'A Beautiful Noise' tells Neil Diamond's story as national tour kicks off at PPAC
PROVIDENCE – Later this month – though not on a “September Morn,” as Neil Diamond once crooned – a talented cast will collaborate to tell the musical memoir of Diamond.
The national tour of “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” begins in Providence, starting Sept. 21 at 7 p.m. at the Providence Performing Arts Center, kicking off the 25 city tour.
PPAC spokeswoman Caitlyn DiPompo says the musical relies on an interesting storytelling tactic as an older Neil Diamond, through therapy sessions, reflects on two marriages and other life events.
A therapist will ask Diamond about different emotions throughout his life and how they inspired certain songs. With that said, the cast will capture those moments with some of Diamond’s most memorable songs.
"American Idol” winner Nick Fradiani will reprise his role of "Neil Diamond – then"’" from the Broadway production. Tony nominee Robert Westenberg will play the older Diamond, reflecting on his past.
The cast also includes Hannah Jewel Kohn (Marcia Murphey), Lisa Reneé Pitts (Doctor), Michael Accardo (Bert Berns/ Kieve Diamond), Tuck Milligan (Fred Weintraub/ Tommy O'Rourke), Kate A. Mulligan (Ellie Greenwich/ Rose Diamond) and Tiffany Tatreau (Jaye Posner).
During a recent interview, Westenberg – whose resume includes a long list of musical theater, television and other credits – expressed his excitement about playing the musical icon.
Just as Diamond was known for strumming his guitar as a younger man on the streets of New York in the 1960s, Westenberg can recall his younger years of singing Diamond songs with a friend and a guitar in the 1970s.
“It’s an honor to be doing this. I have to set the awe-struck sensibility aside and play the character in that situation. He is an older gentleman with a problem to solve and that is my struggle and journey throughout the play,” Westenberg said.
Westernberg credits the cast, production crew and everyone else involved for making it possible – calling it a “fertile rehearsal process.”
“The rehearsal process has been rich and discovery-laden,” Westenberg added, expressing confidence in a great theatrical experience for audience members and the entire ensemble.
Westenberg highlighted the challenges of his role, which include staying in character as the older Diamond reflects on his life through his live songs.
“I’m on stage for the entire play and the most challenging part is the intensity of the listening process and staying totally connected when I am not verbally engaged in a scene,” he said.
“You have to let it happen as it goes,” Westenberg says.
Westenberg’s stout resume includes Broadway credits of “Into the Woods” (Tony nomination, Drama Desk Award); “The Secret Garden”; “Sunday in the Park with George”; “Les Misérables”; “1776”; “Company”; "Abe Lincoln in Illinois” (Drama League Outstanding Artist); "A Christmas Carol" and "Zorba" (Theatre World Award).
His national tours include “Zorba,” “Funny Girl,” and “The Full Monty.”
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For film and television, his credits include performances in "The Ice Storm," "Before and After," "The Stars Fell on Henrietta," "Mr. and Mrs. Bridge," "Swift Justice," "Central Park West" and "Law and Order: SVU."
Westenberg says this role, though he has performed on stage at the time of the interview, might be his most gratifying one.
“I discovered Neil Diamond in the ‘70s when I was in school and he has been a fixture in my firmament for many years,” Westenberg said.
He says “Kentucky Woman” and “Cherry, Cherry” are his favorites but don’t expect Westenberg to be belting out those tunes, instead, Westenberg says his younger counterpart Fradiani – who is more athletic and a “better singer” will handle most of the singing from Diamond’s hit collection.
Fans are encouraged to visit abeautifulnoisethemusical.com to see the current tour route and to sign up for the email newsletter.
If you go ...
What: "A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical"
Where: Providence Performing Arts Center, 220 Weybosset St., Providence
When: Sept. 21-28
Tickets: $45 and up
Info: ppacri.org, (401) 421-2787
This article originally appeared on The Providence Journal: PPAC hosts 'A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical' national tour
