Theatre Group Asia (TGA) brings one of the most beloved love stories of all time to the Philippine stage with the international premiere of The Notebook: The Musical, running September 3–20, 2026 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Circuit Makati. Based on Nicholas Sparks’ bestselling novel and the beloved 2004 film, the musical features music and lyrics by acclaimed singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson and a book by Bekah Brunstetter.
Photo: Theatre Group Asia (TGA)
Opening TGA’s 2026–2027 season, The Notebook: The Musical marks a significant milestone for Philippine theatre as the international premiere of the Broadway musical. The Manila staging brings together a stellar Filipino-led cast and creative team, placing Filipino artistry at the center of a story that has captivated audiences around the world.
The musical follows Allie and Noah, whose extraordinary love story unfolds across multiple stages of their lives. Through memory, time, separation, and the choices that shape a lifetime, The Notebook: The Musical explores what it means to love someone deeply, to grow alongside them, and to hold on to the stories that make us who we are.
At the center of the story are six performers who portray Allie and Noah at different stages of their lives. Philippine theater icon Celeste Legaspi takes on the role of Older Allie opposite acclaimed theater actor Rody Vera as Older Noah. Internationally acclaimed singer and performer Morissette stars as Middle Allie, with Laurence Mossman as Middle Noah. Completing the central trio are Sheena Belarmino as Young Allie and Benedix Ramos as Young Noah.
Rounding out the principal cast are Carla Guevara Laforteza as Mother, Floyd Tena as Father, Shaun Ocrisma as Fin, Jillian Itaas as Georgie, Felicity Kyle Napuli as Sarah, Markki Streom as Lon, Kathleen Francisco as Nurse Joanna, and Omar Uddin as Johnny.
The production also features a talented company of covers who bring versatility across multiple roles. Justine Narciso covers Young Allie and Sarah, while Albert Silos covers Young Noah and Fin. Katrine Sunga covers Middle Allie, Nurse Joanna, Concierge, and Georgie, while Edward Benosa covers Middle Noah, Lon, Nurse Tyler, and Johnny. Gimbey dela Cruz covers Older Allie, Mother, and Nurse Lori, while Jamie Wilson covers Older Noah, Father, and Son.
The Manila production is directed by Filipino-American theater director Nicholas Polonio, who returns to the Philippines to helm the international premiere. Based in New York City, Polonio is known for crafting emotionally rich productions and nuanced, deeply human performances. His directing credits include The Self Improvement and Male Preservation Society, or S.I.M.P.S., Mary Stuart, The Police, and POV: U Run Joe Biden’s TikTok, alongside development work with organizations including Ars Nova, New York Theatre Workshop, Ensemble Studio Theatre, Bedlam, Ma-Yi Theater Company, Williamstown Theatre Festival, Hangar Theatre, and Audible Theater.
A former New York Theatre Workshop 2050 Directing Fellow and Drama League Hangar Directing Fellow, Polonio has also participated in the Ma-Yi Writers Lab, Mercury Store Directors Lab, Roundabout Directors Group, Williamstown Theatre Festival Directing Corps, and Young Vic Genesis Directors program. He currently leads a directing seminar at New York University.
At the heart of the production is Ingrid Michaelson’s original score, which brings a contemporary musical sensibility to the timeless romance. Known for her intimate songwriting and emotionally resonant pop sound, Michaelson’s music gives voice to the characters’ memories, hopes, fears, and enduring devotion.
With a story that moves between youth and old age, The Notebook: The Musical examines love not simply as a grand romantic gesture, but as a choice made repeatedly across a lifetime. The production asks what remains when memory fades, circumstances change, and two people must find their way back to one another.
Performances run from September 3 to 20, 2026 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati. Tickets are available through TicketWorld, with prices ranging from ₱900 to ₱5,500.
Theatre Group Asia’s 2026–2027 season is made possible with the support of Ayala Land, BPI, and Philippine Airlines.
For more information, visit theatregroupasia.com, follow @theatregroupasia on Instagram, or visit the official Theatre Group Asia Facebook page.
The Notebook: The Musical features music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson, a book by Bekah Brunstetter, and is based on the novel by Nicholas Sparks.
