The Notebook Is Cute

After a popular run at Chicago’s Shakespeare Theatre and 35 previews on Broadway, The Notebook officially opened at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre on March 17. The musical seems to mainly be based on the novel, but of course includes the scene everyone knows best from the movie: Noah and Allie’s kiss in the rain after being reunited. 

The show has a soothing score created by Ingrid Michaelson (The Notebook marks Michaelson’s Broadway composing debut, however she’s worked in music for over 17 years). The music has a hint of a pop sound and the lyrics are touching, often catchy, and powerful, though the music is so beautiful that it might be slightly better than the lyrics. At times the lyrics were repetitive, almost cringey, and too simple: “It’s sadness and it’s joy, it’s sadness and it’s joy."

The show is a memory musical and has three different versions of the couple, Allie and Noah, throughout their lives. They first meet as teenagers, then are reunited as adults (presumably around their 20s-30s), and then we see them towards the end of their lives as elders. While John Cardoza and Jordan Tyson pull off being younger than they actually are, it made me feel like middle Allie and Noah should have been cast older, so that the audience can truly feel like time has passed. Despite this, all of the couples have strong chemistry, especially Cardoza and Tyson as their magical voices blend together perfectly. 

Despite the fact that the story is not in chronological order, it is easy to follow and the scenes are cohesive. The only thing I found to be lacking in the plot was a scene where Allie breaks up with her fiancé in order to pursue Noah once again. It is no secret that the couple is going to end up together, but seeing this is integral to understanding how Allie and Noah actually came to be and went from teenagers in love to starting a loving family. It would have been just as heartbreaking as it would have been powerful to see Allie calling it quits with her fiancé. What is the point of following this couple if we’re not getting to see the full story? As beautiful as the rain scene is, perhaps this would serve as a stronger turning point and give the audience more closure as the show begins to conclude. 

The lighting design was nice, though it did not have big shoes to fill other than looking pretty. The long cylindrical lights that hang down from the ceiling were unique and served as beams of sunlight, drops of rain, or simply a stark white light when we are placed in a hospital room. Having reflections of waves was a nice touch as the water reminds us where Allie and Noah first met. 

Similarly, the set design was aesthetically pleasing and served its purpose. The pretend stream or pond was perhaps the coolest thing about it (beware that you might get splashed if you sit in the front row). The water was effective because it plays a huge part in Allie and Noah’s story, unlike how in Days of Wine And Roses  – which has also been directed by Michael Greif this season – the water felt pointless. Everything in The Notebook was purposeful. 

Once again, the actors did a stunning job. I’m sure it’s a challenge for all the Allie and Noah’s to align their portrayals, ensuring that the audience is always seeing a similar version of the character, but one that has also changed slightly as they have aged. 

As expected, The Notebook is just as cheesy in musical form. But, hey, if that’s your thing, then enjoy it because it is not often that romance is at the forefront of a plot. Plenty of audience members left with tears as I’m sure they did the novel or movie. The Notebook as a musical isn’t revolutionary, but it sure is nice and it's got a good shot at winning the Best Musical award at the Tony’s.