Anna Zavelson, Benji Santiago to join 'The Notebook' Broadway cast

Both actors will make their Broadway debuts in the musical adaptation of Nicholas Sparks's novel and the hit film, which is playing until December 15.

Gillian Russo
Gillian Russo

Anna Zavelson and Benji Santiago will join the cast of The Notebook on Broadway at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre next month, playing their first performance on October 8.

Zavelson is best known for playing Clara in New York City Center's limited-run Encores! production of The Light in the Piazza earlier this year. Santiago has starred as Usnavi in In The Heights at The Muny in St. Louis, Missouri.

Both now make their Broadway debuts in The Notebook as Younger Allie and Younger Noah, respectively. They replace original stars Jordan Tyson and John Cardoza, who will play their final performances on October 6.

The current Notebook cast also includes Tony Award winner Maryann Plunkett as Older Allie, Tony nominee Dorian Harewood as Older Noah, Joy Woods as Middle Allie, Ryan Vasquez as Middle Noah, Andréa Burns as Mother/Nurse Lori, and Carson Stewart as Johnny/Fin. The musical will play its final performance on December 15.

Adapted from Nicholas Sparks's 1996 romance novel and the hit film, The Notebook follows the lifetime of love shared between Noah and Allie, who overcome all kinds of obstacles to be together.

Photo credit: Anna Zavelson and Benji Santiago. (Photos courtesy of production)

Frequently asked questions

What is The Notebook: The Musical about?

Nicholas Sparks's enduring love story captivated audiences on the page and screen, and now it's a highly anticipated musical. Follow Noah and Allie as they fight to be together while class differences, war, and time try to pull them apart at every turn.

Where is The Notebook: The Musical playing?

The Notebook: The Musical is playing at Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre . The theatre is located at 236 West 45th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue), New York, 10036.

How long is The Notebook: The Musical?

The running time of The Notebook: The Musical is 2hr 20min. Incl. 15min intermission.

What's the age requirement for The Notebook: The Musical?

The recommended age for The Notebook: The Musical is Ages 10+. Children under 4 are not permitted in the theatre..

How do you book tickets for The Notebook: The Musical?

Book tickets for The Notebook: The Musical on New York Theatre Guide.

What are the songs in The Notebook on Broadway?

The Notebook includes songs with titles like "If This Is Love" and "Words." Ingrid Michaelson wrote the score, which is completely original for the musical.

Who wrote The Notebook musical?

The Notebook musical is written by indie musician Ingrid Michaelson (music and lyrics) and three-time This Is Us Emmy nominee Bekah Brunstetter (book). The musical is adapted from the 1996 novel by Nicholas Sparks.

Who directed The Notebook on Broadway?

Michael Greif and Schele Williams direct The Notebook on Broadway. Greif is a four-time Tony Award nominee for Rent, Next to Normal, Grey Gardens, and Dear Evan Hansen, and Williams is a veteran actor now making her Broadway directorial debut.

Is The Notebook appropriate for kids?

The Notebook is suitable for kids ages 10 and up. Please note that children 4 and younger are not permitted in Broadway theatres.

Is The Notebook good?

The Notebook show received critical acclaim for its Chicago premiere, so the many fans of the book and movie — or anyone looking for a moving, romantic musical — are sure to fall in love with The Notebook on Broadway.

Is The Notebook musical the same as the movie?

The Notebook is essentially the same as the movie and the book, featuring the same plot and characters. The main difference is the music — the stage show features a completely new score full of original songs.

Originally published on

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