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“The Notebook,” the new musical based on the 1996 Nicholas Sparks novel and the hit 2004 movie, is headed to Broadway next spring, producer Kevin McCullom announced Thursday in New York. The show, which has Bekah Brunstetter’s book and Ingrid Michaelson’s score, had its premiere at The Yard at Chicago Shakespeare Theater on Navy Pier last October.
The show was a big hit with audiences in Chicago, many of whom were drawn by the popularity of the movie, famous for a soggy lovemaking scene between characters played by Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, along with a heart-tugging narrative. But the updated show successfully found a harder edge than the movie; Michaelson’s score was an unusual but highly successful song suite, notable as much for its dramatic drive as its romantic sweep. Michaelson (”The Way I Am” and “Girls Chase Boys”) is currently known as a singer-songwriter rather than a Broadway composer; her work in “The Notebook” likely will change that perception.
Michael Greif and Schele Williams, who co-directed the show in Chicago, are remaining with the project, as is choreographer Katie Spelman, who recently directed “Once” at Writers Theatre and whose early career has been in Chicago. Casting has yet to be announced.
Chicago theaters may well send two major new musicals that were hits in the city to Broadway next season: “The Notebook” will open March 14 at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre, 236 W. 45th St., and the Goodman Theatre’s sold-out production of “The Who’s Tommy” appears likely to be joining the lineup, although no plans have yet been announced.
Chris Jones is a Tribune critic.