“The Notebook” is one of the most epic, romantic, touching musicals ever to grace a Broadway stage! It is a musical love story for the ages. The non-traditional casting is done at an astronomical level and works beautifully. The production vividly demonstrates that love is universal and a person’s race or ethnic background does not matter, as the two lead characters at different stages of their lives are performed by a racially diverse cast. I have never been so moved by a musical. During the first act the tears were flowing throughout the audience; and during the second act I was among those moved to tears from the sheer beauty, love, devotion and tenderness of this love story between Allie and Noah.
This musical looks at the love of a couple who were destined to be together, and at what can happen with old age and dementia. The audience experiences the sense of loss and frustration that a person with dementia experiences, as well as its impact on the loved ones around them. This gorgeous musical has stunning music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson, a captivating book by Bekah Brunstetter and is based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks, which, of course, inspired the movie with the same name.
This glorious musical is filled with so many tender moments and takes such a moving look at love and what happens when a couple has been together for decades and then faces losing each other, not to death, but to dementia. How hard would you fight to keep the woman that you love? What would you do to gently bring her back to recognizing you and the life that you have had together?
The Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre at 236 W 45th Street was packed with people of all ages and ethnic backgrounds coming together to experience this phenomenal musical. This cast is beyond phenomenal. Dorian Harewood as Older Noah grabs your heart and takes you on this journey that is as beautiful as it is painful. John Cardoza is absolutely breathtaking as Young Noah and Ryan Vasquez is stunning as Middle Noah. MaryAnn Plunkett is riveting as Older Allie. Her performance is heart wrenching at times. Jordan Tyson is completely stirring and delightful as Young Allie. Joy Woods is tremendous in the role of Middle Allie. She definitely makes her mark in one of the show-stopping numbers in the musical. Supporting cast members were extraordinary and played multiple roles. Andrea Burns was versatile and remarkable in the roles of Mother/Nurse Lori. Charles E. Wallace gives a strong and touching performance in his roles as Father/Son/others. Carson Stewart was a needed comic relief and moving in his roles as Johnny/Fin/others. Dorcas Leung was delightful as Georgie/others. Other members of this stunning cast include Yassmin Alers; Chase Del Rey, and Hillary Fisher.
“The Notebook” speaks to the heart and soul! It features lovely orchestrations by John Clancy and Carmel Dean, music supervision and arrangements by Dean, choreography by Katie Spelman, set design by David Zinn and Brett J. Banakis, costume design by Paloma Young, lighting design by Ben Stanton, sound design by Nevin Steinberg and hair and wig design by Mia Neal. The direction is the result of a beautiful collaboration between Michael Greif and Schele Williams.
You must make plans to go see “The Notebook.” You have never experienced any romantic musical like this before!
For more info visit www.Notebookmusical.com.