The Australian cast of “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” has been revealed, set to join Broadway’s Will Swenson as he reprises his role as Neil Diamond.
Joining Swenson is an exceptional company of Australian talent, featuring principal cast members Terence Crawford (Neil Diamond – Now), Ashleigh Rubenach (Marcia Murphey), Monica Sayers (Doctor), Alana Tranter (Jaye Posner), Tim Wright (Fred Weintraub/Tommy O’Rourke) and Hannah Fredericksen (Ellie Greenwich/Rose Diamond).
They will be joined by Rob Mallett (Standby Neil Diamond – Then), and Mark Owen Taylor (Standby Neil Diamond – Now, Fred Weintraub/Tommy O’Rourke, Bert Berns/Kieve Diamond).
Rounding out the company as “The Beautiful Noise” ensemble are Katrina Bickerton, Cameron Davey, Paul Leandre Escorrido, Matt Hourigan, Alana Iannace, Jerome Javier (Swing) Joshua Kobeck, Etuate Lutui (Shilo soloist), Anna Mallows (Swing), Jordan Malone, James Maxfield (Swing), Isabella Roberts, Sophie Tzioumis, Emma Wilby (Swing) and Erica Wild (Swing).
“A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” will open exclusively at The Princess Theatre on August 5th, bringing his extraordinary story to Australian audiences for the first time. Due to overwhelming demand, the season has been extended by two weeks and will now play though to mid-October.
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The announcement arrived on the 53rd anniversary of Diamond’s legendary “Hot August Night” album recording in 1972, a milestone that resonated particularly strongly with Australian fans. The live album dominated Australian charts, spending 29 weeks at number one in 1973 and 1974, and remained on the charts for 65 weeks, making it the third-longest-charting album of its era in Australian music history.
Created in collaboration with Diamond himself, the musical chronicles the journey of a Brooklyn kid who became one of America’s biggest rock icons. With 120 million albums sold worldwide and a catalogue featuring classics like “America”, “Forever in Blue Jeans”, and “Sweet Caroline”, Diamond’s career spans five decades of chart-topping success. His accolades include inductions into both the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, plus a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award.
The production follows in the footsteps of successful biographical musicals like “Jersey Boys” and “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical”, offering audiences an inspiring musical memoir set to Diamond’s defining songs. The creative team behind the show includes Tony Award winner Michael Mayer directing, Olivier Award winner Steven Hoggett choreographing, and four-time Academy Award nominee Anthony McCarten writing the book.
Diamond’s connection with Australia spans nearly half a century, with seven major concert tours beginning with the Thank You Australia tour in 1976. His subsequent visits in 1992, 1996, 1999, 2005, 2011, and 2015 solidified his status as a beloved figure in Australian music culture. “Some of my most thrilling nights have been while sharing my music with audiences around the world,” Diamond said. “I hope Australian audiences enjoy the show as much as I have.”
The musical’s development emerged during a challenging period in Diamond’s life, as Parkinson’s disease symptoms ended his touring career. In a personal letter, Diamond revealed how the show became therapeutic, allowing him to relive both joyful and painful moments whilst coming to terms with his life journey.
“A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” opens in Melbourne in August 2026 at The Princess Theatre. Tickets go on sale on Thursday, February 19th.
For more information, see here.