The cast of the smash-hit Broadway musical A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical has been unveiled ahead of its Australian premiere in Melbourne in 2026, backed by the Allan Labor Government.
Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos today announced Broadway star Will Swenson will reprise the lead role, which celebrates the legendary life and music of Neil Diamond.
Swenson was the first person to play Diamond on Broadway in 2022, receiving critical and audience acclaim, and will bring his award-winning performance to Australia for the first time.
He has previously earned a Tony Award nomination for his performance in Hair, plus a Drama League nomination for Priscilla: Queen of the Desert, and his extensive credits also include roles in Les Misérables, Rock of Ages and Little Miss Sunshine.
Melbourne will be the first city outside the United States to host the musical, in another massive win for Victoria's major events calendar.
The musical will make its Australian premiere at the Princess Theatre in August 2026 and is set to attract visitors from across the country to experience classics like 'Sweet Caroline', 'Forever in Blue Jeans', and 'Cracklin' Rosie'.
American music icon Diamond, who has sold 120 million albums worldwide, worked in collaboration to create the theatre show. Throughout his career, he has performed seven major concert tours across Australia, with his iconic live album Hot August Night spending 29 weeks at number one and 65 weeks on the Australian charts.
A Beautiful Noise: The Neil Diamond Musical builds on Melbourne's reputation as Australia's cultural capital and follows this year's blockbuster arts and entertainment calendar, including Lego Star Wars: The Exhibition and the Melbourne Winter Masterpieces: French Impressionism exhibition at the NGV.
These cultural events have helped boost the state's record $43.7 billion visitor economy which employs 288,800 workers - accounting for one in every 14 filled jobs in Victoria.
Pre-sale tickets go on sale today, with tickets available to the general public from Monday, 6 October.
For further information and ticketing details, visit theneildiamondmusical.com.au and access additional media assets here.
As stated by Minister for Tourism, Sport and Major Events Steve Dimopoulos
"Musicals are a major drawcard for locals and visitors who fill our hotels, bars, restaurants and businesses - A Beautiful Noise adds to Victoria's impressive 2026 events calendar and supports our visitor economy and local jobs."
As stated by Visit Victoria CEO Brendan McClements
"Being the first city outside the US to put on this show cements Melbourne as Australia's home of cultural events and showcases what makes us 'Every bit different.'"
As stated by Broadway Star Will Swenson
"I'm beyond excited to be playing Neil Diamond in Melbourne. This will be my very first time performing in Australia and I can't think of a more thrilling way to debut than in this beautiful production."
