the Notebook - The Musical

Among the countless love stories that have captivated hearts, few touch you forever, and The Notebook is one of those classic masterpieces that will leave you in tears. Bring tissues, as this production will sweep you away. Based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks, The Notebook is a musical from the bestselling novel that inspired the iconic film, The Notebook. Directed by Michael Greif andSchele Williams, who also directed the play at Chicago Shakespeare Theater, this deeply gripping tear-jerker is currently at Broadway In Chicago's historic Nederlander Theatre. With its captivating performances and powerful storytelling, this incredible production delivers a captivating portrayal of enduring love and heartbreaking loss. It's a Chicago Summer treat that's an absolute must-see for anyone seeking a heartwarming theatrical experience!

The cast features a standout performance by Beau Gravitte as the Older Noah,who was phenomenal, setting the stage for a breathtaking and equally compelling performance by Sharon Catherine Brown as the Older Allie, who gives a heart-wrenching portrayal of a woman navigating the heartbreaking stages of Alzheimer's disease. Her portrayal is so profoundly emotional and moving that it will prompt feelings that linger for a lifetime. Together, Gravitte and Brown form a lovable duo. Portraying Allie and Noah across their lifetimes are Alysha Deslorieux as Middle Allie, Ken Wulf Clark as Middle Noah, Kyle Mangold as Younger Noah, and, during the press night, we had the pleasure of seeing a rising star, understudy Makena Jackson, perform beautifully as Younger Allie. The cast also included Anne Tolpegin, Alex Benoit, Jerome Harmann-Hardeman, Rayna Hickman, Emily Some, Jordi Bertran Ramirez, Grace Ohwensadeyo Rundberg, and Connor Richardson. It was a small role in the play; still, I'm looking forward to seeing more of Connor Richardson, who was positively entertaining as Johnny.

The play features a range of entrancing and touching songs, but none touch the heart quite like "What Happens." It vividly portrays the profound struggles of a person grappling with memory loss due to Alzheimer's, and the finale song, "Coda," which starts with the words, "Where do we go, when we go? Will you remember me? Words many of us have pondered. Through its thought-provoking lyrics, it captures the emotional turmoil of the couple's last moments and fading memories of a life shared in a notebook. It’s a classic story so brilliantly written that it doesn't require a star performer; the play itself is the star. The Notebook is one of my all-time favorite movies, which is mainly because I'm a romantic softie at heart. But if you have never seen the movie or the musical, it's about two youngsters (Noah and Allie) who meet and instantly fall in love but are forced to part ways due to Allie's parents, mainly her mother, who disapproves of Noah. The play simultaneously displays the three-dimensional stages of Noah and Allie's life and love, from their teen years to their senior years, with the storyline focusing on Allie's stay at an assisted living facility.

Scriptwriter Bekah Brunstetter was concerned that the musical The Notebook won't translate to a theater audience as effectively as the movie; however, after hearing Ingrid Michaelson's music and lyrics, she was all-in. Michaelson's songs (Dance With Me, Leave the Light On, I Wanna Go Back, If This Is Love, and Home) truly capture this true-life story of Noah and Allie, inspired by Sparks' ex-wife Cathy's grandparents' sixty years of marriage, which is so incredibly moving that it touches the hearts of listeners, inspiring emotions powerful enough to fill the theater with tears.

The stage production has fabricated a lake and falling rain for the love scene when Noah and Allie rekindle their never-ending love. It doesn't match the Hallmark Card scene in the movie, but it's romantically passionate. One aspect that this production could improve is the individual vocal performances of the cast. While the harmonious blend of voices during the finale, singing Coda, is truly impressive, there are moments when some of the cast members appear to struggle with pitch during their solo performances. Their individual songs sometimes come across as slightly off-key. With a bit more focus on honing their individual singing skills, the production could elevate its musical quality significantly. Still, The Notebook is outstanding. The musical tugs at your heart and reminds you of what true love can be, even if it's read from a notebook.

⭐⭐⭐⭐

James M. Nederlander Theatre

The Notebook

Book by Nicholas Sparks

Directed by Michael Greif & Schele Williams

August 4 - 16, 2026

Runtime: 

2 hours and 20 minutes including an intermission

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