Cover The principal cast of ‘The Notebook: The Musical’ (Photo: Facebook / Theatre Group Asia)
The principal cast of ‘The Notebook: The Musical’ (Photo: Facebook / Theatre Group Asia)
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The highly anticipated international English premiere of ‘The Notebook: The Musical’ this September 2026 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater features a powerhouse multi-generational Filipino cast
Marking a significant milestone for Philippine theatre, Theatre Group Asia (TGA) has announced the staging of The Notebook: The Musical to open its 2026–2027 season. Based on the beloved novel by Nicholas Sparks, this stage adaptation features music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson and a Tony-nominated book by Bekah Brunstetter. The production expands upon the widely recognised 2004 film adaptation by portraying the protagonists, Allie and Noah, across three distinct stages of their lives, offering a layered perspective on how love matures, fractures and ultimately endures. Praised for its lyrical storytelling, the musical presents a deeply intimate interpretation of the classic romance, exploring themes of memory, ageing and devotion.
Read more: Nothing will stop Filipina singer-songwriter Morissette from singing—not even her past setbacks
Above Rody Vera and Celeste Legaspi as Older Noah and Older Allie, respectively (Photo: Facebook / Theatre Group Asia)
Rody Vera and Celeste Legaspi as Older Noah and Older Allie, respectively (Photo: Facebook / Theatre Group Asia)
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Taking on the poignant roles of Older Allie and Older Noah are two titans of the Philippine performing arts: Celeste Legaspi and Rody Vera.
Legaspi, a defining figure in Filipino music and theatre, brings a deeply personal connection to her character. “My family suffered when my mother got sick with Alzheimer’s for 10 years. It was one of the most difficult times in our lives. Although remembering that is painful, it will be my responsibility to honour my mother by bringing understanding and compassion to my role,” Legaspi shares.
Vera, an acclaimed playwright, actor and screenwriter with over four decades of cultural influence, anchors the narrative’s themes of enduring devotion. He reflects, “The Notebook reminds us that love is not only found in grand gestures but in the choices we make every day to remember, to stay, and to care with patience and loyalty.”
Above Laurence Mossman and Morissette as Middle Noah and Middle Allie, respectively (Photo: Facebook / Theatre Group Asia)
Laurence Mossman and Morissette as Middle Noah and Middle Allie, respectively (Photo: Facebook / Theatre Group Asia)
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The pivotal middle years of the couple’s romance will be portrayed by multi-award-winning vocalist Morissette and Filipino-Kiwi performer Laurence Mossman.
Widely known as “Asia’s Phoenix”, Morissette notes that stepping into the role of Middle Allie marks a meaningful return to her theatrical roots. “First and foremost, I’m so excited to be returning to the theatre stage after almost a decade, and to be working with TGA on The Notebook: The Musical. The opportunity came at a perfect time because I had already been thinking about going back to theatre,” she reveals.
Playing opposite her as Middle Noah is Mossman, a London-based talent whose impressive international résumé includes critically praised performances in Miss Saigon and Kinky Boots. “This story has touched audiences around the world because of its honesty, heart and humanity. I’m excited to bring Middle Noah’s journey to life alongside this extraordinary cast and creative team,” Mossman adds.
Above Benedix Ramos and Sheena Belarmino as Young Noah and Young Allie, respectively (Photo: Facebook / Theatre Group Asia)
Benedix Ramos and Sheena Belarmino as Young Noah and Young Allie, respectively (Photo: Facebook / Theatre Group Asia)
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Bringing the fervour and innocence of first love to the stage are rising talents Sheena Belarmino as Young Allie and Benedix Ramos as Young Noah, who both recently starred in Eljay Castro Deldoc’s translation of Quiara Alegría Hudes’s Yemaya.
Belarmino, a familiar face on television and stage, is celebrated for her powerful vocals and recently earned a Gawad Buhay nomination for her performance in One More Chance: The Musical. Ramos, an actor and singer-songwriter who gained national recognition through Pinoy Big Brother, will lend his emotional depth and contemporary sensibility to Noah’s formative years.
Read more: ‘A Chorus Line’ (2026) stamps Theatre Group Asia’s position in the local theatre scene
Above Taking on the poignant roles of Older Allie and Older Noah are two titans of the Philippine performing arts: Celeste Legaspi and Rody Vera (Photo: Facebook / Theatre Group Asia)
Above Bringing the fervour and innocence of first love to the stage are rising talents Sheena Belarmino as Young Allie and Benedix Ramos as Young Noah (Photo: Facebook / Theatre Group Asia)
Taking on the poignant roles of Older Allie and Older Noah are two titans of the Philippine performing arts: Celeste Legaspi and Rody Vera (Photo: Facebook / Theatre Group Asia)
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The principal leads are joined by a stellar supporting cast, including Kathleen Francisco as Nurse Joanna, Shaun Ocrisma as Fin, Jillian Ita-as as Georgie, Carla Guevara Laforteza as Allie’s Mom, Floyd Tena as Allie’s Dad, Markki Stroem as Lon, Felicity Kyle Napuli as Sarah and Omar Uddin as Johnny.
Ensuring the production runs flawlessly is a robust cover cast featuring Justine Narciso (covering Young Allie and Sarah), Albert Silos (covering Young Noah and Fin), Katrine Sunga (covering Middle Allie, Nurse Joanna/Concierge, and Georgie), Edward Benosa (covering Middle Noah, Lon/Nurse Tyler, and Johnny), Gimbey dela Cruz (covering Older Allie and Mother/Nurse Lori) and Jamie Wilson (covering Older Noah and Father/Son).
Above Poster of Theatre Group Asia’s September 2026 offering, ‘The Notebook: The Musical’
Poster of Theatre Group Asia’s September 2026 offering, ‘The Notebook: The Musical’
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Helmed by a creative alliance led by Tony Award-winning visionary Clint Ramos and executive director Christopher Mohnani, TGA continues its mission to present world-class theatre by Filipinos for Filipinos. Speaking on the production’s extraordinary casting, Clint Ramos remarks, “It is our honour to have a Philippine icon play the role of Older Allie. This is a dream casting for us. Ms Celeste Legaspi is a titan in the musical theatre industry and Philippine music in general. She brings gravitas and wisdom to the role, and we can’t wait for the Philippine audience to see another side of this legendary artist.”
With this monumental assembly of talent, The Notebook promises to be a landmark cultural event in Manila this coming September.
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About
Before assuming the Art and Culture Editor position, Franz has always had a penchant for visual and performing arts. He is passionate about exploring and writing about the local cultural scene and rediscovering the country’s storied past and rich heritage. Besides working on this luxury lifestyle magazine, Franz is an avid book reader, local traveller, museum-goer, chorister, and community theatre playwright.
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Franz earned a degree in Journalism from the University of Santo Tomas. He writes about local visual and performing artists and their craft; drinks wines, liquors, and spirits and talks about the creativity of their respective winemakers and master blenders; tries to learn more about business and investments; respects the tradition and artistry that go behind the making of watches and jewellery; and appreciates the genius of architecture and creative design.
As head of Tatler Philippines’ pool of writers, he helps them bring impactful and socially relevant stories to light.
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