A Beautiful Noise at Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago
Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, "A Beautiful Noise" is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chart-busting, show-stopping American rock icon. With 120 million albums sold, a catalogue of classics like "America," "Forever in Blue Jeans," and "Sweet Caroline," an induction into the Songwriters and Rock and Roll Halls of Fame, a Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award, and sold-out concerts around the world that made him bigger than Elvis, Neil Diamond's story was made to shine on Broadway and head out on the road across America.Unlike typical jukebox musicals, "A Beautiful Noise" takes an intimate approach to Diamond's life story. The production opens with an older Diamond in a therapist's office, reluctantly exploring the depression that shadowed him throughout his career—something he referred to as "clouds." This framing device allows audiences to witness both the triumphs and struggles of Diamond's life, as the younger version performs the iconic songs while the older reflects on the journey with remarkable honesty. The musical doesn't shy away from the difficult truths of Diamond's story, including failed marriages and the personal toll of constant touring, making it a surprisingly candid portrait rather than a sanitized celebration.
When the show played Chicago in November 2024, audiences and reviewers alike were captivated by the production's powerful musicality. The approximately 30 Diamond songs throughout the show are performed with exceptional vocal talent, bringing his iconic sound thrillingly to life on stage. Numbers like "Brother Love's Traveling Salvation Show," "Song Sung Blue," and "I Am...I Said" particularly stood out as electrifying moments that showcased both the emotional depth of Diamond's songwriting and the production's ability to translate his arena-filling performances to the theatrical stage.
The choreography drew particular praise for its inventive approach to Diamond's music, with dynamic ensemble numbers that create vibrant energy throughout the production. Dance sequences, especially during songs like "Cherry, Cherry," were highlighted as incandescent moments that channel the firepower of classic Broadway while maintaining the spirit of Diamond's rock and roll performances. The second act especially elevates the musical with powerful performances that give audiences a deeper sense of Diamond's internal struggles and creative genius.
The production's visual design creates a stunning theatrical experience, with the stage transformed into an abstract guitar complete with luminous strings stretching into the flyspace. Kaleidoscopic lighting creates a chaotic carnival aesthetic that perfectly complements the energy of Diamond's greatest hits. The live orchestra delivers arrangements that make classics sound both familiar and fresh, from the heartwarming ballads to irresistible songs that have audiences singing along in stadiums worldwide.
One of the show's most moving elements is how it reveals the deeper meaning behind Diamond's seemingly simple pop songs. "Song Sung Blue," for instance, is revealed as Diamond's prescription for excising pain through creativity, written during the chronic depression that gripped his life. "I Am...I Said" becomes a therapeutic anthem that took over four months to complete, representing one of Diamond's most challenging and personal compositions. These revelations transform familiar hits into profound statements about the human condition.
The production culminates in moments of pure joy, particularly the inevitable audience singalong to "Sweet Caroline" that closes the show. This celebration brings together the younger and older versions of Diamond on stage with the full cast, creating an ebullient experience that pulls the audience into the performance. The show reminds audiences how much Diamond's songs have been the aural wallpaper of so many lives and how often his contributions have been taken for granted and underrated.
"A Beautiful Noise" proves to be a feast of great music and outstanding performances that satisfies devoted Neil Diamond fans while making converts out of those who come along to check it out. The musical demonstrates that overcoming obstacles is essential, mirroring Diamond's own remarkable journey from Brooklyn songwriter to global superstar. For anyone who has ever felt the power of Diamond's music, this production offers both nostalgia and new appreciation for an artist whose 40 Top 40 hits and decades of performances have left an indelible mark on American popular music.
As Diamond himself wrote in his letter to audiences, he's still "counting up his blessings," and "A Beautiful Noise" is certainly one of those musical blessings Chicago audiences shouldn't miss when it returns to the Cadillac Palace Theatre this November.
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