By In 1996, Nicholas Sparks’ debut novel The Notebook became a New York Times bestseller in its first week of release and remained on the list for over a year. The story became a hit for romance enthusiasts and inspired a 2004 film adaptation that has since become a cult classic. Like many adaptations echoing books and movies recently, playwright Bekah Brunstetter and singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson brought The Notebook: The Musical to the stage in 2022 and Broadway in 2024.
The musical opens with an elderly man reading a love story to a woman who is clearly struggling with dementia. The core of the story is the lifelong romance between Noah Calhoun and Allie Hamilton, spanning youth, adulthood, and old age. The young woman, Allie, is from an affluent family while the young man, Noah, works at a lumber yard. Over one summer, they fall deeply in love until Allie’s family intervenes and separates them. The older man continues to read as the story progresses ten years later and Noah and Allie find their way back to each other. But now, Allie is engaged to another man, and Noah still lives in that same small town following an injury from his time in Vietnam.
Subtle changes from the book and film make this adaptation well-suited for the stage, yet the musical remains true to the novel’s central themes of enduring, timeless love tempered by class and societal expectations. It also underscores the role of memory in shaping identity. The story unfolds non-linearly, intertwining the younger, middle and older versions of Noah and Allie, each influencing the others as their love story takes center stage. While the musical is emotionally rich, the overall conflict remains subdued because the audience already knows the fate of Allie and Noah through the older couple. Because of this, the musical feels more reflective rather than angst-filled.
The cast is exceptionally talented, with each pairing showcasing impressive vocal strength and emotional depth. Sharon Catherine Brown stands out as Older Allie, delivering a heartbreaking and deeply nuanced portrayal of a woman living with dementia. What could have easily become a caricature instead becomes the emotional core of the production and her performance is full of warmth and vulnerability. Beau Gravitte brings quiet strength to the role of Older Noah, offering a tender and devoted portrayal of a man whose singular purpose is caring for his wife. His performance is especially moving during “Iron in the Fridge.”
Alysha Deslorieux shines as Middle Allie, portraying a woman torn between love and societal expectation. Her powerful, expressive voice is showcased beautifully in “My Days.” Ken Wulf Clark brings warmth and determination to Middle Noah, combining a resonant vocal performance with a dry humor that works well for the role. Their chemistry, especially in “Forever” is both romantically tender and humorous.
The young actors portraying the earliest version of the couple truly stand out, capturing the excitement of first love. Kyle Mangold brings youthful energy and charm to Younger Noah, complemented by a clear, expressive tenor voice. Chloe Cheers as Younger Allie has a bright, engaging presence and is a strong vocal talent. Midway through the show, understudy Makena Jackson stepped into the role. Jackson not only possesses a beautiful voice but also demonstrated remarkable composure and grace, seamlessly taking over the role. Her effortless and professional transition ensured the story’s momentum never faltered.
Also notable is Connor Richardson as Johnny, the cheerful physical therapist who provides some of the show’s comic relief and offers a perfect counterbalance to the story’s more emotional moments.
The musical’s book, written by Bekah Brunstetter, brings Nicholas Sparks’ beloved story to the stage with tenderness and just the right touch of humor. Brunstetter handles the subject matter with sensitivity, particularly in depicting the confusion of dementia and its profound impact not only on the person affected but also on their loved ones. The production could easily have slipped into melodrama or overly saccharine-sweet romance, yet Brunstetter’s pacing and balance of emotion and humor keep it grounded and authentic. Singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson provides the music and lyrics, with songs that propel the story forward while offering poignant reflections on the characters’ emotional journeys and growth.
The Notebook: The Musical is a beautiful portrayal of love that endures and deepens over time. With a gifted cast, moving music, and a heartfelt book, it offers a touching and memorable night of theatre.
The Notebook The Musical plays at the Fabulous Fox through November 16th.