Stage Takes

No surprise here, another stunning performance at The Pantages Theater. The Nicholas Sparks novel, The Notebook, which also became a film, got adapted into a musical production by Chicago Shakespeare Theater. The story follows a lifelong love story, in three different stages of these characters lives, how love will heal all. I remember, a decade ago, a fellow acting student said to me, “If you need to cry, then watch The Notebook.” And boy did this make us cry at several points in the production. Each actor carried the songs with their beautiful voice and the ensemble worked well together. The plot stayed noble to the film, keeping it grounded in reality and limiting fourth-wall breaking dance numbers. One of my few after thoughts is that it could have been done without intermission. The audience was blown away. Me, I could not stop comparing it to the film. It was entertainment for me. Of course, I am left with the message of love, the modern day fairy tale.

Perhaps this invites a new discussion, movies turned into musicals, do they work? I can’t say I have seen very many of them but would love to hear your thoughts. I would also love to see a cult classic film, one that few know about, turned into a musical.