You probably think you know the story. A kid from Brooklyn picks up a guitar, writes a few hits, and suddenly he's the "Jewish Elvis" playing to sold-out stadiums with a sequined shirt and a million-dollar smile. But honestly, the Neil Diamond musical San Diego fans have been buzzing about—formally titled A Beautiful Noise—is a lot heavier and more human than a simple greatest-hits parade.
It’s about the cost of the spotlight.
When the national tour finally rolls into the San Diego Civic Theatre, it’s going to bring a specific kind of energy to Third Avenue. This isn't just a tribute act. It’s a structurally unique piece of theater that uses Diamond’s therapy sessions as a framing device. Yeah, therapy. It turns out that even the man who wrote "Sweet Caroline" had some demons to wrestle with.
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The San Diego Civic Theatre Dates and Logistics
If you’re trying to clear your calendar, you need the specifics. The Neil Diamond musical San Diego run is scheduled for May 27 through June 1, 2025.
It’s a short window. Just one week.
The Civic Theatre at 1100 Third Ave is the perfect venue for this because it’s big enough to handle the "concert" moments of the show but intimate enough for the quiet, dramatic scenes between "Neil–Now" and his doctor.
- Tuesday, May 27: 7:00 PM
- Wednesday, May 28: 7:00 PM (Includes a special Actor Chat-Back)
- Thursday, May 29: 7:30 PM
- Friday, May 30: 8:00 PM
- Saturday, May 31: 2:00 PM & 8:00 PM
- Sunday, June 1: 1:00 PM & 6:30 PM
Parking downtown can be a nightmare, so most regulars head to the Wells Fargo Plaza or the Concourse Garage. Give yourself at least 45 minutes before the curtain. You don’t want to be the person climbing over legs during the opening chords of "Beautiful Noise."
What Most People Get Wrong About the Story
Most jukebox musicals follow a predictable "and then I wrote this" timeline. A Beautiful Noise breaks that mold. The show features two different actors playing Neil Diamond at different stages of his life.
There’s "Neil–Now," a man in his later years grappling with the loss of his ability to perform due to his Parkinson’s diagnosis. Then there’s "Neil–Then," the high-octane version of the legend played by American Idol winner Nick Fradiani. Fradiani is basically a force of nature here. He isn't doing a caricature; he captures that specific, gravelly baritone that made Diamond a legend.
The tension between the two Neils is where the real heart is. It’s a story about looking back at your younger self and wondering if the fame was worth the personal toll. It covers his marriages, his struggles with depression, and the sheer loneliness of being a "solitary man" while thousands of people are screaming your name.
The Setlist: More Than Just "Sweet Caroline"
Look, everyone wants to sing the "So good, so good, so good" part. And you will. The show leanings into that communal experience. But the musicality goes way deeper.
The production includes:
- The Early Years: "Cherry, Cherry" and "I'm a Believer" (which many people forget he wrote for The Monkees).
- The Transformation: "Holly Holy" and "Cracklin' Rosie," where the staging gets bigger and the costumes get flashier.
- The Emotional Peaks: "You Don't Bring Me Flowers" and "I Am... I Said."
"I Am... I Said" is arguably the most important song in the show. It’s the moment where the glitz fades and you see a man who feels like he doesn't belong in Los Angeles or New York. It’s raw. It’s the reason this show works as a drama and not just a Vegas revue.
Why This Matters for San Diego Theater-Goers
San Diego has a sophisticated theater scene. We’re used to the Old Globe and La Jolla Playhouse sending shows to Broadway. Seeing a Broadway hit like the Neil Diamond musical San Diego arrival feels like a full-circle moment for the local arts community.
The choreography by Yasmine Lee is also something people don't talk about enough. The ensemble, known as "The Noise," represents the music inside Neil’s head. They don't just dance; they pulse. They represent the relentless drive of a songwriter who can’t stop the melodies from coming, even when they start to overwhelm him.
Actionable Next Steps for Tickets
If you're planning to go, don't wait until May. This is one of the "big" pulls for the Broadway San Diego season.
- Check Verified Sources: Stick to BroadwaySD.com or the official Civic Theatre box office. Avoid the "speculative" ticket sites that list seats before they're actually on sale.
- The Wednesday Chat-Back: If you're a theater nerd, book the May 28th show. Getting to hear the actors talk about the physical toll of playing a legend is worth the mid-week outing.
- Listen to the Cast Recording: If you want to see how the Broadway arrangements differ from the original records, the A Beautiful Noise cast album is on Spotify. It’ll give you a feel for how they’ve updated the sound for a modern stage.
This show is a reminder that behind every glittery vest was a guy just trying to find his voice. It's loud, it's quiet, and yeah—it's pretty beautiful.