Tuesday, April 7 through Sunday April 12
Created in collaboration with Neil Diamond himself, “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” is the uplifting true story of how a kid from Brooklyn became a chartbusting, 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.
“Some of my most thrilling nights have been while I was on tour, bringing my music to audiences across the world,” said Neil Diamond. “Having A Beautiful Noise go on tour is an honor and I can’t wait for audiences across North America to experience this show. I hope they enjoy it as much as I have.”
Nick Fradiani plays ‘Neil Diamond – Then’ in the national tour directly from playing the role on Broadway since October 2023. He won the title of “American Idol” in 2015 and has since released his debut album Hurricane in 2016, featuring the hit single “Beautiful Life.” Past My Past, Fradiani’s second solo album, was released in 2022. Joining Fradiani are Robert Westenberg (Neil Diamond – Now), Hannah Jewel Kohn (Marcia Murphey), Lisa Reneé Pitts (Doctor), Michael Accardo (Bert Berns/ Kieve Diamond), Gene Weygandt (Fred Weintraub/ Tommy O’Rourke), Heidi Kettenring (Ellie Greenwich/ Rose Diamond) and Tiffany Tatreau (Jaye Posner).
Producer Ken Davenport said, “Neil is one of the best live entertainers the world has ever seen. In his fifty-year career, he’s performed for millions of fans around the globe. I couldn’t imagine a more perfect way to honor his legacy than having A Beautiful Noise touring North America, visiting the same cities where he gave so many people so much joy. Now, after a successful Broadway run, good times never seemed so good as ‘A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical,’ is in West Palm Beach making its premiere at the Kravis Center in April, 2026.”
“A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” has raised $750,000 for the Parkinson’s Foundation. For more information on how you can help visit www.abeautifulnoisethemusical.com/partners
It was a pleasure to sit down with Nick for this exclusive Hotspots interview:
At what age did you begin performing and how did it happen?
My father is a musician (he still performs regularly) and that was my whole childhood, but I didn’t take it seriously till I was in college. I took guitar and wrote songs seriously when I was around 18 or 19.
What was your first professional gig (defined as being paid)?
I believe it was at a bar in Wallingford Ct, and I was about 18 and I only knew 20 songs and I had a 3-hour set so I had to repeat songs.
When did you know entertaining would be your career?
About 25 or so is when I started a band. We had momentum by winning the battle of the bands and we made an album and then we got to open for REO Speedwagon and Styx. That was the first time I sound-checked at an arena and I knew this was it.
What was the American Idol experience like, and do you remember how it felt to hear your name as the winner?
The idol experience was awesome; it would have been awesome whether I won or not as I got to improve a lot as a musician and work with some of the best musicians in the world.
Winning is a moment when you feel outside of your body. A lot of my family and friends were there, and I get emotional just thinking about it.
Other than this one, what has been your favorite role so far?
I have fallen into 2 roles that were so perfect for me, this one and A Bronx Tale.
What’s your fantasy role (a role you haven’t played but would die to play)?
The 2 roles I played were real people and I like studying someone, so I would love to play another real person, for example Bruce Sprinsteen. Other than that, I would love to work on my operatic voice and play the phantom.
Ok, I must tell our readers I saw the show last year and you truly embody Neil Diamond in look and sound. What is your process and how long did it take you to get there?
The process took a bit of time. Before I auditioned, I listened to his music and studied how I would sound as Neil. I also watched a lot of Youtube videos, and watched his mannerism, and I am lucky to have a similar tone to Neil. At this point I have done it for so many years, it’s less of an impersonation, and I more embody it.
Describe yourself in 3 words?
Funny, Caring and Hard-working.
What do you do for fun?
I love to exercise, and I grew up playing sports, so I love watching and playing sports. I also love to run. I also like to be outside and have a beer and relax.
What should our readers expect from this touring company of “A Beautiful Noise”?
I want to first say we are all looking forward to getting back to Forida. I have been involved with this show since day one and the show is at the strongest it’s ever been. We have been on the road for a while, but the excitement is still there. I promise your readers will come out with a big smile on your face.
If you want to find out more about Nick, check him out at: Instagram.com/Nickfradiani
To purchase tickets for “A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” go to Kravis.org
