Chicago Shakespeare Theater's world premiere of The Notebook, the new musical based on the bestselling novel by Nicholas Sparks that inspired the film of the same name, began previews September 6. Opening night is September 28.
Watch highlights from the production in the video above.
Directed by Michael Greif (Dear Evan Hansen, Rent) and Schele Williams (Aida, Motown the Musical) with choreography by Katie Spelman, the production was recently extended through October 30.
The musical, which follows Allie and Noah, who share a lifetime of love despite the forces that threaten to pull them apart, features a score by singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson (The Way I Am, Girls Chase Boys) and a book by Bekah Brunstetter (NBC's This Is Us).
Portraying Allie and Noah across their lifetimes are Jordan Tyson (The Street of New York) as Young Allie, Joy Woods (SIX the Musical) as Middle Allie, and Tony winner Maryann Plunkett (Me and My Girl) as Older Allie; John Cardoza (Jagged Little Pill) as Young Noah, Ryan Vasquez (Waitress) as Middle Noah, and John Beasley (Kennedy Center’s Fences) as Older Noah.
The company also includes Yassmin Alers (On Your Feet!), Andréa Burns (On Your Feet!), Jonathan Butler-Duplessis (Parade), Dorcas Leung (Miss Saigon), Omar Lopez-Cepero (American Idiot), Sophie Madorsky (Nice Work If You Can Get It), and Liam Oh (Next to Normal at Writers Theatre). Understudies include Alex Benoit, Mary Ernster, Jerica Exum, Jerome Harmann-Hardeman, RhonniRose Mantilla, and Carson Stewart.
Check out production photos below:
Maryann Plunkett, Joy Woods, and Jordan Tyson in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s world premiere production of The Notebookin
John Cardoza, John Beasley, and Ryan Vasquez in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s world premiere production of The Notebook
John Cardoza and Jordan Tyson in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s world premiere production of The Notebook
John Beasley and Maryann Plunkett in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s world premiere production of The Notebook
John Cardoza, Jordan Tyson, John Beasley, Maryann Plunkett, Ryan Vasquez and Joy Woods in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s world premiere production of The Notebook
Joy Woods and Ryan Vasquez in Chicago Shakespeare Theater’s world premiere production of The Notebook
The creative team also features music supervisor Carmel Dean, who is collaborating on arrangements with Michaelson and on orchestrations with John Clancy; plus music director Geoffrey Ko, scenic designers David Zinn and Brett Banakis, costume designer Paloma Young, lighting designer Ben Stanton, sound designer Nevin Steinberg, wig and make-up designer Mia Neal, and intimacy director Sasha Smith. Victoria Navarro is production stage manager.
Casting is by Chicago Shakespeare Theater Artistic Associate/Casting Director Bob Mason with New York casting by The Telsey Office's Patrick Goodwin.
