actual therapy session. It felt so natural and authentic. These were some of my favorite scenes.
I was unaware until I looked at the cast list that we would be watching Broadway royalty performing on the Eccles Theater stage. Robert Westenberg, who portrayed “Neil-Now,” has originated some of the most iconic roles in theater history. Namely, he was the original “Cinderella’s Prince and the Wolf” in the Stephen Sondheim musical, Into the Woods. A role for which he was Tony nominated for. He also played Dr. Neville Craven in the original Broadway cast of The Secret Garden. Broadway royalty indeed.
Westenberg’s portrayal of the modern-day Neil Diamond was captivating, dramatic, and emotional. There is a particular scene that leads to the climax of the show, where there are no fancy lights, no big musical production. Just Westenberg and Pitts talking. It was a beautiful scene, and I was enthralled the entire time. I felt so fortunate to get to see Robert Westenberg in this role.
The entire cast was excellent. I would watch them in the background, and there wasn’t a moment that they didn’t create bits of business that added to the show. Each cast member brought something unique and special to the production.
Ultimately, The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise succeeds as a production because it understands its purpose. It honors the music, respects the audience’s emotional connection, and presents a story that feels honest rather than manufactured. Whether you arrive as a lifelong fan or simply curious about the man behind the hits, the show delivers an engaging, heartfelt evening that resonates long after the final note fades. And because I have to say it. I mean, how could I not? Seeing A Beautiful Noise is a must. “Good Times Never Felt So Good! So Good! So Good So Good!”