Who plays older Neil on Broadway?

May 28, 2024

Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, A Beautiful Noise is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chartbusting, show-stopping American rock icon. Told from the perspective of present-day Neil reflecting on his life during sessions with his therapist, we get an inside look into Neil’s head, as he looks back on pivotal moments throughout his extraordinary career. Mark Jacoby originated the role of Neil Diamond (Now) on Broadway and continues to inspire audiences at the Broadhurst Theatre now.

Through Jacoby’s portrayal of Neil Diamond, the audience witnesses Neil’s journey from reluctance to open up to The Doctor (played by Shirine Babb), to finally revealing his personal battles.

Mark Jacoby originated the role of Father in Ragtime; earned Tony, Outer Critics, and Joseph Jefferson Award nominations for his performance as Gaylord Ravenal in Showboat, directed by Harold Prince, and is a Theatre World Award recipient for his Broadway debut as Vittorio Vidal in Sweet Charity, directed by Bob Fosse. Also on Broadway, he created the role of Walter Hobbs in Elf, portrayed Judge Turpin in Stephen Sondheim’s Sweeney Todd, was the Padre in Man of La Mancha, appeared as Baron von Gaigern in Grand Hotel, and for three years held the title role in The Phantom of the Opera. Jacoby was seen as the Wizard in the First National Tour of Wicked, received a Drama Desk nomination for his Off-Broadway performance as the Playwright in Enter the Guardsman, and was Oscar Jaffee in the Goodspeed Opera production of On the Twentieth Century (Connecticut Drama Critics’ Award). He played Guido Contini in the Chicago premiere of Nine (Joseph Jefferson Award), Tevye in Fiddler on the Roof for the Walnut Street Theatre (Barrymore Award), Mayor Dummermutt in The Visit for Signature Theatre (Helen Hayes nomination), and George in La Cage aux Folles (Carbonell nomination). Recent television guest-starring appearances include “Iron,” “Dopesick,” “The Blacklist,” “The Good Fight,” “The Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” “Elementary,” and “Madam Secretary.”