“A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” has confirmed it is heading to Brisbane.
Following its Australian premiere in Melbourne, then its Sydney season, the Neil Diamond musical will begin previews at QPAC’s Lyric Theatre on March 20th. Tickets will go on sale at 9am on September 4th, with prices started from $69. See here for details.
Created in collaboration with Diamond, “A Beautiful Noise” traces the singer-songwriter’s career from his beginnings in Brooklyn to becoming one of the world’s biggest-selling artists. The production features songs including “Sweet Caroline,” “America” and “Forever in Blue Jeans.”
“Some of my most thrilling nights have been while sharing my music with audiences around the world,” Diamond said. “’A Beautiful Noise’ has already had an incredible journey on Broadway and is currently touring across the US. I hope Australian audiences enjoy the show as much as I have.”
The Australian production is presented locally by Paul Dainty and TEG Dainty alongside Ken Davenport and Bob Gaudio. It is currently led by Broadway star Will Swenson as Neil Diamond – Then, reprising the performance he originated on Broadway. Terence Crawford plays Neil Diamond – Now, with Ashleigh Rubenach as Marcia Murphey, Monica Sayers as Doctor and Alana Tranter as Jaye Posner.
The company also includes Tim Wright, Paul Hanlon, Hannah Fredericksen, Rob Mallett and Mark Owen Taylor. Several members of the production will return to their Queensland roots for the Brisbane run. Brisbane-born Fredericksen, who plays songwriter Ellie Greenwich and Diamond’s mother Rose, will make her professional Queensland stage debut.
Queensland Conservatorium graduate Etuate Lutui and fellow graduate Jordan Malone are also part of the ensemble, alongside Maryborough-born Katrina Bickerton. Brisbane’s Liam McIlwain serves as resident director.
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“Bringing ‘A Beautiful Noise’ to Australia is extremely special for me,” Dainty, president and CEO of TEG Dainty, said. “I’ve had the great privilege of working with Neil as his Australian promoter for decades, and this production is a powerful celebration of his life and music.
“The response from Melbourne audiences has been extraordinary, with standing ovations and sell outs night after night and audiences embracing every moment of Neil’s incredible story and music. I know Brisbane audiences will be moved by the joy, emotion, and unforgettable songs that have made Neil a legend.”
Diamond has a long history with Australian audiences, having toured the country seven times between 1976 and 2015. His 1972 live album “Hot August Night” was also a major Australian success, spending 29 weeks at No. 1 across 1973 and 1974.
“A Beautiful Noise” is written by four-time Academy Award nominee Anthony McCarten (“Bohemian Rhapsody,” “The Two Popes”) and directed by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer (“Spring Awakening,” “Hedwig and the Angry Inch”), with choreography by Olivier Award winner Steven Hoggett (“Once,” “Harry Potter and the Cursed Child”). The production features scenic design by David Rockwell, costume design by Emilio Sosa, lighting design by Kevin Adams and sound design by Jessica Paz.
For ticketing information, see here.