The Cast Photo by Roger Mastroianni

The Notebook is based on the 1996 novel by Nicholas Sparks, which was also adapted into the popular 2004 film. Like those versions, the musical focuses on Noah and his wife Allie, who are now living in a retirement home. Allie suffers from dementia and Noah reads to her from her notebook, which chronicles their life, with the hope that it will help her remember who he is. As Noah tells the story, the audience is introduced to two other versions of Noah and Allie, one when they meet as teenagers, and another ten years later when they reconnect after losing contact. The show played on Broadway in 2024.

The book by Bekah Brunstetter uses a mix of narration, flashbacks, exposition, and active scenes to convey different moments and aspects of the love story between Noah and Allie. The dialogue feels authentic and there's sufficient humor sprinkled throughout. The romantic overtones are present in droves, but it's not heavy-handed, and the piece emphasizes love over schmaltz to keep it from being overly sappy or superficial. The themes of time and memories are established early on and sustained throughout, and the motivation behind the telling of their story is strong. The setting is updated to start during the Vietnam War, with the older couple's scenes taking place in current times, and resembles the novel's plot more so than the film. One problem with the story is that the audience generally knows what happens in the end, so any conflict or related dramatic tension seen earlier in the timeline is muted by knowing the eventual outcome. Fans of the Broadway production should be prepared for a slight change to the ending which makes it somewhat more audience friendly.

Indie-pop recording artist Ingrid Michaelson provides the score for The Notebook. While the music matches the passionate tone and folksy setting of the show, it differs from typical musical theatre conventions in many respects, often sounding more like pop songs than a theatre score. The lyrics too frequently use false rhymes and tend to describe emotions or the situation rather than propelling the plot forward. The songs are tuneful, but true theatre aficionados may find it somewhat lacking. Score highlights include the hopeful and highly melodic "Carry You Home," "I Wanna Go Back," a contemplative duet sung by Middle and Younger Allie, and "My Days."

Three actors portray Noah and three portray Allie, each at a different age. Beau Gravitte (Older Noah) fervently embodies the devoted and protective long-time husband. Sharon Catherine Brown demonstrates versatility and nuanced acting as Older Allie, conveying the ever-changing feelings of someone battling dementia. As Younger Allie, Chloë Cheers captures both the prim properness and the exuberance of a teenager falling in love, and shows off lovely vocals. Kyle Mangold is funny and fittingly eager as Younger Noah, and likewise is an excellent singer. Ken Wulf Clark (Middle Noah) is aptly conflicted and rugged, and sings well. Alysha Deslorieux impressed local audiences fifteen years ago as a student at University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music (CCM) and returns here as Middle Allie. She expresses the stoic woman with life-changing decisions to make with aplomb and provides a vocal masterclass with "My Days," which received mid-song applause from the audience several times on opening night. The ensemble members showcase great skill in multiple roles and supply off-stage vocal support expertly.

Co-directors Michael Greif (Rent, Next To Normal) and Schele Williams (The Wiz) provide fluid blocking, apt pacing, and the tender and emotional tone that is required for the piece. Having both a male and female perspective is a good idea for the direction, and it results in a well-balanced perspective on the story. The very limited choreography by Katie Spelman is well suited. Musical director Tina Faye leads a great sounding eight-piece band.

The handsome scenic design by David Zinn and Brett J. Banakis features a set with wooden slats and rafters which, along with other pieces, represent the many settings of the piece, including the nursing home, the house that Noah builds, and the dock and lakeside where the couple originally meet. The water elements add a bit of excitement to the proceedings as well. Paloma Young's apt costumes provide a consistent color palette for the main characters, with all three Noahs in brown and all three Allies in blue, which helps to clarify the back-and-forth transitions in time and switching of performers. Ben Staton's lighting includes attractive hanging vertical fixtures and the use of shadows is incorporated well.

Ingrid Michaelson will be performing with the Cincinnati Pops on October 21st, which is during the run of this tour. It's likely she may even be attendance at one of the performances of The Notebook when in town. The show is solidly crafted and presented, and is probably exactly what it needs to be for fans of the novel or film. A first-rate cast and strong design elements are positives as well. The score isn't your typical theatre fare, but does match the emotions of the piece. It's just that several other modern musicals such as The Bridges of Madison County and Maybe Happy Ending have conveyed such emotions and sentiments more skillfully in song.

The Notebook runs through October 26, 2025, at the Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati OH. For tickets and information, please call 513-621-2787 or visit cincinnati.broadway.com. For information on tour, visit notebookmusical.com/ustour/.