NEW YORK (AP) — A musical about Neil Diamond has found
the polished theater gem who will play the icon onstage, Will
Swenson.

Swenson has been tapped to lead "A Beautiful Noise, The Neil
Diamond Musical" this summer when it makes its debut at Boston’s
Emerson Colonial Theatre. Swenson calls it a not straightforward musical.

Swenson’s Broadway credits include "Waitress" opposite Sara
Bareilles, creating the role of Javert in the 2014 revival of "Les Misérables," and starring in "Priscilla: Queen of the Desert"
and  "110 in the Shade."

Diamond, 81, is the singer and songwriter of massive hits like
"Sweet Caroline," "Song Sung Blue" and "Cracklin’ Rosie."
He’s also written hits recorded by other artists, such as "I’m a
Believer" by the Monkees, "Red Red Wine" by UB40 and "You
Don’t Bring Me Flowers" by Barbra Streisand.

WILL SWENSON

NEIL DIAMOND