‘A Beautiful Noise’ appeals to fans and newcomers alike

One of the blessings of my childhood was growing up in a house filled with music. It was the early 1970s, and I remember my mom joining a record club that sent 8-track tapes of popular bands and solo artists directly to our home. Naturally, that meant we listened to a lot of Neil Diamond’s music, since the ubiquitous singer-songwriter was constantly being played on the radio, 8-tracks and record players of the era. My sisters and I would sing along and act out the music to make our mom laugh. 

As I grew older, my appreciation for the always-touring Diamond waned as his songs became more introspective and my tastes shifted toward more contemporary bands and artists. Yet he was always there, performing three-hour-long concerts on television and supporting his latest tour on talk shows, and he always had 50 great songs ready to go in his back pocket.

Today, Diamond is no longer able to tour due to the ongoing effects of Parkinson’s disease.  Fortunately, we can still see and hear his music performed the way he intended with his powerhouse musical, “A Beautiful Noise,” playing at Wharton Center through Sunday.  

If you’re already a fan, you won’t need me to encourage you to go. And even if you’re lukewarm or unfamiliar with his music, I still maintain that the show is well worth the price of admission. The songs are familiar, memorable and catchy, performed with verve by an expert group of Broadway singers, dancers and musicians. The lighting, though sparse, is highly effective and captures the excitement of a Diamond show. The sound is loud and clear yet not overpowering. In short, it’s everything you would expect for the ticket price.  

One might say the only thing missing is Diamond himself, but that isn’t true. His presence is everywhere in this production, from the top-notch writing, direction, choreography and production values down to the man playing him. Nick Fradiani absolutely crushes it as a young Diamond, from the moment he first steps on stage to the final curtain call. His voice is uncannily reminiscent of Diamond’s, and he adjusts his tone and timbre to match the eras and evolving intonations of Diamond’s vocal style in expert fashion. His physicality is also astonishing. Fradiani has all the charisma one might expect of an “American Idol” winner, and I must say, this is among the best performances I’ve ever seen.  

Tiffany Tatreau stands out among an excellent supporting cast, revealing a voice powerful enough for a “belter”-style role on Broadway. She brings power and passion to already great songs and has the emotional gravitas to support it. 

My wife accompanied me to this event, and though she’s not necessarily a fan of Diamond’s music, she was singing his songs with me all the way to the parking lot. I highly recommend.