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!
It was only a matter of time before a stage adaptation of The Notebook came to fruition. Based on Nicholas Sparks’ best selling novel, the popular 2004 film starring Rachel McAdams and Ryan Gosling is a romantic (if rather schmaltzy) stunner. There is naturally a built-in audience for this musical, clamoring to know if it’s as good as the movie and how does it compare? And for those new to the tear-jerker story of Allie and Noah from opposite sides of the tracks, does it still resonate at all? The answer to that last question is most certainly yes, it does resonate. I think you’d have to hail from another planet not to feel something for these appealing characters. By the resounding sniffles heard throughout the audience, it most certainly succeeded on that front. And yet, despite some lovely songs and excellent performances, the musical is missing some keynotes.
Nevertheless, the comparative simplicity of the teary tale at its center—love at first sight strikes boy and girl like lightning, they are separated for a decade, and then the couple reunites for a striding-into-the-sunset happy ending (before age and illness impinge)—left me dry-eyed and occasionally tempted to check my watch. This may put me in the minority, given the story’s proven success in other mediums, but for all its sweetness and polish “The Notebook” never rises to truly transporting heights—except when Ms. Plunkett, as the heroine, Allie, in her later years, and Dorian Harewood, as her husband, Noah, are the focus.
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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