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“The Notebook – The Musical” exceeds in beautiful ways as a sentimental, refreshing, and ageless musical adaptation of one of the most undeniably popular romantic stories ever told. Even the hardest critics of the 2004 movie will have a hard time denying the enthralling appeal of the musical. Many questionable acts and toxic behaviors from the movie gets smoothed over or absent to streamline the fragility of a older couple’s relationship barely holding together.
“The Notebook – The Musical” has more skillful balance transitioning from one medium over another compared to the likes of “Pretty Woman”. The pieces of memories flowing in, slipping out, and merging like a cross fade blends lovingly thanks to the choreography visually enhancing the already stellar music and spiritual lyrics. Those missing elements from the movie were quickly forgotten and not missed or compromised the core integrity of the beloved characters and engaging story.
“The Notebook – The Musical” is set on a coastal town in the Mid-Atlantic in a senior home. Older Noah (Beau Gravitte) reads aloud from a notebook a love story to an Older Allie (Sharon Catherine Brown). The story shifts in time from the late 1960s with Younger Noah (Kyle Mangold) and Younger Allie (Chloe Cheers) as their romance blossoms and grows over the summer. Their love is not approved by Allie’s Mother (Anne Tolpegin) nor her Father (Jerome Harmann-Hardeman).
They see Noah as not right for their daughter being from a lower working class and not up to their standards seeing what is best for their daugther. The years separate the young lovers. The late 1970s sees Middle Noah (Jesse Corbin) return home rebuilding the dream home the couple spoke about. Middle Allie (Alysha Deslorieux) moved on engaged to Lon (Nick Brogan). Lon is just the right man Allie’s parents have dreamed their daughter would marry.
The gorgeous soundtrack is highlighted with countless melodies and words that will rain tears of “Sadness and Joy” down many cheeks. The hopeful romantic stands as a beacon in the empty darkness still willing to “Leave the Light On” for the one that got away. Unrecognizable faces from the past and present stirs up agonizing frustration. “I Wanna Go Back” to before the memories started to fade and left lost feeling alone again. Choreography synonymous with the song of faces fading away. “Kiss Me” is funny yet relatable inner thoughts running a mile a minute concerned of appearances yet yearning for the other. Sensual romance.
“Forever” burning infatuation cooled down with rain. In this case, real water poured over the couple during the rainfall. Projections would not have done this iconic scene justice . A choreographed lift moment more than makes up for lowly watercraft. “My Days” is the major solo stand out. The starry eyed woman needing to clear mind away from what others want for her figuring out what see wants for yourself. A new favorite Broadway song I can listen to over and over again.
Minor roles get minor time on stage just enough to get the point across. They are part of the story, not part of the journey. The set design is also minimal. There’s no need for grand scales for such an intimate tale. The majority of time spent is with the main couples throughout different time periods. Because multiple actors are playing the same character, having less exposure with minor characters actually help the story be less cumbersome. The couple is funneled and focused to the mainstream mindset. The main obstacle belongs to time and memory.
Less moments with minor characters also means less cringe moments from those that remember the movie version. In fact, any musical lover can walk into the story without any previous knowledge and enjoy it for what it is. A slight setback is the depiction of Young Noah as nasally and whiny seemed out of place attempting to sound younger. But still has a graceful singing voice.
In the end, the young couple still only knew each other for one summer but strong enough to last for decades. Some may find that unrealistic and impractical. But who really knows everything about love and how it works? Every love is different and not the same like the other. This is not your love story, it’s theirs. Tissue boxes are ready for purchase to take to your seat.
“The Notebook – The Musical” is playing at the Hollywood Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles, California from January 6 – January 25, 2026. Music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson. Book by Bekah Brunstetter. Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks. Choreography by Katie Spelman. Directed by Michael Grief and Schele Williams
For more information including ticket sales, visit https://www.broadwayinhollywood.com
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