Celeste Legaspi Cast in ‘The Notebook’ as Older Allie

Celeste Legaspi Cast in ‘The Notebook’ as Older Allie

Celeste Legaspi is joining the cast of The Notebook as Older Allie, Theatre Group Asia (TGA) announced. She will share the role of Allie with previously announced cast members Morissette as Middle Allie and Sheena Belarmino as Young Allie, opposite Benedix Ramos as Young Noah.

Parallel to her music, film, and television career, Legaspi built a long-running presence in theater. She appeared in productions such as Showboat and Oliver! before performing in several productions at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, where she worked with Rolando Tinio. Her theater credits include Manila, Manila, Doon Po Sa Amin, Jesus Christ Superstar, Katy!, Paglipas ng Dilim, North Diversion Road, and Ang Larawan.

In 1988, alongside longtime collaborator Girlie Rodis, Legaspi co-founded Musical Theater Philippines, which produced original Filipino musicals including KenKoy Loves Rosing, Alikabok, Sino Ka Ba Jose Rizal, Fire Water Woman, and Saranggola ni Pepe.

She can be seen performing the song “I Know” in the video released by the company below.

TGA Creative and Overall Artistic Director Clint Ramos said, “It is our honor to have a Philippine icon play the role of Older Allie. This is dream casting for us. Ms. Celeste Legaspi is a titan in the musical theater industry and Philippine music in general. She brings gravitas and wisdom to the role, and we can’t wait for the Philippine audience to see another side of this legendary artist.”

“We are excited to see the evolution of Allie’s character from her younger version with the vulnerable innocence of Sheena Belarmino, her blossoming through the strength and prowess of Morissette, and onto her full unravelling into the masterful insight of Ms. Celeste Legaspi. “

Legaspi also spoke about taking on the role.

“The characters in The Notebook are interesting. How it shows their growth and learnings. To be able to portray that is a challenge,” she said. “And as I study the music of older Allie, I learn that the music is modern and exacting; at the same time I will need to get to the heart of her. A great challenge. And I love challenges. Accepting challenges has been my motivation through all my years.”

Her portrayal of Older Allie is also shaped by personal experience.

“My family suffered when my mother got sick with Alzheimer’s for 10 years. It was one of the most difficult times in our lives. Although remembering that is painful, it will be my responsibility to honor my mother by bringing understanding and compassion to my role.”

Featuring music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson and a Tony Award-winning book by Bekah Brunstetter, The Notebook is based on Nicholas Sparks’ 1996 novel, later adapted into the 2004 film starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.

The production runs from September 3 to 20 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater. Ticket prices are ₱5,500 (VIP), ₱4,500 (Reserve A), ₱3,700 (Reserve B), ₱3,000 (Reserve C), ₱2,500 (Reserve D), ₱1,800 (Reserve E), and ₱900 (Reserve F).