Neil Diamond Musical Shines in Melbourne with Broadway Star
When it comes to iconic music legends, few names resonate quite like Neil Diamond. Now, his story and his unforgettable songs are being brought to life in Melbourne with the jukebox musical A Beautiful Noise . At the center of it all is Broadway star Will Swenson, who will be reprising the role he first played in New York back in 2022. The announcement was made at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre, and fans couldn’t be more excited.
For Swenson, this isn’t just another role. In many ways, he has been preparing his entire life for it. Growing up, Neil Diamond’s music filled his home. His father was a big fan, and by the time Swenson was a teenager, he was already performing Diamond’s songs at parties and even around campfires. With his guitar in hand, he would belt out tunes like Play Me —long before he fully understood the meaning behind the lyrics.
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Over the years, his connection to Diamond’s music only grew stronger. Swenson even performed a playful version of You Don’t Bring Me Flowers with his wife, Broadway star Audra McDonald, turning the song into a running joke between them. So when he heard that a Neil Diamond musical was in development, he knew it was something he had to pursue. He could sing like him, play like him, and even resembled him enough to step into the role convincingly.
The producers saw that same spark in him, and eventually, so did Neil Diamond himself. Back in 2020, Swenson auditioned directly for Diamond, performing several songs in a rehearsal room while the team anxiously waited for the legend’s approval. Diamond gave his blessing, and the show was set in motion. Although the pandemic delayed things, A Beautiful Noise finally opened on Broadway in late 2022. Swenson starred as the younger version of Diamond, delivering 23 songs each night across eight performances a week. It was a demanding role, but also deeply rewarding.
Now, after taking a well-earned break, Swenson is ready to bring that same magic to Australian audiences. The show itself is structured around sessions between an older Diamond and his therapist, using his songs to weave together the story of his career, his struggles, and his triumphs.
Behind the production is veteran promoter Paul Dainty, who has a personal history with Diamond. Dainty toured him across Australia several times in the 1980s and beyond, forging not just a professional partnership but a genuine friendship. Diamond even became godfather to his son. For Dainty, helping to bring A Beautiful Noise to Melbourne feels like coming full circle.
Neil Diamond’s legacy is immense—more than 130 million records sold, countless hits written for both himself and other stars, and a reputation as one of the greatest live performers of his era. Even though he retired from touring in 2017 due to Parkinson’s disease, his music continues to inspire. At the Broadway premiere, he surprised everyone by singing Sweet Caroline from his private box, reminding audiences of the power of his presence.
As for whether he might make it to Melbourne for the opening night next August, the answer remains uncertain. But one thing is clear: when A Beautiful Noise hits the stage at the Princess Theatre, it promises to be a night full of nostalgia, joy, and celebration of one of music’s most beloved artists. And as Will Swenson steps back into the spotlight, Neil Diamond’s story is set to sparkle once again.
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