The international stage premiere opens September 2026 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, marking a major milestone for Philippine theatre.
Theatre Group Asia (TGA) announces with great excitement the casting of acclaimed Filipino vocalist Morissette as Middle Allie in its upcoming production of The Notebook: The Musical, opening in September 2026 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater. Marking a significant milestone for Philippine theatre, the production will serve as the musical’s international premiere, placing Manila at the forefront of global stage storytelling
From page to stage
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 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 interpretation of the classic romance, exploring themes of memory, aging, and devotion with contemporary musical sensibilities.
Morissette: Asia’s Phoenix takes center spotlight
Clint Ramos, TGA’s Overall Artistic and Creative Director shares: “We are very honored to welcome Morissette to the TGA family. Casting Middle Allie is a tough process because the character’s songs are technically challenging as they are emotionally demanding. It takes a special kind of vocalist and actress to tackle this role. And we’re overjoyed Morissette welcomed the prospect. She’s spectacular!”
Morissette, widely known as “Asia’s Phoenix,” is a multi-award-winning Cebuana artist recognized for her extraordinary vocal range and commanding stage presence. Over a career spanning more than 15 years, she has established herself as one of the Philippines’ most celebrated performers. She first rose to national prominence through televised singing competitions before achieving international recognition with chart-topping songs, major concerts, and collaborations with global artists.
She previously appeared in the Philippine production of Camp Rock: The Musical and was among the first performers in S-PAT’s Favor Church and Circuit’s Blackbox Theater. In 2025, she celebrated her 15th anniversary with her solo concert Ember and made her film debut in Song of the Fireflies, earning Best Actress at the Manila International Film Festival.
Finding a personal connection
Reflecting on her return to the stage, Morissette shares: “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. I loved the film adaptation, and the songs from the musical are so beautiful and moving.”
She 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. She notes that the story resonated deeply, adding: “I really believe that to love and be loved is so empowering—it gives you the courage to take risks.”
For Morissette, the enduring appeal of The Notebook lies in its portrayal of love that evolves over time. She praises the musical’s score as “honest and sincere in portraying what the characters cannot simply say, very heartwarming yet powerful.” In preparing for the role, she has immersed herself in the material, returning to The Notebook for deeper insight and 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 says.
A new chapter in storytelling
Morissette hopes audiences will see a different dimension of her artistry:
“I want people to take away that I love storytelling just as much as I am capable of hitting big notes. This is very different from what I’m used to, but I’m willing to relearn the discipline of theater, especially with a material as beautiful as this.”
With Morissette as an integral part of the production, TGA’s The Notebook: The Musical is poised to be a landmark cultural event, uniting a globally celebrated story, contemporary musical voice, and defining Filipino artist for audiences in Manila and beyond.
For more information:
Visit TGA’s website: www.theatregroupasia.com
Instagram: @theatregroupasia
Facebook: Theatre Group Asia
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