Official blurb: The Notebook is a new hit musical based on the best selling novel that inspired the iconic film. Allie and Noah, both from different worlds, share a lifetime of love despite the forces that threaten to pull them apart, in a deeply moving portrait of the enduring power of love. The Notebook is “a non-stop emotional rollercoaster full of butterfly-inducing highs” (Entertainment Weekly). Chris Jones of The Chicago Tribune says The Notebook is “absolutely gorgeous, not to be missed,” and The New York Daily News calls it “a love story for the ages.” The Notebook is directed by Michael Greif (Dear Evan Hansen, Next to Normal, RENT) and Schele Williams (The Wiz, Aida) and features music and lyrics by multi-platinum singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson, book by Bekah Brunstetter (NBC’s This Is Us), and choreography by Katie Spelman.
My thoughts: I went through a rollercoaster or emotions watching this show. I adore this movie and at first I was very protective of the changes that were occurring and was letting that get in the way of my enjoyment of this musical. In the end I let go, enjoyed the show and was a crying mess by the end. The emotions are the same and I think that is what matters in the end. What works? my favorite part of the show was the older couple. Maryann Plunkett and Dorian Harewood were spectacular and their connection was what got me to the point of being a blubbering mess in the end. I’m glad I’m editing this review to post today as I can say that their two tony nominations are so well deserved, they are the emotional center of this show. I also really enjoyed the music, very appropriate but also quite catchy and I kind of need to get into the cast album to revisit it more. The rain scene does not dissapoint, it is a great spectacle and totally worth it.
What I didn’t fully enjoy? or where was my emotional rollercoaster dipping downwards? I do not think you needed a teenage version of Allie and Noah, I honestly think that with two couples the same would have been achieved. And i understand that it was part of the staging but for me it lost some of the emotional gravitas because I really did not connect with the teenagers, and adult Ally and Noah, Joy Woods and Ryan Vazquez where amazing but I kind of wish they had more time to do their thing and connect with the audience. As a dance lover I also wish there was more dance somewhere. Finally, the color blind casting, great intention but it detracted from the story for me and the same level of diversity would have been on stage anyways so I still need to process that.
My friends one sentence review: It was no Ryan gosling and Rachel McAdams but loved their diversity casting and fun approach to the storytelling with different couples showcasing the storyline throughout the years (spoiler) the set design was cool,
Official blurb: “Many wonders await audiences at the Imperial Theater.” – The New York Times .
The critically acclaimed bestselling novel comes to “thrilling, dazzling” life (Time Out New York) in a unique, spectacle-filled new musical with “one of the more remarkable ensembles ever seen on Broadway” (New York Daily News)! Hailed as a Critic’s Pick, The New York Times calls it “stunning, emotional and gorgeously imaginative.” After losing what matters most, a young man jumps a moving train unsure of where the road will take him and finds a new home with the remarkable crew of a traveling circus, and a life—and love—beyond his wildest dreams. Seen through the eyes of his older self, his adventure becomes a poignant reminder that if you choose the ride, life can begin again at any age. Tony Award-nominated director Jessica Stone’s “huge, heart-filling” production (The New York Times) features a book by three-time Tony nominee Rick Elice adapted from Sara Gruen’s novel, and a soaring score by the acclaimed PigPen Theatre Co. So, step right up to the “spellbinding entertainment” (Variety) at WATER FOR ELEPHANTS, “the best new musical on Broadway” (Theatermania).
My thoughts: This show exceeded all my expectations. I went in with tempered expectations. I absolutely adore this book, but had not heard that much about the musical so was cautiously optimistic, but concerned. It was a delightful night at the theater. The music was perfectly for what the show is, I probably will not be adding them to my spotify, but I was tapping my foot, clapping along and it fit the theme of the show to a T. The staging was so beautiful and the puppetry was so well done and gorgeous. I particularly loved all the dancing mixed with acrobatics, it was harmonious and impressive and gave the story so much depth. As a Glee and The Flash fan I of course was looking forward to seeing Grant Gustin and he was delightful in the role. He doesn’t have a power voice, but it is beautiful and his acting was great. Isabella McCalla I also enjoyed in her role. I really did not need the reminiscing part, I think it would have worked without the older version of Jacob was along for so much of the ride, but maybe its the fact that there were too many shows this season with the same old person looking back at their life mode that it might have been repetitive by then? However despite that all in all it was a lovely night at the theater and one that I highly recommend. The dancing and puppets alone are worth the price of admission.
My friend’s one sentence review: I loved how the circus acrobatics was seamlessly weaved throughout the action!
Tati's Tidbits 