Broadway performer Will Swenson has been announced as the lead in the upcoming jukebox musical, A Beautiful Noise, which will make its Australian debut at the Princess Theatre in Melbourne on August 5, 2026. The show celebrates the life and music of legendary artist Neil Diamond, whose songs have been a staple in Swenson’s life since childhood.
Swenson, 52, revealed that Neil Diamond’s music was a significant part of his upbringing, stating, “He was such a staple in my house – my dad loved him so much – that I just knew all the songs.” Growing up, he often performed Diamond’s hits as a way to impress peers. One song in particular, “Play Me,” was a favorite for Swenson to sing around campfires, despite not fully grasping its themes at the time.
The connection to Diamond’s music deepened when Swenson performed a humorous duet of “You Don’t Bring Me Flowers” with his wife, fellow Broadway star Audra McDonald. “We’d say, ‘This is our song, it kind of represents our relationship,’” he recalled, adding humor to the moment as McDonald would often playfully interrupt his performance.
Swenson’s journey to portraying Diamond on stage began when he learned of the musical’s development. Recognizing his ability to capture Diamond’s essence, he pursued the role with determination. “I knew this is a voice I can do, I play the guitar, I look like him a bit. This is a fit for me,” he explained.
In January 2020, Swenson had the opportunity to perform for Diamond in a rehearsal room, hoping to secure his approval for the project. “And he liked it, and we got the green light. And then a month later, the world shut down,” Swenson recalled. After a lengthy delay, the musical opened on Broadway in December 2022, with Swenson portraying the younger version of Diamond and performing 23 songs each night.
After a year of performing, Swenson took a break to recuperate physically. His return to the role in Australia comes after Diamond himself surprised the Broadway audience at the premiere by singing “Sweet Caroline.”
Promoter Paul Dainty, who has a long-standing connection with Diamond, expressed a personal investment in the project. Having first toured Diamond in Australia during the 1980s, Dainty described the relationship as both a business partnership and a deep friendship. “We forged a strong friendship over those years. In fact, he was godfather to my son,” Dainty shared.
Neil Diamond has enjoyed an illustrious career, selling over 130 million records and writing timeless classics such as “Sweet Caroline,” “I’m a Believer,” and “Solitary Man.” His influence in the music industry is undeniable, with a record of over seven major arena tours in Australia alone. He was the first artist to sell a million concert tickets in the country, a testament to his enduring appeal.
In 2017, Diamond was diagnosed with Parkinson’s Disease, which led to his retirement from performing. Despite this, he made a memorable appearance at the Broadway premiere, singing from his private box. Recently, he joined Dainty and Swenson via FaceTime during the announcement event in Melbourne, raising hopes for his potential appearance at the Australian opening. Dainty expressed optimism, stating, “He loves Australia, he’s spent a lot of time here over the years, so it would be pretty special.”
As anticipation builds for A Beautiful Noise, Swenson’s return to this iconic role promises to bring a fresh energy to the stage. Tickets are now on sale through Ticketek, with fans eager to experience the magic of Neil Diamond’s music brought to life in Melbourne.
