The Notebook
A moving evening at National Theatre.
The Notebook as a musical is a moving night in the theater. It feels so relevant in today’s crazy world, making you think about life and love, and whether your own life has been lived to its fullest, allowing yourself to follow your heart. It has been said The Notebook “is a timeless love story about Noah Calhoun and Allie Hamilton, whose romance endures social barriers, separation, and the challenges of aging, ultimately proving the enduring power of true love.”
The Notebook is based on the book written by Nicholas Sparks, with music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson and the book by Bekah Brunstetter. This production is co-directed by Michael Greif and Schele Williams, and they have done a superb job of moving the actors around the stage in a way which keeps the story moving seamlessly. In this production both Noah and Allie are shown at different stages of their life, and the cast members for each of these roles are wonderful. The older Allie, who is in a nursing home with dementia, is played by Yassmin Allers. She can create a feeling by just her wonderful acting and movement. The older Noah, who is reading the story to Allie, is played to perfection by Beau Gravitte. The middle Allie (Alysha Deslorieux) and the young Allie (Makena Jackson), are both great with wonderful voices. The middle Noah (Ken Wulf Clark), and the young Noah (Kyle Mangold), keep you transfixed to the story, and their love of Allie. The rest of the cast are each perfect in their roles, all with strong voices.
The songs are beautiful and begin with ‘"Time" sung by the older Noah, middle Allie, middle Noah, younger Allie and the ensemble. And continue on to such moving numbers as ‘"Sadness and Joy’"sung by the younger Noah and younger Allie, and then " Wanna Go Back" sung by the middle and younger Allies. To a final "I Know" sung by the older Allie and older Noah, when the older Allie fights out of her dementia, at least for a moment, and remembers who he is.
The creative team is superbly talented and their work adds to the feelings you have while watching this story. It includes; scenic design, David Zinn and Brett J. Banakis; costume design, Paloma Young; lighting design, Ben Stanton; and sound design, Nevin Steinberg. Then music supervisor and music arrangements, Carmel Dean; choreography, Katie Spelman; conductor, also on keyboard, Tina Faye; and local musicians, Viola/Violin, Imelda Tecson; Guitar, Tom Lagana; and Keyboard, Bobby McCoy.
The Notebook will only be at National Theatre through August 30th and will sell out fast. I urge you not to miss it, and to get your tickets online today.