"A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical" will debut in Austin on Nov. 3. The show opens with a present-day Neil Diamond meeting his therapist after a Parkinson's diagnosis that means he can no longer tour. The therapist reads lyrics from Diamond's songs, which leads into flashbacks to his early years as a songwriter.
Stuart Metcalf, who plays present-day Neil, said the older character is "not certain about where to go from here." Canadian country singer Jesse Labelle plays younger Neil. Metcalf said Labelle "sings the heck out of" "Brother Love's Travelling Salvation Show."
Metcalf said the show goes beyond a typical jukebox musical by focusing on "the human story." He said audiences will have fun but also be moved. Metcalf, who lives in New York with his family, said he took an 18-year break from touring to be with his children.