Making a ‘Beautiful Noise’
Actress thrilled to bring Neil Diamond show to Boston
“A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical” is in its pre-broadway run now through July 31 at Boston’s Emerson Colonial Theatre.
The jukebox musical tells the story of iconic singer Neil Diamond’s rise to fame, including how he became beloved in Boston, where his “Sweet Caroline” is an anthem at Red Sox games.
Working on the show is a joy for Maine native Robyn Hurder, who played Nini at the Emerson Colonial Theatre a couple years ago in “Moulin Rouge: The Musical” and went on to earn a Tony Award nomination for the role on Broadway.
Besides the thrill of coming back to the Colonial, Hurder is enjoying a couple of firsts this time around.
“It’s my first time working with Michael Mayer, and he was on my list of directors I wanted to work with,” she said of the Tony Award-winning Mayer, who directed “Spring Awakening” and “Hedwig and the Angry Inch,” among other shows.
It’s also her first time creating a character based on a real person — Marcia Murphy, Diamond’s girlfriend and longtime wife.
“I haven’t had to do that before,” she said. “She very private and was married to him for 25 years. He credits her with helping his career. But it was hard on them with him always being on the road and they ended up getting divorced even though she was a supportive wife.”
Diamond has given his blessing to the production and was in Boston last weekend to appear with the cast and sing ‘’Sweet Caroline” at a Red Sox game. He also came to the last run-through in New York.
“That was such a thrill,” said Hurder. “He is the sweetest, kindest gentleman and we were thrilled to see him singing along to all the tunes.”
The latest jukebox musical will thrill Diamond fans, she promised.
It has his music and his life story, much like “Jersey Boys,” “The Cher Show” and “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical.”
After Boston, it moves to Broadway — and Hurder is thrilled to take it there.
Tickets starting at $49 are available at www.emersoncolonialtheatre.com.
In the wings
BROADWAY AT THE LOWELL MEMORIAL AUDITORIUM » Subscriptions are on sale for Lowell Memorial Auditorium’s 20222023 Broadway season. The four- show line-up includes “Chicago,” on Oct. 5 at 7:30 p.m.; “On Your Feet!,” on Nov. 9 at 7:30 p.m.; “Annie,” on Feb. 27 at 7 p.m.; and “Legally Blonde,” on May 3 at 7:30 p.m. “Stomp” comes to the LMA on April 21 at 7:30 p.m., and on April 22 at 2 and 7:30 p.m.
The four- show Broadway package starts at $139, and subscribers have the first opportunity to purchase “Stomp” tickets as an optional add- on and receive a discount off the regular adult ticket price. Individual tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. on Sept. 9. For tickets, visit www.lowellauditorium.com or call 800- 657- 8774 for tickets.
‘ CHRISTMAS CAROL’ AUDITIONS » The holidays are months away, but Merrimack Repertory Theatre is planning already with the announcement this week of auditions for young actors, ages 8-16, for its new production of “A Christmas Carol.” Auditions will be held from 4:30 to 7:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 1 in Lowell; and from 9:30 to 11:30 a.m. on Saturday, Aug. 6 in Nashua, N.H., and from 5:30 to 8:30 a.m. on Monday, Aug. 8, in Concord. Callbacks will be at 5:30 p.m. on Monday, Aug. 15, in Lowell. Kids of all cultures and ethnicities are encouraged to audition. To register and for more information, visit www.mrt.org/accauditions.
‘He is the sweetest, kindest gentleman and we were thrilled to see him singing along to all the tunes.’
— Robyn Hurder, actress playing Neil Diamond’s wife, Marcia Murphy, on having Diamond visit the set for rehearsals