Neil Diamond wowed the crowd with an impromptu performance of “Sweet Caroline” on the opening night of A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical.
The 81-year-old music icon led theatergoers through his 1969 megahit at the Broadhurst Theater in New York City on Sunday night.
“I don’t know who needs to hear this, but Neil Diamond, who retired from performing five years ago because of Parkinson’s disease, just opened a Broadway show, and on opening night, he did it.” the social media user tweeted Along with footage from Diamond’s performance on the show.
In the clip, the Grammy Award winner grabs a microphone while standing in a box seat with his wife, Cathy McNeil.
Neil Diamond will give a surprise performance of “Sweet Caroline” on Sunday at the opening night of A Beautiful Noise, The Neil Diamond Musical.
(Bruce Glikas/WireImage)
NEIL DIAMOND RELEASED ‘SWEET CAROLYN’ GLOBAL SINGALONE TO INSPIRE PEOPLE TO COME TOGETHER.
The audience erupted in cheers and applause as Diamond joined the crowd in the popular chorus to sing the classic tune.
The musical’s official Instagram page also shared a video of Diamond’s performance with the caption, “Welcome to Broadway @neildiamond! We feel so good! very good! very good!” shared with the caption.
The New York native’s last performance was at the end of 2017 on New Year’s Eve in Times Square. Three weeks later, the pop legend announced he was retiring from touring after being diagnosed with Parkinson’s disease.
Written by Anthony McCarten and produced by Ken Davenport and Bob Gaudio, Beautiful Noise is based on Diamond’s life and musical career.
Diamond and McNeil walked the red carpet before the show’s opening night and were greeted by a standing ovation as they entered the theater.
The couple met members of the cast, crew and creative team behind the scenes, including director Michael Mayer; Will Swenson and Marc Jacoby, both playing Diamond; Robin Herder, who portrays Diamond’s second wife, Marcia Murphey; and Linda Powell, who plays the doctor.
Written by Anthony McCarten and produced by Ken Davenport and Bob Gaudio, Beautiful Noise is based on the life and musical career of Neil Diamond.
(Bruce Glikas/WireImage)
Diamond announced his retirement in January 2018, just days before his 77th birthday. The singer-songwriter also announced that concert dates for the final leg of his 50th anniversary world tour have been cancelled.
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“It is with great reluctance and disappointment that I announce that I am leaving the concert tour,” he wrote in a statement posted on his official website.
“For the past 50 years, I have had the privilege of bringing my shows to the masses. My sincere apologies to everyone who has purchased tickets and plans to attend future shows.
Neil Diamond took a behind-the-scenes photo with director Michael Mayer; Will Swenson, who plays Diamond; Robin Herder, who portrays Diamond’s second wife, Marcia Murphey; and Linda Powell, who plays the doctor.
(Bruce Glikas/WireImage)
“I plan to stay active in writing, recording and other projects for a long time. I would like to express my gratitude to my faithful and loyal audience around the world. I am always grateful for your support and encouragement. “very good, very good, very good” thank you.”
The “I’m a Believer” hitmaker has made several public appearances since announcing her retirement. However, she joined Swenson for a performance of “Sweet Caroline” at a Boston Red Sox game at Fenway Park in Boston in June.
The duet performance took place on June 21 at the Emerson Colonial Theater in Boston, two days before “A Beautiful Noise” began a four-week run.