A Beautiful Noise Review: What the Yelp Elite Say

Recently, a group called Yelp Elite attended A Beautiful Noise and shared their experiences and thoughts on the show. 

Terry B: “Most of the songs are well known, but the hard working cast brought them to new life. The truly stunning set (usually at the end of a show) was brought out ahead of the intermission as Diamond sings Sweet Caroline on a rising birthday cake of lights. After he comes to terms with his past, he does a duet with his younger self – rather like the Jungian concept of individuation when fractured personalities are reunited into a functioning whole The curtain call finale had everyone on their feet clapping and cheering. For me it was a perfect night. Highly recommended for anyone who is not allergic to smiling.”

Alexis M: “Everything from the cast, the stage, the sets, the costumes, the orchestra / band, etc. were all excellent. The actor that played Neil Diamond (Then) and the actress that played his 2nd ex-wife (Neil Diamond has been married 3 times) as well as the cool diverse ensemble cast were all amazing! The harmonious singing, the various transitions off/on stage, the lighting arrangements, the fabulous encore of Sweet Caroline & the band continuing to play music after that encore…all good stuff.”

Emily G: “I would not have known about this show without Yelp, but now I’m sharing with all my friends that it’s something worth going out to. I really appreciated the story through Neil Diamond’s lens, especially as he talks about his life via therapy. It shows not everyone is perfect, especially not brilliant artists, and I don’t think he was trying to portray that he did have it easy or not, but just that he had struggles and is a human like anyone else. I think the way they fit the songs in the musical was done wonderfully. All the actors are great. The way the cast sang out Sweet Caroline, and invited the audience to chime in was so fun! There were also other songs that I have more appreciation for, knowing the backstory behind them (and knowing that they were written by Neil Diamond!).”

Flora H: “I wasn’t familiar with Neil Diamond’s story so I was very engaged with the entire show, especially since it was created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself (doesn’t get more accurate than that) and I appreciated the honesty of the show as it doesn’t always portray him in the best possible light. Also – did you know that Neil Diamond was bigger than Elvis?!?

I’m now rocking out to Neil Diamond tunes as I work from home and marveling at how both the old and young Neil sounded so much like him. Although I am still jealous of those who got to enjoy the “real” Neil Diamond as he led the crowd in a chorus of “Sweet Caroline” on opening night (a very rare performance since he was diagnosed with Parkinson’s).

Neil Diamond fan or not, you’re going to love this performance (and it will likely turn you into a fan if you’re not one already!).”