PROVIDENCE – It’s not everyday that you get to speak with two Neil Diamonds. But this is exactly what happened during a recent Zoom call.
Nick Fradiani and Robert Westenberg play the superstars in “A Beautiful Noise,” a Broadway musical that begins its national tour on September 21 at the Providence Performing Arts Center.
Fradiani, the winner of “American Idol” in 2015, plays “Neil-Then.” Westenberg plays “Neil – Now.” Both actors underline that, while the production contains Neil Diamond’s music, it is not your standard jukebox musical. Yes, the concert includes Diamond’s songs, but they are interwoven into a highly personal story.
“The premise,” adds Westenberg, “is that Neil is miserable, so his wife coaxes him into treatment. Those memories come to life as he discusses with his therapist. Then the young dude enters.” Westenberg essentially serves as the show’s narrator, with Neil reflecting on his life and achievements, while Fradiani steps in to act out those scenes. “It’s an organic piece,” adds Westenberg, “with a genuine storyline.”
Fradiani confirms that Neil was part in the writing process. He acknowledges his therapist in the performance notes. He was a fan of ‘Jersey Boys,’ so he brought in Bob Gaudio. Gaudio is a founding member of the Four Seasons and was essential in bringing “Jersey Boys” to the stage. He was one of the producers of “A Beautiful Noise.”
Fradiani continues. “This is an emotional story. Neil is a private individual, and this show reveals a lot.” “It’s a deeply personal show,” explains Westenberg. “The audience response to the show is amazing.”
Both actors’ journeys to this show have been very different. Fradiani was on course to become a musical singer after winning “American Idol.” He created an album and toured the country to promote it. “After doing ‘Idol,’ they wanted me to audition for a musical on TV.” He’s unsure whether it was “Hairspray” or “Rent.” It does not matter. “I was so bad, I told my agent, never again.”
Three years later, he received an invitation to audition for “A Bronx Tale.” “I loved the movie, so I went into a work session (with the producer), and I fell in love with musical theater there.” He played Lorenzo on the show’s national tour before joining the original Broadway cast of “A Beautiful Noise.”
“It’s great,” adds Fradiani. “I’m in my second full year. I was the alternate for ten months until taking over as the lead in October 2023.”
Westenberg’s path was slightly different. “I fell into musical theater,” he explains. “I’ve never performed, but in seminary, I helped build a set. The director asked, “Hey, do you want to be in the show?” He was put in a rather excellent role, he recalls, “and I got the theater bug there.”
Westenberg was not cast in the Broadway play, but he was invited to witness it while being considered for Neil – Now. “I saw Nick in it, and it was amazingly good.” He left the show thinking, “I want to be in it.”
Both actors underline that they are not doing an impersonation of Diamond. “People want to hear the songs the way Neil sang them,” said Fradiani, “but it’s not an impression.”
“I study Nick,” Westenberg explains. “My character is a combination of Nick and Neil. It suggests Neil’s essence.”
Westenberg emphasizes that “Nick does the heavy lifting, but I get to sing with an American Idol winner.”
They collaborate to perform a medley, the show’s “11 o’clock number.” That’s a theater word for a show-stopping song performed late in the second act. Neither would reveal the music. “No, we shouldn’t do that,” Fradiani replied. Westenberg nodded and grinned.
So, I guess we’ll have to watch the show to find out.
“A Beautiful Noise” launches its national tour and PPAC’s 2024/2025 season on September 21-28. For tickets and information, go to www.ppacri.org or call the box office at 401-421-ARTS.
