A Melbourne theatre review by Alex FirstWith the reason only revealed late in the piece, global superstar Neil Diamond is presented as a tortured soul in the superbly written, directed and produced musical A Beautiful Noise. The story told in the musical, with book by Anthony McCarten and music and lyrics by Diamond, is poignant and powerful. So it is that Diamond takes a walk down memory lane, recalling the pain, perseverance and heartbreak of a star-studded career. With his attractive, guttural, baritone voice, Swenson channels Diamond superbly, including transitioning Diamond’s apprehension into confidence, as the narrative develops. As the older Diamond looking back, Crawford shows his emotional range, while as the medico, Sayers pushes Diamond’s buttons with aplomb.