“The Notebook”

***** I think it was almost 4 years ago that Chicago was introduced to “The Notebook”, the musical based on the novel written by Nicholas Sparks, following the great love between the two main characters, Noah and Allie. The basic concept of the story is the depths of love, loss, and rediscovery. It is told with music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson and a book ( the adaptation of the novel) by Bekah Brunstetter. While the music is nothing that you will be humming on your way home, it does serve to make the story truly special.

When the play was previewed at Chicago Shakespeare’s  “The Yard” theater, it was not as easy to view, and while they had great sets, the set that we saw in the Broadway version is far better, and to be honest, the layout of the Nederlander Theatre is a far better venue for this production. Directed by Michael Greif & Schele Williams, this production flows with ease and never allows us to leave this powerful story.

In order not to confuse you, I will tell you that this is a true love story that takes us through different times in the lives of Noah and Allison. Being that, different actors are playing these roles, and at times, all of them will appear on the stage, allowing us to see these different stages of their lives and their relationship. The use of flashbacks is normal for films and TV, but in live theater, it is a rarity.

Older Noah is played by Beau Gravite, who is very believable as the husband who is attempting to make his wife ( now residing in an Alzheimer’s home) recall who he is and his devotion to her happiness. Older Allie is played to perfection by Sharon Catherine Brown. It turns out that Allie kept a diary of their lives, in a notebook, with her entries all handwritten. Noah is in hopes that reading these to her, will help remind her of the times in their lives that were good and bad, but of greater importance, just how much they loved each other, as well as how they needed each other.

Young Noah is played by Kyle Mangold and his Allie by Makena Jackson. They are adorable together, as are the middle couple played by Ken Wulf Clark ( Noah) and Alysha Desloriex ( what a voice- her “My Days” is amazing). Watching this performance, I truly felt that these couples could in fact be the same persona as they aged and grew. I don’t want to give away all of it, but will tell you that Allie’s parents (Jerome Harmann-Hardeman & Rayna Hickman) feel that Noah is beneath what Allie should have and send him away.

Both go on with their lives, or so it seems, unknowing of what the other might be doing. We later find out that what they first felt is still alive and it doesn’t take much to bring it out, and as Older Noah reads on, Older Allie begins to see some of the light. Older Noah does have a stroke, but does recover and goes back to the center to be with her. A powerful finish to an amazing production that will take around 5 tissues. Incidentally, they have private label tissues available at the souvenir shop.

I, for one, feel that the ensemble for this company helps to make the flow of action truly work. Anne Tolpegin, Connor Richardson ( he is adorable as a Physical therapist who takes on the chore of Noah during his hospital stay) Alex Benoit, Jordi Bertran Ramirez, Nick Brogan, Aaron Ramey, Shari Washington Rhone, Samantha Rios, Grace Ohwensadeyo, Emily Some, and Joe Verga.

I was impressed with the original version at “The Yard”, but even more so with what they have done with this play, first taking it to Broadway, and then cleaning it up for its return to Chicago.. I am quite sensitive to love, and love loss, and only brought three tissues. Bring five, at least.

“The Notebook” will continue thru – Aug 16th with performances as follows: