Acclaimed Filipino-American theatre director Nicholas Polonio will be directing the upcoming production of ‘The Notebook, The Musical’ by Theatre Group Asia (TGA).

Based in New York City, Polonio is one of the most exciting Filipino theater artists working internationally today. Known for crafting emotionally rich productions with nuanced, deeply human performances, Polonio has built a distinguished career directing new plays and musicals while collaborating with many of the United States’ leading theater companies and cultural institutions.

His directing credits include ‘The Self Improvement and Male Preservation Society, or S.I.M.P.S.’ plus ‘Mary Stuart,’ ‘The Police,’ and ‘POV: U Run Joe Biden’s TikTok.’ As an associate director, Polonio has worked alongside some of today’s most celebrated theatremakers on acclaimed productions, including ‘Slave Play,’ ‘Hamlet,’ ‘X: The Life and Times of Malcolm X,’ ‘A Long Day’s Journey Into Night,’ and ‘A Streetcar Named Desire.’

Most recently, he completed the critically acclaimed production of ‘La Cage aux Folles’ starring Billy Porter and Wayne Brady at the New York City Center.

Yet before pursuing directing, Polonio received a National YoungArts Award for Spoken Theater as an actor. He earned his BFA in Acting from Rutgers University, and currently leads a directing seminar at New York University.

“We are thrilled to welcome Nicholas home to direct the international premiere of ‘The Notebook The Musical,’ said TGA overall artistic and creative director Clint Ramos.

“His remarkable artistry, international experience, and gift for revealing the complexity of human relationships make him the ideal director to bring this extraordinary story to Philippine audiences.”

‘The Notebook The Musical’

Featuring music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson and a book by Bekah Brunstetter, ‘The Notebook The Musical’ is based on Nicholas Sparks’ bestselling novel and the beloved film adaptation. The musical tells the timeless story of Allie and Noah, whose enduring love transcends the passage of time, memory, and life’s greatest challenges. 

Previously announced leads include Morissette as Middle Allie, Sheena Belarmino as Young Allie, and Philippine musical icon Celeste Legaspi in the role of Older Allie. London-based Laurence Mossman is set to play Middle Noah, Benedix Ramos as Young Noah, and acclaimed veteran artist Rody Vera as Older Noah. 

Further information

Globally renowned and locally celebrated Filipino artists intent on cultivating connections and engaging with Filipino audiences make up the powerhouse collective of Theatre Group Asia. It is led by Tony Award-winning creative visionary Clint Ramos, Executive Director Christopher Mohnani, co-producers John and Joanna Echauz; and co-founded by the late multi-awarded stage impresario Bobby Garcia.

Past productions include ‘Request sa Radyo,’ ‘Into The Woods,’ and ‘A Chorus Line.’

For more information, visit TGA’s website www.theatregroupasia.com, Instagram @theatregroupasia, or Facebook page https://www.facebook.com/theatregroupasia. 

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