Review: A BEAUTIFUL NOISE- THE NEIL DIAMOND MUSICAL at Jacksonville Center For The Performing Arts

“A Beautiful Noise- The Neil Diamond Musical” celebrates the life and music of Neil Diamond. The show comes with built-in anticipation and from the moment the music begins, it’s clear the audience is ready to take the ride. Audiences were dancing and singing along to familiar songs, creating an atmosphere that feels as much like a concert as it does a piece of theatre. The show guides the audience in a way to know when this is appropriate and when to just sit and take in the action.

What may surprise theatergoers is how much the show offers beneath the surface of each song. The show is set with “Neil-Now”, a reflective version of Neil Diamond, in therapy sessions revisiting his life and unpacking the emotions behind his music. These moments transition into scenes of “Neil—Then,” allowing us to witness not only the triumphs, but also the struggles that shaped the artist and his music. It’s a structure that adds depth, giving new context to songs many audience members thought they already knew.

At this performance, the standby for Neil—Now, Joe Caskey, stepped into the role seamlessly and delivered a standout performance. He anchored the show with a sense of authenticity that made the reflective moments truly land. Not to mention the swoons I overheard from many audience members over not just his looks, but his rich voice as well! His live guitar playing onstage blurs the line between performer and persona making these moments feel immediate and real.

Of course, the crowd came for the music and the show delivers. Hannah Jewel Kohn brings the house down with infectious energy in “Forever in Blue Jeans”, while “Sweet Caroline” transforms the theatre into a full-blown singalong! These are the moments where the production fully embraces its concert-like roots, and the joy from the audience in infectious. Choreography by Steven Hoggett and tour choreographer Yasmine Lee effectively makes use of the ensemble during each scene. In a scene where only two characters are at the focus, the soft and delicate moves from the ensemble enhanced the emotion of the storytelling. The full on dance numbers by the entire cast were all high energy and had audiences dancing in their seats.

Yet even within those high-energy highlights, the show never loses sight of its emotional core. Songs gain new meaning and understanding from the audience when placed within the context of Diamond’s personal journey, revealing layers of vulnerability, ambition, and resilience that may surprise even longtime fans.

Adding to the evening’s impact, the company also uses the production as a platform for raising awareness and funds for Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, a reminder of the theatre community’s ongoing commitment to making a difference beyond the stage. The company can be found in the lobby with the recognizable red buckets to take your cash donations, but don’t worry, they also accept card!

By the final curtain, “A Beautiful Noise” proves to be more than a nostalgic celebration. It’s a thoughtful and often moving exploration of Neil Diamond’s life. Audiences may arrive for the hits, but they leave with a deeper appreciation for the man behind them…and a melody or two still stuck in their heads (bum, bum, bum)!

FSCJ Artist Series is offering a special discount this weekend!

Promo code: Caroline25

25% off 4 tickets

Valid for performances on Friday, Saturday evening and Sunday evening
Valid for price levels D-G, I and K through 4/19 at 2:30pm

Reader Reviews

To post a comment, you must register and login.

Need more Jacksonville Theatre News in your life?
Sign up for all the news on the Summer season, discounts & more...