Broadway star Will Swenson is bringing Neil Diamond’s life and music to Australia in A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical. Ahead of the show’s 2025 premiere at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre, Will sat down with Noise11’s Paul Cashmere to talk about the incredible journey of stepping into the shoes of one of music’s greatest icons.
In this Noise11 interview, Will Swenson recalls growing up with Neil Diamond’s music in his home, meeting Neil for the first time (a moment so overwhelming he “nearly passed out”), and what it’s like to perform in front of the legend himself. He also reveals how he became a self-confessed “Neil Diamond historian,” immersing himself in every book, documentary and live performance he could find.
The conversation also features a very special surprise: Neil Diamond himself phones in from the U.S. to speak with Paul Dainty and Will Swenson. Neil shares his fond memories of touring Australia, playing multiple cities, and the love he has always received from Australian fans.
Will talks about the unique structure of A Beautiful Noise, which tells Neil’s story through therapy sessions – a format Neil suggested himself to capture the truth of his struggles, triumphs and resilience. The show is more than a jukebox musical: it’s an honest exploration of an extraordinary life, set to six decades of timeless hits.
With contributions from Four Seasons legend Bob Gaudio as music supervisor, and promoter Paul Dainty, who produced Neil’s seven Australian tours, A Beautiful Noise promises to be an unmissable theatrical event.
Watch the full interview now to hear Will Swenson on becoming Neil Diamond, Neil himself reflecting on his bond with Australia, and why this show will be one of the most powerful musical theatre experiences of the decade.
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