THEATRE REVIEW: "The Notebook" at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre (New York, NY)

      On September 11th, 2024, I saw the matinee performance of the musical "The Notebook" at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre in New York City.  I wasn't sure if I was going to get a chance to see the show before it closes on December 15th.  But, lucky for me, I won the Telecharge Ticket Lottery for "The Notebook," and got an amazing seat for an amazing show, which features a book by Bekah Brunstetter, with music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson.  I saw two other shows at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, which were "Come from Away" and "Life of Pi."

     At the performance of "The Notebook" that I saw, the cast included Maryann Plunkett (Older Allie), Dorian Harewood (Older Noah), Joy Woods (Middle Allie), Ryan Vasquez (Middle Noah), Jordan Tyson (Younger Allie), John Cardoza (Younger Noah), Andréa Burns (Mother, Nurse Lori), Carson Stewart (Johnny, Finn), Kim Onah (Nurse Joanna, others), Chase Del Rey (Lon, others), Hillary Fisher (Sarah, Granddaughter, others), Dorcas Leung (Georgie, Concierge, others), and Charles E. Wallace (Father, Son, others).  The only cast member I have seen in a show before is Andréa Burns.   Over fourteen years ago, I saw her play Daniela in the Broadway Production of the musical "In the Heights."  While the two roles had their differences, both parts were maternal figures, if not mothers themselves. 

The marquee of the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre.   I took this photo. 

     One of the unique components of "The Notebook" is there was not one, but two, scenic designers.  These scenic designers were David Zinn and Brett J. Banakis.  While the the scenery as a whole might not be as impressive as that of "The Great Gatsby" or "Back to the Future," it didn't really need to be.  Yet it was still impressive.  The front of the stage was a dock at a lakefront, with actual water.  It looked like the orchestra pit had been flooded to the brim.  I was relieved when I heard the instrumental music prior to curtain.  At the end of the show, the orchestra was revealed to be positioned upstage.  

      

     While the World Premiere Engagement of "The Notebook" was at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre in 2022, the musical was workshopped at Vassar College's Powerhouse Theatre in Poughkeepsie on June 23rd, 2019 (which my mom and a friend attended).  The Chicago World Premiere then performed from September 6th thru October 30th, 2022.  Finally, after beginning previews on February 10th, 2024, the Broadway Production of "The Notebook" opened on March 14th of that year.  

POV Playbill Photo I took from my seat at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre. 

     This musical is incredible.  The cast was equally so.  I didn't expect my heart to feel so heavy during the second act.  That was when the show got especially emotional.  Without a doubt, this musical is a tear-jerker.  I know I wasn't the only one in the theatre who thought so, unless the vast majority of the audience had the sniffles.  The Broadway Musical is the first version of "The Notebook" I've ever experienced.  I've yet to read the book and see the movie.  In my opinion, it made for an especially unpredictable afternoon at the theatre.  Or, an afternoon of unpredictable predictability, I suppose.  After all, I knew it was going to rain on stage (and it wasn't because of a leaking roof).

     If I could think of any weak points in "The Notebook," it would have to be the a few of the lyrics (but certainly not the majority of them).  For example... "Time, time, time, time... It was never mine, mine, mine, mine."  But I am extremely grateful to have seen this musical, and grateful to my parents for making it possible for me to see it.  After all, I have a weakness for emotionally-stirring musicals.  

Joy Woods and Ryan Vasquez in "The Notebook" (Photo by Julieta Cervantes).