With a book that has sold millions of copies worldwide and a film that's one of the highest-grossing romantic dramas of all-time, the musical adaptation of Nicholas Sparks's The Notebook has come to Broadway following a critically acclaimed world premiere engagement at Chicago Shakespeare Theater in the fall of 2022.
Since its Broadway debut in March 2024, The Notebook has captivated audiences with its poignant storytelling and evocative music. Adapted from Nicholas Sparks' beloved 1996 novel, this musical brings to life the enduring romance of Allie and Noah, exploring themes of love, memory, and the passage of time.
What’s the show about? The Notebook follows the lifelong love story of Allie Nelson and Noah Calhoun, who come from different social backgrounds. Their journey, marked by passion and challenges, unfolds through a series of memories, highlighting the power of enduring love and the impact of choices made over a lifetime.
The musical features a heartfelt score by singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson. The book, crafted by playwright Bekah Brunstetter, weaves together the narrative's past and present, offering a fresh perspective on the classic tale. Under the direction of Michael Greif and Schele Williams, the production balances intimate moments with sweeping musical numbers, creating an immersive theatrical experience.
The original Broadway cast included Jordan Tyson as Younger Allie, John Cardoza as Younger Noah, Joy Woods as Middle Allie, Ryan Vasquez as Middle Noah, Maryann Plunkett as Older Allie, and Dorian Harewood as Older Noah.
Whether you're a fan of the original novel or new to the story, The Notebook offers a moving and memorable theatrical experience. Don't forget to bring along your tissues, because you'll need them!
Because writing for character means writing in distinct voices, there’s a thin line in musical theater songwriting between the simple and the simplistic: Unlike her gratifyingly accessible pop music, Michaelson’s score here falls on the wrong side too much of the time. That’s a shame, because, in revisiting the story, Michaelson and book writer Bekah Brunstetter have laid out the structure for a thoughtful adaptation that improves upon both the book and the film adaptation.
“The Notebook: The Musical” will probably not be the same kind of star-making vehicle, but it is uniformly well-cast, with several memorable performances. The story is cleverly adapted by librettist Bekah Brunstetter, who seems almost as much guided by the TV series “This Is Us” (where she worked as a writer and producer) as by Sparks’ novel. And singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson, in her Broadway songwriting debut, delivers almost two dozen largely folk and country-inflected melodies, most of them lovely, if blandly so; only a few stand out. Little in this musical may soar, but, given the potential of the material for over-the-top melodrama, the relatively low-key approach is part of the show’s appeal.
Rush Tickets:
Price: $49
Where: Schoenfeld Theatre (236 W. 45th Street, NYC) box office at 10AM ET Monday through Saturday and 12PM ET on Sunday. Rush ends 30 minutes before curtain.
Limit: Two per customer.
Restrictions: Locations and number of tickets based on availability; pairs may be split up and seats may be partial view.
Digital Lottery
Price: $44
Where: https://rush.telecharge.com/
When: Entries for The Notebook digital lottery start at 12am, the day prior to the performance. Winners are drawn that same day at 10am and 3pm and have five hours to claim and purchase tickets online.
Limit: Two per customer
Information: Subject to availability.
2022 | Chicago |
Chicago Shakespeare Theater World Premiere Chicago |
2024 | Broadway |
Original Broadway Production Broadway |
2025 | US Tour |
North American Tour US Tour |
Year | Ceremony | Category | Nominee |
---|---|---|---|
2024 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical | Dorian Harewood |
2024 | Drama Desk Awards | Outstanding Featured Performance in a Musical | Maryann Plunkett |
2024 | Drama League Awards | Distinguished Performance | Dorian Harewood |
2024 | Drama League Awards | Distinguished Performance | Maryann Plunkett |
2024 | Drama League Awards | Outstanding Production of a Musical | The Notebook |
2024 | Outer Critics Circle Awards | Outstanding Lead Performer in a Broadway Musical | Maryann Plunkett |
2024 | Tony Awards | Best Book of a Musical | Bekah Brunstetter |
2024 | Tony Awards | Best Performance by an Actor in a Leading Role in a Musical | Dorian Harewood |
2024 | Tony Awards | Best Performance by an Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical | Maryann Plunkett |
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