Page 111 - Senior Link Magazine Fall 2026 - Online Magazine

A Beautiful Noise,

the Humanity of a Superstar COMING TO LUBBOCK,
DECEMBER 18-20
by Annie Mallamaci

he music of Neil Diamond has a trip down memory lane with
cemented its place as an icon nostalgic music, costumes, and sets.
Tof popular culture. At sporting They are pleasantly surprised by the
events, weddings, and parties around profound nature of the show. Michael
the world, when a crowd of people Mayer, the director of the Broadway
hears the familiar, “Hands touchin’ production, said in an interview with
hands, reachin’ out, touching me, Eye For Film, “I think people don’t
touchin’ you,'' excitement builds until expect that it will be as moving as it
it’s irresistible– “Sweet Caroline,” is is.”
followed by a spirited “Bum, bum,
bum!” from the crowd. In a moment Oscar nominee Anthony McCarten,
like this, it’s hard not to believe in the who is known for writing
magic of music and its ability to lift biographical films (Bohemian
the spirits of entire communities. In a Rhapsody, The Theory of Everything,
moment like this, being human feels, I Wanna Dance with Somebody), was
“So good, so good, so good.” chosen to write the script. Though
this was his first time writing for the
With a catalog of music so popular– stage, his connection to Neil made wanted my story to be told,” he said,
earning him an induction into the him the perfect fit. “My mother, my after watching flashbacks of his life
Songwriters and Rock and Roll whole childhood, had two pictures retold onstage, for thousands of eyes
Halls of Fame, a Grammy Lifetime on the mantelpiece: one was of the to witness.
Achievement Award, Kennedy Pope and one was of Neil Diamond,”
Center Honors, and sold-out said McCarten in an interview with Bob Gaudio (whose career with the
concerts around the world that made Broadway.com. Four Seasons was turned into the
him bigger than Elvis–it seems as Broadway hit Jersey Boys) is also
a producer on A Beautiful Noise.
though everyone has heard a Neil The musical, which takes place after
Diamond song, whether they realize his retirement from touring due to a "Regarding Neil, Bob said, “He was
he’s the artist or not. After such an diagnosis of Parkinson’s disease, is very happy about getting that going,
expansive career, it’s no surprise framed around conversations with and he was a big part of it. It’s about
his story. It’s a powerful show, and
that Neil’s story has made its way to his therapist. As Neil looks back on
the Broadway stage, where the lives pivotal moments throughout his I’m proud of it.”
of the biggest stars are turned into life, the audience travels through A Beautiful Noise not only celebrates
musical memoirs. the decades as they witness Neil’s the prodigious career of a musical
humble beginning playing gigs
This energy-filled production is in New York City, to his rise to icon, but also reaffirms the timeless
more than just your typical “jukebox superstardom and status as a bond between artist and audience.
musical.” Ken Davenport, the Tony world-renowned songwriter. Upon In the melodies of Neil Diamond,
Award-winning producer behind A reflecting on his extraordinary career, we find not only a soundtrack to our
lives, but also a beautiful reminder
Beautiful Noise, said in an interview Neil is faced with the poignant
with Broadway Direct, “We always question: as his health deteriorates, of community. With smiles on their
knew the music would get people can he find meaning and contentment faces (and tears in their eyes!), the
excited and would draw people in. in his life without performing? audience just can’t help but sing
along. Just as "Sweet Caroline" has
Neil’s music has a lasting appeal. But,
what’s exciting to us is how much the In an episode of Sunday Morning on a special, universal way of bringing
story has gotten to people.” CBS, Neil himself explained that he people together, this musical retelling
wanted his truth to be represented in of Neil's story resonates deeply with
The audience is not only wowed the show, in good times and in bad. audiences, bringing fans, old and
by a larger-than-life Neil Diamond “I didn’t necessarily love it, warts new, an understanding of the man
concert experience, and taken on and all, but I wanted it. This is how I behind the music.

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