After grabbing a heavy snack on September 13, we headed to Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati. We took some photos, then finally watched The Notebook: The Musical in Manila to relive Noah and Allie’s love story. 🎭
About the show
The musical is based on Nicholas Sparks’ 1996 novel, the same book behind the 2004 film with Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams. It premiered in Chicago in 2022 and reached Broadway in 2024. Ingrid Michaelson wrote the music and lyrics, and Bekah Brunstetter wrote the book. Theatre Group Asia staged its international premiere here as the opening show of its 2026–2027 season, with an all-Filipino principal cast.
Three Noahs and three Allies
This is what makes the musical different from the movie. Allie and Noah are played by three pairs of actors, one for each stage of their lives, and sometimes they’re all on stage together:
- Young: Sheena Belarmino and Benedix Ramos
- Middle: Morissette and Laurence Mossman
- Older: Celeste Legaspi and Rody Vera
Having three sets of Noah and Allie made it easy to follow the different chapters of their story.
Does it follow the movie?
Yes. The musical adaptation is perfectly aligned with the movie. The songs are as heartwarming as the film, but with a lighter, Gen Z vibe.
The voice of the night
Morissette’s rendition of “My Days” was marvelous. Those high notes were flawless, as always. The show was also her return to musical theatre after almost a decade.
The LSS is real
Fair warning: I’ve had LSS for three weeks now, constantly singing snippets of “Forever” and “I Wanna Go Back.” 🎵
Good to know
- Venue: Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati
- Run: September 3–20, 2026. It sold out and has now ended.
- Length: About 2 hours 30 minutes, with one intermission
- Age: Recommended for 12 and up. The second half deals with Alzheimer’s disease, so bring tissues.
Our rating
★★★★★ (5/5)
It’s faithful to the film, has a beautiful score and a strong Filipino cast, and the songs stay in your head for weeks. Overall, watching The Notebook Musical is the perfect Sundate.
Sources: Tatler Asia, BroadwayWorld, The Beat Asia
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