“A Beautiful Noise” has announced the launch of a new talkback series. Beginning with the 2 p.m. matinee on Feb. 14, every performance of the Neil Diamond bio-musical will be accompanied by a post-show conversation. The chats are open to all ticket buyers at no additional cost.
The discussions will delve into the creation of the musical, including an examination of the hundreds of hours of conversations between Diamond and the show’s book writer, Anthony McCarten. Other topics will include why Diamond wanted his personal and professional life told onstage and an examination of the show’s road to Broadway.
While a specific schedule of speakers has not been released, expected participants include current principal cast members Nick Fradiani, Mark Jacoby, Amber Ardolino and Shirine Babb, as well as the show’s director, Michael Mayer, music director, Sonny Paladino and lead producer, Ken Davenport.
“The audiences at ‘A Beautiful Noise’ keep telling me that this show is the Neil Diamond farewell tour they never got,” explained Davenport in a statement. “At every performance they say they want to continue the experience, hear how the show came together and feel a bit closer to Neil. These conversations will offer our fans a chance to hear from those of us who have been a part of this show’s journey and for us to share the joy that Neil and his music have brought us.”
The series is one of many examples of the surge of post-show programming seen on Broadway in the last few months. “Here Lies Love” invited audience members to stay for DJ dance sessions, “Purlie Victorious” held a weekly talkback series and “A Beautiful Noise” even hosted a one-night-only special event, “Nick at Nite: Nick Fradiani Sings More Neil,” where Fradiani performed Diamond songs not included in the musical.
“A Beautiful Noise” opened on Dec. 4, 2022 at the Broadhurst Theatre. The musical is produced by Davenport and Bob Gaudio.
