Morissette, rising theater talents join the cast for the international stage premiere of The Notebook

Theatre Group Asia (TGA) announces with great excitement the casting of acclaimed Filipino vocalist Morissette as Middle Allie and rising theater and screen talents Sheena Belarmino and Benedix Ramos as Young Allie and Young Noah, respectively, in the company’s 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.

Opening TGA’s 2026-27 season, 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, 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, known for her powerful live vocals and her ability to connect deeply with audiences through music and storytelling.

Morissette rose to national prominence through televised singing competitions before achieving international recognition with chart-topping songs, major concert productions, and collaborations with global artists such as Michael Bolton, Ben Adams, and Alan Menken. Her career has taken her to sold-out venues across North America, Europe, the Middle East, and Asia. She previously appeared in the Philippine production of Camp Rock: The Musical, marking an early step into theatre. She was also one of the first performers who launched Circuit’s Blackbox Theater when she appeared in The Mister Kupido Musical, and was likewise one of the first performers in S-PAT with Favor Church. In 2025, she celebrated her 15th anniversary with Ember, a landmark solo concert. She also made her film debut in Song of the Fireflies that year, earning Best Actress at the Manila International Film Festival.

Ramos is an actor, singer-songwriter, and host who first gained national recognition through Pinoy Big Brother Kumunity Season 10: Celebrity Edition and has since built a diverse portfolio spanning screen and stage. His theatre credits include Tabing Ilog: The Musical, Next to Normal, and Bar Boys: The Musical, where his performance earned him a Gawad Buhay nomination for Best Male Lead in a Musical. He was also recognized with the Emerging Talent Award by the Manila Society of Theater Reviewers.

Belarmino, meanwhile, is a singer, dancer, actress, and host who began her career in major reality competitions before becoming a regular performer on ASAP. She has steadily built her theatre credentials with roles in One More Chance: The Musical, Tabing Ilog: The Musical, Next to Normal, and Bar Boys: The Musical, most recently taking on Wendla Bergmann in Spring Awakening. Her performance in One More Chance earned her a Gawad Buhay nomination for Outstanding Female Featured Performance in a Musical. 

The casting reflects TGA’s commitment to assembling a multi-generational ensemble capable of capturing the sweeping emotional scope of the musical, which is celebrated for its intimate storytelling and its portrayal of love as it evolves through youth, adulthood, and old age. The international stage premiere of The Notebook: The Musical in Manila is poised to be a landmark cultural event, one that brings together a globally celebrated story, a contemporary musical voice, and Filipino artists in a production that promises to resonate deeply with the Philippine audience and beyond.

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For more information, visit TGA’s website, Instagram, or Facebook page. 

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