After years of renowned work on Broadway, including outstanding performances Enter the woods,,,,, 1776and companyTony nominee Robert Westberg Starting step by step from the spotlight in New York, focusing on teaching, director and family life. But when there is a chance to play Neil Diamond on the National Tour Beautiful noise Here comes, this is a proposal he cannot miss.
In this interview, Westenberg talks about what brings him back to the performance, portraying the emotional dimensions of Neil Diamond, and the show’s offering is more than just one of the greatest concerts. This interview has been edited for length and clarity.
Beautiful Noise: Neil Diamond Musical Currently playing in San Diego Citizen Theatre. For more information and tickets: Broadway San Diego
I haven’t watched the show yet, but did I hear it’s about Neil Diamond?
Robert Westenberg: It’s true!
just kidding. After a very good career on Broadway, you left New York. How did you get it?
Robert Westenberg: Jim Carnahanhe was an actor on the show, and we had known each other for many years when we were in New York, you know, when is back again. He asked his assistant to ask me if I was interested in auditioning for the original Broadway work.
At the time, I was teaching in Springfield, Missouri and hosted the BFA Musical Theatre Program at Missouri State University. I talked to my wife about it and said, “Why not? I’ve been away from the competition for 20 years.” So I sent my self-tape.
and then Michael MayerDirector, I asked me to enter New York for my second audition. I did it. Then they told me that it wouldn’t work at that time. They dedicated their roles Mark Jacoby But say they will keep my future in mind. So, I said, very good.
Then about a year later, they contacted me and asked me to have a music conference with Sonny Palladino. In the weeks after that, they gave me a role on the National Tour.
Is this quick, or do you have to think about it?
Robert Westenberg: I have to think about it. I have kids and grandchildren and besides my son is in Missouri, we are all in Colorado now.
But yes, it’s a lot of thoughtful conversation. But in the end, my wife said, “If you don’t, you will regret it.” So, I said “yes” and I’m here.
Did you miss it when you’re not in New York and actively working?
Robert Westenberg: sometimes. I mean, I’m really busy. I’m running a drama show and doing a lot of directors, writing and teaching. I really like to guide a lot. So I am still involved, actively involved in it artistically. Really, I mean, I’m fine. My job was very satisfying at that time.
However, when this opportunity comes up, I think it’s nice to see if any gas is left in the tank and see if I can still do it.
Your career has been a great one. You are in original production on Broadway 1776 and Enter the woods,revival company. After all, are you excited when they provide you with a character?
Robert Westenberg: Oh, God, yes. Oh, are you kidding? I don’t have any tired bones in my body. I’m like a child again. I mean, it’s a stimulus for the prospects of the project itself, that is, to accept high quality and expected high-level industry levels at that level.
Every night, I keep doing the show and I will be excited. I got the little butterfly, which is a brand new audience. They had never seen it before, and I had to climb that mountain every night.
I mean, the show is excellent and the crowds are ballistic every night. This is the love story at the end of the show. It’s really a pleasure. We had a great actor and the energy was so positive, it was a thrill. It’s a real thrill and privilege.
How do you play Neil Diamond? Have you done any research? I mean, watch YouTube videos?
Robert Westenberg: Oh, of course. I did it. I did all of this. And, of course, read the script over and over to see what actually happens in the show, from the action of the scene and all of that.
Then, yes, learn Neil Diamond and listen to music again. YouTube has been very helpful at different stages of his career, especially recently Neil, as I played the older Neil, now known as Neil.
Then, once I was in the rehearsal, I looked at Nick Fradiani who was playing Neil, and his role was absolutely amazing. I think he had been doing it on Broadway for at least a year before he was on the tour. I just watched a lot in the rehearsal. Actually, this is part of my character, just watching Nick. I sat on the stage and looked at Nick and everyone else.
Just know his carriage, manner, rhythm and his center and everything that makes Nick. I think it would be wise to try to find some kind of fusion between the two of us so that he would make sense to incorporate Neil aging into my Neil’s credibility.
Is it particularly difficult to play this role?
Robert Westenberg: It has a very strong emotional arc. The ending of the script is very intimate and original. Anyway, this is not a jukebox musical, from the catalogue of his songs and the concert of Neil Diamond’s greatest concerts. Not that. Everything is context. Everything has an emotional foundation. Everything is based on story, relationship-based.
So, my Neil has a problem, there is a problem. And I won’t give it, but he needs to fix it, I need to fix it. I have to do it every night and what I want to say is that it is a profound personal discovery about what he asked for on the script and where he works with the therapist on the stage.
That was the first time you went out for a while and it was like, “I’m back, baby?”
Robert Westenberg: Maybe a little bit, maybe there’s a little bit of deer in the headlight. I forgot how technically technical the makeup, hair, microphone and everything. But this is back soon.
I mean, I’ve been doing this for almost 50 years or so. But the brightness of the spotlight is adjustment. Then, when I got there on tech, we were in Providence, Rhode Island, and I went, “Oh yes, yes.” It was really bright. It covers everything else. It is eclipsed. Your peripheral vision is gone. You’re just stuck in this light, you have to find your own focus, you can find a place and method to connect and become the place where you should compete. This is the biggest tweak for me. But honestly, this comes soon. It’s like riding a bicycle.
You haven’t been on a tour in a while. What is the biggest change you noticed? Are things more effective? Do you like it more?
Robert Westenberg: OK, yes, for these two. The people who were on this trip were very effective and very professional. This is a first-class operation. Everything was taken care of. Everything was expected.
I toured before going out and buying a steamer trunk from a used store. I’ve gone through all this, but now everything is very organized.
One of the considerations for leaving the family to tour is having Zoom and FaceTime. So I can always connect with my children, grandchildren and wife.
Back to the day, you have to rely on taxis, sometimes they are unstable, or they are unavailable or otherwise. Now that Uber is there, it’s too easy.
OK, I’m glad to see this.
Robert Westenberg: It’s exciting to get into it. In a show you can honestly say to friends, family and strangers that it’s really exciting, come and check out the show. You won’t be disappointed.
As an actor, it’s encouraging because we know that all of them add up. They all travel with you. They were in our favor even before the game started, because I would say at least 90% are Neil Diamond fans. So we already have it. But then we have to make money.
Influential. This is very interesting. This is an origin story, a memory drama. This is a Neil Diamond Concert. All of this stuff is wrapped and blended into this beautiful storytelling, bringing the audience to a very wonderful place every night.
