Nicholas Sparks' novel and the hit movie "The Notebook" is making its way to Broadway with preview performances starting on Feb. 6, 2024, and an opening night on March 14.
With music and lyrics by Broadway alum Ingrid Michaelson, a book penned by "This Is Us" writer Bekah Brunstetter, and choreography from Katie Spelman, "The Notebook" has an impressive team behind it, according to The Chicago Tribune.
Returning to direct this production are Michael Gref of "Dear Evan Hansen," and Schele Williams of "Girls Chase Boys." Both directors have had previous experiences on this show at Chicago Shakespeare Theatre.
It was back in 2019 that news first emerged of a musical adaption of "The Notebook".
"The Notebook", a musical based on Nicholas Sparks' 1996 novel of the same name, was originally making its debut in Chicago Shakespeare Theater during the fall of 2022.
This romantic tale follows Allie Hamilton and Noah Calhoun; two star-crossed lovers from different social classes. It was adapted into a film in 2004 with Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams playing as leads.
Having released singles such as "The Way I Am," "Celebrate" and "Girls Chase Boys," Ingrid made a theatrical entrance in 2017 when she took on the role of Sonya in the electropop opera "Natasha, Pierre, & the Great Comet of 1812." It marked her Broadway debut.
Bekah said in 2019, "When I first heard about 'The Notebook' potentially being turned into a musical, I was instantly drawn to the idea."
Having a strong connection to North Carolina, and dealing with family members having Alzheimer's Disease, Bekah was intrigued when Ingrid sent her some of her songs for an upcoming musical project.
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She revealed that every time she drove to work or back home, she found herself listening intently to those compositions, her mind filled with memories as she tried to visualize how these pieces would shape up into a story. Before she even knew that she would be writing this musical book, its images were already starting to take form in her head.
For the Chicago stage performance of Allie and Noah, six talented actors were cast to bring the characters to life.
At different ages, Jordan Tyson and John Cardoza portrayed their teenage years; Joy Woods and Ryan Vasquez embodied them in their late 20s; and Maryann Plunkett and John Beasley gave life to their final stage as an elderly couple.
The audience was able to witness scenes unfold from various points of view as the older versions watched over the younger ones on stage.
Although the full Broadway cast is yet to be revealed, it has been confirmed that John will not be continuing in his role as Noah. Sadly, he passed away in May of this year at the age of 79.
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