The only thing I knew about The Notebook musical was from what I’ve seen on the movie poster with the same name. That poster shows a wet Ryan Gossling and Rachel McAdams embracing in the rain. I also remember how popular the book by Nicholas Sparks was back when I worked at a Barnes and Noble. The book flew off the shelf. Since I never saw the movie or read the book, I knew very little about the plot.
is about two young lovers from different social classes falling in love. The story follows the characters during three different stages of their lives. An emotional roller coaster unfolds on the stage as each part of the characters’ lives encounters an obstacle.
The first obstacle is Allie’s parents. They want nothing more than their beloved daughter to marry rich to ensure a stable life. Noah is a carpenter that works in a lumber yard with no plans for a future.
The second obstacle is time. Noah and Allie reunite once again, but at a different stage in life. Allie has her plans laid out for her, even though Noah and Allie have longed to be in one another’s arms. Circumstances have kept them from being together, but now they must figure out what’s next.
The third obstacle is the frailty of the mind. Allie battles dementia and Noah wants her to remember him one last time. Throughout the musical, Noah reads a notebook filled with Allie’s writings in hope love will be mutual once again.
The entire musical is emotional. I sat in my seat, fighting back tears as couples around me consoled one another. It is a beautiful show about pursing love with patience. The songs are beautiful and the performances are great. Each character strikes a chord with the audience and pulls you in.
I wasn’t planning on seeing The Notebook, but I’m so glad I did. I originally planned on seeing another show, but that performance was cancelled. Since I had little time to find a new show, I went across the street to the box office at The Notebook and bought a single ticket. Not knowing the plot of the film and the book made for surprises, and kept me on the edge of my seat. I am told the musical is a little different from the movie and closer to the book.
Even though I loved seeing the show alone, it’s a “date night” kind of musical. Couples in love surrounded me, guiding one another through the emotional story. One couple sitting next to me cuddled during some tear-inducing scenes and the couple in front of me gripped one another and offered support throughout the show. You don’t have to be in a relationship to enjoy the show, but would make for a nice romantic evening.
If you follow my blog, you know I like to help parents decide if a show is right for their children. Parents know best what is appropriate for their kids, so this is more to let you know what to expect in The Notebook.
There is no violence in The Notebook and there is some swearing. There are adult themes in the show, which is why parents might not want to bring their kids. The characters have implied sex in two scenes. Allie and Noah embrace one another passionately in a couple of scenes, and it’s obvious what they are about to do. The romantic duo are seen in their underwear in both scenes.
Teenagers should be fine seeing the show. If you don’t regularly discuss sex in your home, then you might be a little uncomfortable during those scenes. I would not have a problem with any of my kids seeing the show. My youngest is 8 and she would be fine since most discussions would go over her head. The sex scenes are passionate, but not gratuitously. I think my 12-year-old would enjoy the show, but he loves musical theater and wants to be an actor one day. My 17-year-old would love the show and I will definitely take her.
I’m glad my night of theater worked out the way it did. I loved The Notebook and I think all audiences will. I’m usually not a fan of romantic musicals and feel sometimes they appear cheesy. I did not feel that way while watching The Notebook. The show is funny at times, heartbreaking at times, and emotional throughout.
The Notebook is on the stage at the Imperial Theater at 249 West 45th st.
For tickets, click here.
Here are other shows that I’ve reviewed:
Broadway
Chicago
The Notebook Musical
Moulin Rouge
Book of Mormon
Kinky Boots
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Six on Broadway
Spider-Man Turn Off the Dark
Big Fish
Grug at the New Victory Theater
MJ the Musical
Sunset Boulevard
This story is about being a former actor and watching Hamilton on Broadway: Throwing Away My Shot and Hitting a More Fulfilled Life
Things to do in New York City:
Museum of Ice Cream is Fun and Delicious
Wonderland Dream: Where Visitors Become Art
Spyscape: Spying and solving in NYC
Visiting Madame Tussauds
Batman X at Spycape
Rise NY
History of the Liberty Pole in City Hall Park
History of Bowling Green’s Fence
Visiting St. Paul’s Chapel
Gaming at the Paley Center
Harry Potter NY
Great Jones Distilling
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child
Moulin Rouge on Broadway
Unmarked Slave Burial Ground
Hamilton Dueling Grounds
List of Museums in NYC that are free or have suggested prices
Visiting the Guggenheim with my Toddler
Visiting the MoMA with Kids
Visiting Hamilton Grange
Visiting Grant’s Tomb
Visiting the American Girl Store
Arlene’s Grocery is a great place to catch up and coming stars
Visiting Mercer Labs is Like Walking Through a Dream
Making Memories with the Harlem Globetrotters
Cultural Diversity is on Display at RiseNY