While other shows fall by the wayside in these tough times, along comes another jukebox musical to please crowds with its nostalgic hit songs.

When it comes to hits few shine as bright as Neil Diamond, who has sold well over 120 million records over a long career. Even those who aren’t fans would almost certainly recognise several of his songs, and chances are they will be humming a few more after seeing Will Swenson nail them in this thoughtful but ultimately feel-good musical.

He originated the title role when A Beautiful Noise premiered in Boston in 2022, before continuing onto Broadway and now Australia where this show directed by Michael Mayer makes its first stop outside North America.

Will Swenson and ensemble in A Beautiful Noise. Photo © Jeff Busby

A Beautiful Noise is framed by morose modern day Neil Diamond in therapy. It’s a surprisingly bleak device for a biographical musical (especially one authorised by the artist), and it sometimes intrusively hampers the show’s momentum.

However, with the patient encouraged to reveal himself through his bounty of lyrics, a life effectively unfolds on stage with Swenson almost always front and centre as the younger Diamond.

Apart from extraordinary success it’s not a particularly gripping life, so Anthony McCarten’s book often takes a backseat to the songs in driving the show.

I’m a Believer, which Diamond penned for The Monkees, joyfully launches his career as a songwriter. Brooding Solitary Man leads him to discover performing for an audience clears the troubling “clouds” hovering over his head.

With sad songs like Love on the Rocks and You Don’t Bring Me Flowers, new love ends his first marriage and relentless touring the second. America touches on his family’s tough Jewish migrant story, and the tale ends in catharsis with the gospel-inspired Holly Holy.

Will Swenson and ensemble in A Beautiful Noise. Photo © Jeff Busby

Catchy Sweet Caroline, Cherry Cherry and Cracklin’ Rosie hardly need a narrative reason to be among this show’s 29 numbers, as Swenson delivers them with Diamond-esque presence and deep, rich vocals. In the second half’s concert-style moments showcasing Diamond’s sequined 1970s-80 heyday, Swenson and the briefly revealed nine-strong band are electric.

Although Forever in Blue Jeans is performed with sassy, sexy appeal by Ashleigh Rubenach as Diamond’s second wife, Marcia, what’s probably just a rare chance for the star of the show to take a break feels irrelevant to the story.

Ashleigh Rubenach in A Beautiful Noise. Photo © Jeff Busby

When the cast including a pleasingly diverse 10-strong ensemble aren’t singing and performing Steven Hoggett’s high-energy choreography, A Beautiful Noise hits a few minor speed bumps.

Swenson is always compelling, however, as is Rubenach. An emerging talent seen lately in Groundhog Day and Sunset Boulevard, she’s in smart blonde bombshell mode here.

Standouts among the supporting cast are Terence Crawford whose modern day Diamond is a curmudgeon with a tragic streak, and Hannah Fredericksen who portrays songwriter-producer Ellie Greenwich as winningly savvy.

Ashleigh Rubenach and Will Swenson in A Beautiful Noise. Photo © Jeff Busby

On a restrained set switching between big wired geometric frames and a few pieces of furniture, Emilio Sosa’s attractive costumes stand out. They convey character and time period with a mix of colour, moody black, 60s patterns and 70s-80s sparkle.

Lighting designer Kevin Adams also livens things up with deep colour washes and the concert scenes’ high wattage.

Diamond’s life story may not be the most enthralling, and the show’s non-musical rhythm occasionally falters, but when Swenson performs those hits A Beautiful Noise is “so good, so good” you’ll want to sing along – and sometimes you’re welcome to.

A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical plays at Princess Theatre, Melbourne, until 7 November, then Sydney Lyric from 14 November.