Rehearsals have begun for the new Broadway musical The Notebook, based on the bestselling novel by Nicholas Sparks that inspired the iconic film. The production begins previews Saturday, February 10 ahead of a Thursday, March 14 opening night at the Schoenfeld Theatre (236 W. 45th Street, NYC), where the box office is now open for ticket sales.The cast of The Notebook features Tony Award®-winner Maryann Plunkett as Older Allie, Dorian Harewood as Older Noah, Joy Woods as Middle Allie, Ryan Vasquez as Middle Noah, Jordan Tyson as Younger Allie, and John Cardoza as Younger Noah. Playing various roles are Andréa Burns, Yassmin Alers, Alex Benoit, Chase Del Rey, Hillary Fisher, Jerome Harmann-Hardeman, Dorcas Leung, Happy McPartlin, Juliette Ojeda, Kim Onah, Carson Stewart, Charles E. Wallace and Charlie Webb.
Produced by Kevin McCollum and Kurt Deutsch, The Notebook features music and lyrics by multi-platinum singer-songwriter Ingrid Michaelson and a book by playwright Bekah Brunstetter (writer and producer on NBC’s “This Is Us,” The Cake). The production is directed by Michael Greif (Dear Evan Hansen, Next to Normal, RENT) and Schele Williams (Aida, The Wiz), with choreography by Katie Spelman (Associate Choreographer on Moulin Rouge! The Musical). www.NotebookMusical.com
Phoenix Theatre Ensemble is mounting the Marilyn Campbell and Curt Columbus adaptation of Dostoyevsky’s “Crime and Punishment,” which plays January 19 to 28, 2024 at Gural Theatre of A.R.T/New York Theatres, 502 West 53rd Street. The production compresses the tension and pathos of the famed Russian novel into a powerful 90 minute, three-actor play that is fresh and faithful to the original. Performances are Tuesdays through Saturdays at 7:00 PM and Sundays at 3:00 PM. The Running time is 90 minutes. www.phoenixtheatreensemble.org
Park Avenue Armory announced details for the highly anticipated New York City premiere of Illinoise, the theatrical adaption of Grammy- and Oscar-nominated Sufjan Stevens’ concept album Illinois, which will be staged in the Armory’s massive Wade Thompson Drill Hall March 2 thru 23. Stevens’ beloved cult classic is brought to life with live music and vocals, impressionistic choreography, and narratives centering on self-exploration and community, crafted by Tony Award-winning director-choreographer Justin Peck (Steven Spielberg’s West Side Story, Carousel) and Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Jackie Sibblies Drury (Fairview, Marys Seacole).
A full company of performers will bring an original story to life, set to the entirety of Stevens’ album with new arrangements by composer, pianist, and frequent Stevens collaborator Timo Andres, ranging in style from DIY folk and indie rock to marching band and ambient electronics, performed live by an 11-member band and three vocalists. Illinoise will take over the soaring Drill Hall, eliminating a traditional proscenium and inviting audiences to gather in a clearing around the work’s campfire setting with enveloping scenic elements. www.armorypark.org
Jeremy McCarter has been chosen to succeed Tappan Wilder, the longtime Executive Director of Wilder’s unparalleled library, which is already set to have another high-profile year with the upcoming revivals of HELLO, DOLLY! on the West End, and OUR TOWN on Broadway. As well, this year, the premiere of Kirk Lynn’s reconstruction of Wilder’s unfinished play EMPORIUM will open at the Alley Theatre. This marks the first time in nearly 30 years that a non-Wilder family member has served as Literary Executor.
Featured Photo: The cast of Illinoise at the Fisher Center at Bard. Photo by Matt Murphy.
