By John Legaspi
“When I disappear, where do I go?” That’s one of the questions Allie asks in “The Notebook: The Musical.” It is a poignant question that captures the heart of the musical: What happens when memories begin to fade, and how do we hold on to the people and moments that make us who we are?
Morissette Amon as Middle_Allie and Laurence Mossman as Middle Noah (Photos: Jyllan Bitalac, Sherie Bolo, and Theatre Group Asia)
The latest production by Theatre Group Asia at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati City brings one of the most iconic love stories to the Philippine stage, marking the first international staging of “The Notebook: The Musical.” The production takes everyone on an emotional ride as they follow the romance and drama that goes into the love story of Allie and Noah through the different stages of their lives.
Fans were first introduced to their story in 1996 through Nicholas Sparks’ novel. In 2004, “The Notebook” graced the big screen as a movie, gaining a bigger audience all over the world. The two eventually became the source material for the Broadway musical, featuring music and lyrics by acclaimed singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson and a Tony-nominated book by Bekah Brunstetter.
Sheena Belarmino as Younger Allie and Benedix Ramos as Younger Noah
On Sept. 2, “The Notebook: The Musical” officially made its international debut in Manila, and, as expected, it brought audiences to tears as they relived the enduring romance of Allie and Noah—a love story shaped not only by passion and choice, but also by memory, time, and the inevitable changes that come with growing old.
For its Manila run, “The Notebook: The Musical” features a stellar roster of Filipino talent, including Carla Guevara Laforteza, Floyd Tena, Markki Stroem, Felicity Kyle Napuli, Omar Uddin, Jillian Ita-as, Shaun Ocrisma, and Kathleen Francisco. Sheena Belarmino, Morissette Amon, and Celeste Legaspi perform as young, middle, and older Allie, respectively. Benedix Ramos, Laurence Mossman, and Rody Vera represent the different stages of Noah’s life.
Celeste Legaspi as Older Allie and Rody Vera as Older Noah
Applause and flowers are in order for the entire cast, whose performances bring the beloved story to life with sincerity, tenderness, and emotional depth. Sheena and Benedix perfectly captured the innocence and intensity of young love and its all-consuming nature. Morissette, a powerhouse vocalist, proved that she is more than a singer as she portrayed the complexity of adult romance with Laurence, who portrayed Noah’s quiet strength and gentle vulnerability.
For many, it is a rare sight to see Filipino theater icons Rody and Celeste perform onstage. And watching them as older Noah and Allie is a moving experience. Their subtle playfulness, warmth, and natural chemistry make their portrayal touching, causing many to shed tears inside the theaters. They are proof that, even as time goes by, true talent never loses its brilliance.
For us, one of the major highlights of the production is its scenic design. It perfectly transports viewers to a coastal town in the Mid-Atlantic with its charming homes, lush surroundings, and evocative waterfront setting. The balcony, in particular, evokes the romance of a Shakespearean play, creating an intimate space where Allie and Noah’s love unfolds before us.
At its core, director Nicholas Polonio sees Allie and Noah as deeply human—flawed, complicated, and vulnerable in ways that make them relatable. As he puts it, “A life without flaws is not much of a life at all.” And perhaps that is what makes their story resonate: Love is not only about how fearlessly we show it, but also how willing we are to receive it. “The Notebook: The Musical” reminds us that while memories may disappear, the love behind them can endure—and sometimes, that is enough to keep us from ever truly disappearing.
“The Notebook: The Musical” runs until Sept. 20 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati. Tickets are available through TicketWorld, with prices ranging from ₱900 to ₱5,500.
