The Notebook, now playing at the Fabulous Fox Theatre through November 16, is more than a love story. It’s a reminder of how deep connection can last, even when memory fades.
Based on Nicholas Sparks’ novel, this stage version could have felt predictable. Instead, it’s beautifully done. The direction by Michael Greif and Schele Williams keeps it moving with warmth and care. The music by Ingrid Michaelson gives the story a modern soul. Each song feels honest, gentle, and full of feeling.
Three pairs of actors play Allie and Noah at different ages. Watching their lives overlap on stage feels like time folding in on itself. You see love growing, breaking, and returning, all at once. The staging is simple but powerful. The older Allie and Noah looking at their younger selves hit me right in the chest.
The performances are stunning. Each actor brings truth and tenderness. The chemistry between them makes every small moment matter. The music blends so naturally that you forget you’re watching a musical.
As a queer person, I found myself unexpectedly wrecked by this show. Not just because it’s a story about romantic love, but because it’s a story about recognition. About being remembered for who you truly are, even when the world or your own mind tries to make you forget. There’s a moment when all the versions of Allie and Noah stand together, and it’s as if the theater itself takes a breath. That image of love transcending time and memory lands expertly. For anyone who has ever had to fight to be seen, this show lands differently. It reminds us that the heart doesn’t care about categories, timelines, or expectations. It just remembers.
The history & grandness of The Fabulous Fox make the show feel timeless, but the performances make it feel personal. I looked around during the final scene and saw people wiping tears, smiling softly. We were all holding our hearts together in that dark room.
If you go expecting a sad romance, you’ll get that and something more. You’ll get a story about memory, forgiveness, and finding your way back. It’s about love that stays, even when everything else fades.
Bring tissues, of course. But also bring your whole heart. The Notebook at the Fox isn’t just a show… it’s a quiet, beautiful reminder that love, in all its forms, endures. Click the image below for tickets & more info.
The Notebook plays The Fabulous Fox Theatre through November 16th. Visit Metrotix.com for tickets & more information!
