Nick Fradiani, Robert Westenberg, Lisa Renee Pitts, and Cast Photo by Jeremy Daniel

A Beautiful Noise employs a clear structure of watching an elderly Neil Diamond attend therapy sessions where a doctor uses the songwriter's lyrics to explore the loneliness that has dominated his life. Through a series of flashbacks, the audience is shown the major life events and the impressive song catalog of the artist. The book by Anthony McCarten contains sufficient humor and drama (including several failed marriages and an unexpected connection to the mob), though at times it is a bit of a downer. The narration during the therapy is a bit of a cop out in storytelling, but it's generally an effective framework by which to present the story.

With forty Top 40 hits, Diamond's songs are well loved, and are the highlight of the show. "I'm a Believer," "Cracklin' Rosie," "Hello Again," "Love on the Rocks," "I Am, I Said" and the rousing "America" are instantly recognizable to most audience members, especially for those of a certain age–which make up the majority of theatergoers. The audience enthusiastically does their part with both the Act 1 closer, "Sweet Caroline," and when it's repeated at the conclusion of the show. Diamond's introspective lyrics and interesting melodies make for an appealing score.

The cast of the national tour of A Beautiful Noise is a very good one. Nick Fradiani portrayed Neil for the last eight months of the run on Broadway and is known to many as winner of the 2015 season of "American Idol." As "Neil - Then," he sings wonderfully, skillfully capturing the sound (described in the show as "gravel wrapped in velvet") and essence of the legend, and his acting is all that it needs to be. As "Neil – Now," Robert Westenberg, known to theatre fans as Cinderella's Prince in the original Broadway production of Into the Woods, displays the necessary vulnerability and brings depth to the role during his therapy sessions with the doctor, played with forthright dignity and humor by Lisa Renee Pitts. Tiffany Tatreau is endearing and sweet as first wife Jaye, and Hannah Jewel Kohn provides sass and energy as Diamond's second wife Marcia. Tuck Milligan, Michael Accardo, and Kate A. Mulligan each take on multiple supporting roles with aplomb, and the hard-working ensemble deserve kudos for their high-octane dancing and vocals.

Director Michael Mayer supplies smooth transitions and apt blocking, and manages the back and forth of tone and setting with dexterity. The use of the ensemble as a makeshift Greek chorus sometimes feels a bit forced but also brings life to several scenes that might otherwise be stagnant. The choreography by Steven Hoggett is active and period-appropriate. Musical director James Olmstead leads a powerful nine-piece band that is visible onstage for much of Act 2.

David Rockwell's attractive scenic design features sliding screens made of cords, nearly thirty hanging light fixtures, and other smaller set pieces. The impactful lighting by Kevin Adams transitions back and forth between theatrical and concert style effects. The costumes by Emilio Sosa capture the sense of time and location accurately, and they showcase the increasingly opulent outfits Diamond wore as he became more successful.

While A Beautiful Noise isn't groundbreaking, it's an apt framework for conveying the life and career of a music legend, and a first-rate showcase of Neil Diamond music which has entertained people around the world for over half a century. The national tour, led by Nick Fradiani, features a talented cast who will have the audience singing and dancing in their seats.

A Beautiful Noise runs through May 18, 2025 at the Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati OH. For tickets and information, call 513-621-2787 or visit cincinnati.broadway.com. For information on tour, visit abeautifulnoisethemusical.com.