Broadway Review: THE NOTEBOOK - Bored & Confused

[@willsingleton2373]

Saw the final preview of this. I had seen the movie and knew the story but wasn't really a fan. I'm not a romance person by any means and I've never understood the craze around The Notebook. But I have to say I actually really enjoyed this show. The production to me was just excellent. I've read lots of comments about the water effects being lame but I actually thought they looked incredible. Maybe it was from where I was sitting? Idk. I thought they lit the water really well (like the rain scene). I appreciated them working through the logistics of actually using lots of water onstage and drenching the actors instead of using cheap projectors or just a little bit of water. I thought the performances were also wonderful, Especially from Maryann Plunkett and Joy Woods. I thought Joy Woods would have gotten a Tony nom for sure!

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

But did the water come out of your eyes at the end?

[@willsingleton2373]

@@MatthewHardyMusical Haha! Actually, no. I didn't cry but I was moved more than I thought I would be especially for not really liking the other versions of this story.

[@stevex2490]

To me the only thing makes the hopeless story effective at some points is Maryann Plunkett’s extraordinary performance. She saved the show.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Her Tony nom is well deserved.

[@foreignparticle1320]

I also went into this show unfamiliar with the story. It took me ages to figure out what was going on (or who was who) because of the colourblind thing. I don't know why they didn't just make one of the characters Black and the other White... it would have worked well with the narrative, particularly considering when it was set. Otherwise, I found the music terribly bland and the water effects a bit gimmicky. And why oh WHY did the writer/director insist on doing that Broadway thing where everyone has to come back on stage for the final emotionally-rousing number, as if to put an underline and exclamation point on the night's proceedings? Totally killed what should have been a powerfully poignant fade-to-black moment. Maryann Plunkett however was terrific, and she should absolutely win the Tony.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

I've heard this from other people that they were confused by the color blind casting. I wasn't confused because I understood who was who from the costuming, but it does seem like an arbitrary choice that unnecessarily confuses the audience. Maryann is wonderful and I think she has good chemistry with Darien Harewood.

[@scottdavis7730]

Love this review because I agree with it! I was bored, though. I cried, but I vomited as well, so there's that. The water was such a gimmick, obviously designed to put on posters in Times Square to attract unsuspecting tourists. The acting was everything I expect in a Broadway musical but I need more than ballads and solos to keep my attention, so I was bored. If Lifetime or Hallmark made a Broadway musical, this would be it. Given the plot, you'd have to be six feet under not to cry, but it's such an easy cry. It always seemed unearned. Looking forward to your other reviews. I rely heavily on these reviews to make my choices when I travel to NY. I wish I'd watched this before my most recent trip!

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Wow. There were so many fluids coming out of you! Did you sh!t your pants as well? Sounds like you needed a walk in the rain afterwards. Just to rinse off.😛

[@AnonymousAnonymous-he7re]

Words of advice. When doing a review, do not give away the ending and other plot points.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

Thanks for the advice! I’ll definitely give a spoiler alerts or speak more cryptically on future videos.

[@JosephNYC66]

After your description of the story, I think I'll skip this one. It's the reason I hate WEST SIDE STORY. They fall in love in one right and all that shit happens? Give me a break. Ugh. And I have other issues with the colorblind casting but at least they dress them in the same colors. However, I did like the cast recording. The music is very nice but I'll pass.

[@MatthewHardyMusical]

West Side Story gets a pass because it's based on Romeo and Juliet and that's what Shakespeare wanted. But I think it works in R&J and WSS because the show isn't about everlasting love. It's about how the hatred between the families (gangs) of these two lovers results in the death of their children.

[@JosephNYC66]

@@MatthewHardyMusical I suppose, but it still bothers me. lol