Julie Zatko — Theater Critic

The cast maintains a remarkable level of energy throughout the evening. Every number feels as vibrant as the last, and the performances are consistently strong. Nick Fradiani, portraying the younger Neil Diamond, perfectly captures Diamond’s mannerisms, Stage Presence, and vocal inflections. His performance feels authentic rather than imitative, and his command of the music is impressive. Fradiani doesn’t just play Neil Diamond, he brings the concert experience to Toledo.

The cast is a collective force of talent whose energy never wanes. They consistently embody the joy and heart of the material. Phoenix Asiata LaFreniere leads as Dorothy with strength and spark. Her portrayal is youthful, hopeful, and heartfelt, while her vocals are both polished and endearing. Her traveling companions frame her beautifully: D. Jerome as the Tin man, Cal Mitchell as the Lion, and Elijah Ahmad Lewis as the Scarecrow each shine in their individual moments while blending seamlessly together. My personal favorite was “Be a Lion,” which brought down the house at the end of Act One with its heartfelt sentiments about bravery.

The touring cast delivers strong, professional performances that complement the spectacle. Beneath the splashy visuals, they elevate the emotional core of the story, honing in on the darker themes that give it depth. Even amid the glitter, we are reminded of the story’s central question: the cost of pursuing the American Dream. Each sequin reflects themes of wealth, class, recklessness, and consequence.