More than the music: The Neil Diamond story

Australian actor Terrence Crawford says Neil Diamond’s story is about far more than music – it’s about identity, ageing and discovering what really matters.

For generations of Australians Neil Diamond’s songs have been woven into the soundtrack of life, from Sweet Caroline belted out at sporting events to Cracklin’ Rosie on the radio and the iconic Hot August Night album sitting proudly in countless record collections, his music has endured for decades.

Now acclaimed Australian actor Terence Crawford is preparing to step into the shoes of the music legend in A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical, opening in Melbourne this August.

But Crawford admits his journey into Diamond’s world didn’t begin where many might expect.

“To be really honest, I wasn’t a massive fan,” he told Starts at 60.

“It had always been part of the soundtrack of one’s life for people of my age, so there was always a respectful relationship with his music. But it’s really only since being cast six months ago that I’ve done a deep dive into it. It’s only recently that I’ve become a big fan.”

That fresh perspective has led Crawford to discover not only the brilliance of Diamond’s songwriting but also the vulnerability of the man behind one of popular music’s most recognisable voices.

More than a celebration of the hits

In the musical, Crawford portrays Neil Diamond later in life, after the singer has been forced to stop performing because of Parkinson’s disease.

Rather than simply revisiting a catalogue of hit songs, Crawford says the production explores something far deeper.

“There’s a boy inside the man,” he said.

“The young child of an immigrant boy from Brooklyn is still living inside him. I think, as we get older, that child becomes even more significant.

“He’s reached a point where he’s been told he can’t do the thing that has defined him all his life anymore. As an actor, that’s something I understand. Saying you can’t perform anymore is like telling a fish it can’t swim anymore.

“So, the play becomes a search for meaning. If I can’t do the thing that has always defined me, what else is there? What have I really achieved?”

While those themes are deeply reflective, Crawford insists audiences shouldn’t expect a sombre night at the theatre.

“The show is overwhelmingly uplifting,” he said.

“It’s a massive celebration because the music is so uplifting. Through those songs, he gradually realises everything he has achieved.”

Why Australia fell in love with Neil Diamond

Diamond’s connection with Australia has long been unique. His landmark Hot August Night album became one of the country’s biggest-selling records, while his concerts attracted generations of devoted fans, and Crawford believes Diamond’s songwriting explains much of that enduring appeal.

“He’s such a great pop songwriter,” he said. “He inherited two traditions. There’s the incredible pop sensibility with these unforgettable melodies, but there’s also that singer-songwriter honesty — that self-revelatory storytelling.

“As a songwriter myself, I’ve loved pulling his songs apart to see how he does what he does. It’s very clever. He does extraordinary things with what sounds like very simple music.”

While Sweet Caroline remains the obvious crowd favourite, Crawford says another song has quietly become his personal favourite.

“I love Brooklyn Roads. It’s a beautiful song. Songwriters who can speak eloquently about their past really move me.”

Check out Opening Night of Neil Diamond Musical

A celebration of love, family and legacy

As rehearsals begin, Crawford isn’t focused on impersonating Neil Diamond as much as honouring him.

If the music legend walked into rehearsals tomorrow, what would he hope Diamond would say?

“I’d hope he’d smile and give me a hug,” Crawford said. “I’d hope he felt he was being honoured and respected.”

More than anything, Crawford hopes audiences leave the theatre carrying something that extends well beyond nostalgia.

“I think people will leave feeling elated,” he said.

“A bit like seeing Bruce Springsteen, where the audience becomes one big family. It’s joy. It’s uplift. It’s kindness towards each other. I think it’s a reminder of love. I hope people feel inclined to hold hands on the way home.”

A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical makes its Australian premiere at Melbourne’s Princess Theatre, with preview performances from August 5, before transferring to Sydney Lyric Theatre from November 14. The production stars Broadway’s Will Swenson as the younger Neil Diamond and Terence Crawford as the older Diamond. Tickets are on sale now via the official musical website and Ticketek.