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The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise

A Lifetime of Song Reviewed by Mary Alderson When you picture Neil Diamond singing lively songs like “Sweet Caroline” or “Brother Love’s Travelling Salvation Show”, he’s smiling, enjoying himself on stage. Yet, from this new musical about his life, we learn that he had long battles with depression. In fact, the show opens with his psychiatrist talking to an aging Neil about his sadness. The Neil Diamond Musical: A Beautiful Noise is now on stage at Toronto’s Princess of Wales Theatre. The show flips back and forth from present to past, between two actors, both playing Neil: Robert Westenberg is Neil-Now, playing the older version, while Nick Fradiani plays Neil-Then, the younger man. Young Neil wants to be a songwriter, with no interest in performing. He pens a few hits for others; most notably “I’m a Believer” and “Look Out (Here Comes Tomorrow) for The Monkees. With encouragement from Ellie Greenwich played perfectly by Heidi Kettenring (Greenwich was famous for her songwriting work at the legendary Brill Building), Neil eventually sings his own songs. Singing his own compositions leads to fame and fortune, and also stress. He feels pressure to write more material, and put on a good show. He keeps touring, feeling he has to for his fans. He has all the money he needs with “Sweet Caroline” earning him a fortune, but he still can’t shake his sadness, forcing himself to smile on stage. He has two failed marriages, both times taking a toll on his mental health. So, while there is a cloud of sadness hanging over this musical, the audience very much enjoys the 29 songs included in the performance. Nick Fradiani as Neil-Then is perfect as the young Neil. He has the voice down pat, sounding just like the real thing. Fradiani may be remembered ...
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Mary's Musings

Capitol Theatre Reveals their 2026 Casting 

Some of Canada’s best talent will be on stage at Port Hope’s Capitol Theatre this year. Here are the four popular shows appearing on the main stage, with a sneak peek of the casts.   You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown – May 15 – 31, 2026  Book, Music and Lyrics by Clark Gesner. Additional Dialogue by Michael Mayer. Additional Music and Lyrics by Andrew Lippa. Directed and choreographed by Rob Kempson, You’re A Good Man, Charlie Brown features Amir Haidar in the title role, with Jillian Mitsuko Cooper as Sally, AP Bautista as Lucy Van Pelt, Matt Pilipiak as Snoopy, Kyle Golemba as Schroeder, and Ben Kopp as Linus Van Pelt. Life, love, baseball—and an opinionated dog named Snoopy. Based on the beloved comic strip by Charles M. Schulz, this musical comedy chronicles the adventures of Charlie Brown and the entire Peanuts gang. Winner of two Tony Awards and three Drama Desk Awards. Kyle Golemba, Jillian Mitsuko Cooper, Amir Haidar, Ben Kopp, AP Bautista. Photo by Sam Moffatt Liars at a Funeral – June 12 – 28, 2026 By Sophia Fabiilli June 12 – 28, 2026 Directed by Aaron Jan, Liars at a Funeral features Aidan deSalaiz, Carolyn Fe, Ericka Leobrera, Jane Luk, and Gregory Solomon. Grief has never been so hilarious! When an estranged family gathers to mourn the passing of Mavis, the family matriarch, the funeral erupts into a more dysfunctional family reunion than any of them could have imagined. If everyone can keep it together, they might just break the intergenerational curse and make it out alive! Gregory Solomon, Aidan deSalaiz, Jane Luk, Ericka Leobrera. Photo by Sam Moffatt Come From Away – July 10 – August 2, 2026 Book, Music & Lyrics by Irene Sankoff & David Hein Music Direction by Jeff Newberry Choreography by Genny Sermonia Directed by Rob Kempson, and featuring live music performed by the company, the Capitol’s production of Come From ...
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