Critique: Neil Diamond Musical Fails to Impress Audience...
Hello there! Let's talk about "A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical," currently running at the Golden Gate Theatre in San Francisco, with plans to play in San Jose as well.
This jukebox musical is an absolute blast for die-hard Neil Diamond fans! The show boasts a fantastic setlist, featuring all your favorites like "Sweet Caroline," "Cracklin' Rosie," and "Solitary Man," to name a few. The cast, led by American Idol winner Nick Fradiani, delivers spot-on vocal performances reminiscent of diamond's signature sound. The orchestra and chorus also receive high praises.
The choreography is vibrant and infectious, filled with waving arms and swaying. The cast's harmonies are typically commended, with Hannah Jewel Kohn's portrayal of Neil's second wife, Marcia, earning special recognition for her captivating performance.
However, the storytelling and structure of the show receive mixed reviews. The narrative is framed through therapy sessions between current-day Neil (Robert Westenberg) and his doctor, which some critics find a bit clumsy. The book, authorized by Neil Diamond and written by Anthony McCarten, offers a fair amount of humor and narrative appeal. However, it can seem predictable for some, and the protagonist may come off as less likable for others.
While the production is sure to provide a fun-filled evening of sing-along tunes and crowd-pleasing favorites, it seems that the appeal may be somewhat limited for those who aren’t already Neil Diamond fans. Overall, the show delivers an engaging spectacle that is sure to delight fans but may not resonate with those less passionate about the iconic singer.
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The musical, "A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical," offers a fabulous evening of entertainment, particularly for die-hard Neil Diamond fans, with an array of iconic songs such as "Sweet Caroline" and "Cracklin' Rosie."
The show's upbeat choreography, harmonious cast, and the orchestra's remarkable performance reinforce the appeal of this jukebox musical, making it an excellent choice for music lovers.
