During the early/mid ’80’s Irene had a unique ‘road occurrence’. While heading East on the 210 fwy and in the midst of typical traffic she found herself behind a black Cadillac Eldorado with a personalized license plate that immediately got her mind running.

IMISAID

Could it be…? Irene had always loved the music of Neil Diamond, and seeing him perform live was her first ever attended concert. So she moved to the adjacent lane in an attempt to see who was driving, and to give ’em the thumbs-up.

Unable to initially catch the vehicle, she was able see that whoever was driving had a lot of hair. When she was finally able to be side by side with the vehicle she could see the lone driver was a man. A man with a lot of hair. She continued alongside the black Cadillac Eldorado and wondered if it could be… At one point the man turned his head, and her ‘sighting’ was confirmed. She was driving next to, and making direct eye contact with the one and only Neil Diamond. Of course she was starstruck, immediately smiled her biggest smile, and she waved.

Neil Diamond smiled and nodded back at her. Irene went floating on a cloud that would last her entire lifetime. Among all the performers in the world, and throughout Irene’s life, Neil Diamond was certainly her most adored performer.

The Neil Diamond Musical A Beautiful Noise, recently began its run at the Segerstrom Center in OC and I purchased a solo ticket for me, and for Irene. She was able to be with me for the event, to sit within me. The biographical musical theatre performance of A Beautiful Noise was truly extraordinary. I could picture Irene with her big smile, dancing in her seat to every song. She would have been among the loudest to applaud and cheer. it was such a memorable evening.

I smiled throughout the entire show. To know that Irene IS smiling and happy to hear ‘Neil Diamond’ once again, perform the songs she had always loved. It was priceless.