To say that Anne Tolpegin has her share of costume changes during the touring production of The Notebook is an understatement.
Tolpegin has to quickly change her costume, wig and makeup 17 times as she toggles between her two roles — Allie’s mom and Nurse Lori.
“In the production, older Allie confuses the nurse with her mother. So, I have to go off the stage as one character and come back as another,” she says. “It’s a fun challenge. It keeps the pace at a quick tempo.”
Playing Altria Theater from November 3 to 8, The Notebook is a new musical based on the best-selling novel from Nicholas Sparks that inspired the iconic film, one of the highest-grossing romantic dramas of all time.
The show’s main characters, Allie and Noah, are two people from different worlds, but they share a lifetime of love despite the forces that threaten to pull them apart.
Getting a Role that Reflects Life
Tolpegin is a fan of Sparks’ books and had auditioned for the Broadway company when the show opened at the Schoenfeld Theatre in March 2024. Being cast in the touring production helped fulfill her dream of being in the production.
“I lost my mom to dementia so I felt like I could offer some of my own background to the show,” she says. “Plus, the show has an outstanding creative team, fantastic script and remarkable score.”
Tolpegin, who has worked on Broadway in A Tale of Two Cities and Les Miserables and been in the Broadway tours of Kinky Boots, Billy Elliot, Mamma Mia! and Ragtime, appreciates being on tour.
“It’s always fascinating because you see the whole country,” she says. “Also, you get to build great connections.”
She loves being part of The Notebook, she adds.
“I know the weight of the story, but it’s not a hard story to tell,” she says. “The two main characters have a lifetime of commitment. It’s about the love they have over the years. It’s also about their cycle of trying to find each other, stay together, and be committed to each other.”
Making the Story Relevant
The cast’s six weeks of rehearsal helped them experience all the emotional responses the audiences experiences throughout the production.
“We cried and we laughed,” Tolpegin says. “On stage, our job is not to laugh or cry but to elicit emotions from the audience.”
The touring production is a modernization of the musical, with the story occurring in the 1960s and 1970s in Maryland — the film was set in the 1940s.
“It’s been modernized so everyone can see themselves in the show,” she says. “It works really well.”
Unlike other musicals, The Notebook starts at the end. “The whole musical is a memory wash. The lighting is breathtaking. It’s so beautiful to see,” she says. “There are some very real, funny moments based on Alzheimer’s and caretaking. They do a nice job of weighing it out.”
It’s a good time for the tour to be playing to audiences around the country, she adds.
“There are a lot of other crises happening in the world now. This show reminds people of all the things we have in common like love of family — the connection we all have,” she says. “We all want to celebrate our lifetime of love like Noah and Allie. It’s such a wonderful show.”
Tickets for The Notebook can be purchased at Altria Theater Box Office, BroadwayInRichmond.com, or by phone 1-800-514-3849 (ETIX).
Caregivers’ Night at The Notebook — in partnership with Broadway in Richmond and the Alzheimer’s Association of Greater Richmond: Join the Alzheimer’s Association, Greater Richmond Chapter, for a special Caregivers’ Night at The Notebook on Wednesday, Nov. 4 at 7:30 p.m. at Altria Theater. Whether you’re a caregiver, family member, friend or supporter, you are invited to share this moving story about love, memory, and the enduring power of connection. Enjoy 25% off tickets through this exclusive private ticket link. Choose any available seats and price point, no minimum purchase required.
Groups of 10 or more can call the Altria Theater Group Sales office at 804-592-3401 to purchase together and save more by avoiding online ticket fees.
This year’s Walk to End Alzheimer’s – RVA will be held on Saturday, Nov. 7 at City Stadium in Richmond. Learn more and register today at alz.org/walk.
