It’s been almost fifteen years since The Notebook was released.
And from that moment, hopeless romantics across the globe fell head-over-heels for the story of Allie and Noah.
People continue to pay tribute to the beloved film couple through anniversary photoshoots, proposals and date nights.
Which is why fans of the film are going to be particularly happy to find out the story – based on the 1996 Nicolas Sparks noel of the same name – is headed from the big screen to the stage.
Yes, that’s right: The Notebook is coming to Broadway.
“I’m writing a musical … and the musical is ‘The Notebook.’”@ingridmusic had a DELIGHTFUL announcement today!!! 🙌🙌🙌 pic.twitter.com/3s9RelDMIp
— TODAY with Hoda & Jenna (@HodaAndJenna) January 3, 2019
Songwriter Ingrid Michaelson announced the news while she was co-hosting the Today show on Thursday, confirming that she will be composing the score for the show.
Kevin McCollum and Kurt Deutsch will be producing the show in association with Nicholas Sparks. Meanwhile, This Is Us writer and producer Bekah Brunstetter is writing the musical’s book.
Brunstetter said in a statement [via People]:
“When I first heard about The Notebook potentially being turned into a musical, I was instantly drawn to the idea.
“The story hits home for me in two big ways: it takes place in my home state of North Carolina, and Alzheimer’s runs deep in my family. I was sent a few songs Ingrid had already written for it, and that week, I spent my drives to and from work car-listening, memorizing, imagining the story unfold with music, imagining how I might layer worlds, dramatize memory, and before I even knew that I had to write the book for this, it was already starting to happen in my head.
“The older you get, it seems, the more invisible you become, and yet, you have SO much to say — so putting an older couple at the forefront of a musical is thrilling to me. I am so excited to continue collaborating with Ingrid on bringing this beautiful story to life in a new way.”
Meanwhile, Michaelson added:
“When I was approached about working on The Notebook I had to excuse myself and go to the bathroom and cry and come back into the meeting.
“I have loved the movie and the story for so many years now that the idea of turning it into a musical overwhelmed me.
“The concept of unending devotion and love wrapped up in memory and family is something very close to my own personal life.
“The story sings to me so perfectly. I actually started writing that very night of the first meeting, before I even had the job! I cannot wait for the world to hear these characters come to life in a musical way.”
