Tears, Music, and Memory: The Notebook Is In Cleveland

Some stories never lose their ability to tug at the heart, and The Notebook has proven to be one of them. On Friday night, September 12th, The Notebook became the musical, kicking off the 2025-2026 KeyBank State Theater Broadway Series line-up. Adapted from Nicholas Sparks’ novel and beloved film, The Notebook kicks off its national tour in Cleveland, giving us the first chance to experience this in a new light. The overall production left a heartfelt and bittersweet impression.

To convey the story’s emotional impact, the production leaned heavily on the atmosphere. The lights shifted between soft blue, warm orange, and bright white, creating a mix that felt cozy, heartfelt, and a little sad. That color scheme made Allie and Noah’s relationship feel even deeper and turned the quieter scenes into something meaningful. The set itself was simple, but that worked in its favor because it kept the focus on the actors and their emotions. 

The music was really the heart of the show, tying together all the romance, heartbreak, and longing. Many of the songs hit hard emotionally, especially the duets, which showcased just how close Allie and Noah were. The score mostly worked in capturing both the joy of young love and the pain of how fragile it can be. The moment that got the loudest applause was “My Days,” sung by Alysha Deslorieux as middle-aged Allie. As soon as the spotlight hit her, she held that last note so beautifully that it was honestly breathtaking. She completely nailed the delivery, and it ended up being one of the standout moments of the night. 

Schele Williams and Michael Greif‘s direction was primarily responsible for the show’s resonance. Their vision grounded the story in memory and quiet devotion, bringing intimacy to a tale that could have easily veered into melodrama. Instead of reenacting the movie, Williams and Greif transformed the production into a unique theatrical experience through staging, pacing, and meticulous attention to detail. Their decisions gave the narrative a sense of immediacy and vitality, reminding viewers that theater has its own language for describing grief and love. 

The audience’s reaction demonstrated just how deeply the story resonated with people. There were moments where you could hear people sniffling in the background or see them wipe away their tears. The applause at the end was huge. Even after the show, as people walk outside, you can hear them going on and on about what they witnessed. One audience member said, “The moment the show started, I felt a lump in my chest.” That quote alone sums this musical up perfectly; it hits people on a really emotional level.

In the end, The Notebook was a heartfelt take on a story so many people already know and love. The mix of music, staging, and direction made it feel fresh while still holding on to the emotions that make Allie and Noah’s story so powerful. It’s definitely not a show for kids; it’s more suitable for teens and adults who can connect with the romance and the more mature themes about love and memory. 

Having Cleveland be the first stop on the national tour made the night feel extra special, and judging by the audience’s reaction, this musical is set to leave people emotional in every city it visits. The Notebook runs until the 27th of September at Playhouse Square.