Morissette Returns to Musical Theater as Middle Allie in 'The Notebook'

Theatre Group Asia (TGA) announced on Sunday the casting of Filipino vocalist Morissette as Middle Allie in the upcoming Manila staging of The Notebook: The Musical, which opens in September at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater.

This marks the performer's return to the musical theater stage, with her previous roles including Mitchie Torres in Repertory Philippines' staging of Disney's Camp Rock: The Musical (2012) and Darla in original Filipino musical Chuva Choo Choo - Mr. Kupido Musicale (2015). Morissette made her film debut as Alma Taldo in King Palisoc's Song of the Fireflies (Manila International Film Festival, 2025), a musical drama film based on the true story of the world-renowned Loboc Children’s Choir from Bohol. Her performance earned her the Best Actress award.

"First and foremost, I’m so excited to be returning to the theater 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 theater," she says in a press statement, adding that she felt both surprised and deeply grateful to be entrusted with the role of Middle Allie. Having long admired the story, she notes, "I loved the film adaptation, and the songs from the musical are so beautiful and moving."

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The Notebook: The Musical is a stage adaptation of Nicholas Sparks’ beloved novel, featuring music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson and a Tony-nominated book by Bekah Brunstetter. The musical debuted in 2022 at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater under the direction of Michael Greif and Schele Williams, then went on to Broadway, where it received three Tony nominations.

While the story is widely recognized through its 2004 film adaptation starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, the stage version expands the narrative by portraying Allie and Noah across multiple stages of their lives, offering a layered perspective on how love matures, fractures, and ultimately endures. Praised for its emotional restraint and lyrical storytelling, the musical presents a more intimate and reflective interpretation of the classic romance, exploring themes of memory, aging, and devotion with contemporary musical sensibilities.

Morissette finds a personal connection in Middle Allie's character, describing her as "free-spirited and strong-willed," qualities she relates to in her own life. "I tend to take risks in my professional and personal life, and I fight for what I believe in," she explains. As she immersed herself in the material, Morissette shares that the story resonated on a deeper level. "When I started studying it, it hit a little close to home. I really believe that to love and be loved is so empowering—it gives you the courage to take risks."

For the artist, the enduring appeal of The Notebook lies in its portrayal of love that evolves over time. "Love conquers all, especially when it stands the test of time, as Allie and Noah’s does. I love how the story shows them across different generations and how their relationship grows and changes through the years," she says. She also highlights the musical’s score as a defining element, describing it as "honest and sincere in portraying what the characters cannot simply say, very heartwarming yet powerful."

In preparing for the role, Morissette has taken an immersive approach, returning to The Notebook for deeper insight into the characters and narrative while continuously engaging with the musical’s soundtrack. “I’ve been physically and vocally preparing myself to step into Middle Allie’s shoes and voice,” she shares.

The Notebook: The Musical opens on September 3 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati. Ticket prices range from P900 to P5,500. Available through Ticketworld starting April 24, with early access from April 20 to 22 for BPI cardholders and on April 23 for TGA sign-ups.

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