‘The Notebook’ Unveils Lead Cast for Manila Run
Rody Vera and Laurence Mossman have joined the cast of Theatre Group Asia’s (TGA) The Notebook: The Musical as Older Noah and Middle Noah, respectively. Older Noah is a compassionate husband who faithfully recounts his and Allie’s love story, holding on to hope and memory despite the passage of time. Middle Noah is a hardworking and devoted man whose love for Allie endures through time, distance, and life’s challenges.
Vera and Mossman join previously announced principal cast members Morissette (Middle Allie), Celeste Legaspi (Older Allie), Sheena Belarmino (Young Allie), and Benedix Ramos (Young Noah), completing the musical’s six lead roles.
Vera, one of the most prolific playwrights in Philippine theater, is also a screenwriter, actor, and singer. As an actor, Vera has delivered memorable performances across generations. He first gained prominence onstage in productions such as PETA’s Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas and the landmark musical 1896, where he portrayed Andres Bonifacio. Over the years, he has built a body of work encompassing both Filipino classics and international repertoire, appearing as Padre Damaso in Noli Me Tangere, The Musical, Edgar Jopson in EJ: Ang Pinagdaanang Buhay nina Evelio Javier at Edgar Jopson, Iago in Otelo, Reuven in Mga Mansanas sa Disyerto, Gov. Danforth in The Crucible, and Bobby Gonzales in Mario O’Hara’s Stageshow, a performance that earned him the Gawad Buhay! Award for Best Featured Actor. His most recent roles include Fernan in Rak of Aegis, a letter writer in Tiny Beautiful Things, and the Narrator in TGA’s Into the Woods.
He can be seen performing the song “Iron in the Fridge” in the video released by the company below.
Internationally, Vera has collaborated extensively with Singapore’s The Necessary Stage, appearing in productions such as Mardi Gras, Top or Bottom, Good People, The Year of No Return, and most recently Old Gaze at Victoria Theatre in Singapore. His international work has also brought him to Hong Kong, Romania, Hungary, Tokyo, and New York, where he participated in productions and collaborative projects exploring the intersections of culture, identity, and performance across borders.
TGA Creative and Overall Artistic Director Clint Ramos remarks, “Rody Vera is one of the most important theater artists of our time. He is a master storyteller whose artistry is rooted in compassion, intelligence, and an extraordinary understanding of the human experience. As Older Noah, he brings a lifetime of wisdom, emotional truth, and theatrical excellence to a role that demands all three. We are honored to welcome him to The Notebook.”
For Vera, the role resonates deeply with the musical’s central themes of memory, devotion, and enduring love. “The Notebook reminds us that love is not only found in grand gestures but in the choices we make every day to remember, to stay, and to care with patience and loyalty,” he reflects. “What moves me most is how the story finds beauty even in fragility. I am grateful for the opportunity to tell this story alongside Celeste Legaspi and this remarkable company of artists. And I’m very proud to be part of this musical’s international premiere.”
Filipino-Kiwi performer Laurence Mossman, currently based in London, was most recently seen as Thuy in the international and Australian tours of Miss Saigon, where his performance earned praise for its vocal power and emotional depth. His theater credits in Manila include Charlie Price in Kinky Boots, Young Ebenezer in A Christmas Carol, and Roy/Bobby Jeremy in Fun Home. His screen credits include the television series Dolce Amore and the film Die Beautiful.
He can be seen performing the song “Leave the Light On” in the video released by the company below.
“We are thrilled to welcome Laurence to the company,” said Ramos. “His artistry, warmth, charm, and remarkable ability to connect with audiences through his musicality make him the perfect fit for the role of Middle Noah at this pivotal stage of the character’s journey.”
“It is an incredible honor to join TGA’s production of The Notebook, The Musical,” said Mossman. “This story has touched audiences around the world because of its honesty, heart, and humanity. I’m excited to bring Middle Noah’s journey to life alongside this extraordinary cast and creative team.”
Featuring music and lyrics by Ingrid Michaelson and a Tony Award-winning book by Bekah Brunstetter, the musical is known for its intimate storytelling and portrayal of love across a lifetime. It is based on Nicholas Sparks’ 1996 novel, later popularized by the 2004 film adaptation starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.
The production runs from September 3 to 20 at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater, Circuit Makati. Tickets, priced at P5,500 (VIP), P4,500 (Reserve A), P3,700 (Reserve B), P3,000 (Reserve C), P2,500 (Reserve D), P1,800 (Reserve E), and P900 (Reserve F), are available via TicketWorld.
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