Celeste Legaspi said being cast as Older Allie in ‘The Notebook’ musical means a lot to her, since the character reminds her of her mother, who suffered from Alzheimer’s disease for 10 years.
Theatre Group Asia announced the veteran theater legend’s casting in a press statement on Sunday, May 10, joining Sheena Belarmino and Morissette, who will play the Young and Middle versions of Allie, respectively.
Speaking about the significance of playing Older Allie, Legaspi recalled the time when her mother was diagnosed with Alzheimer’s, which was a difficult time for her and her family.
‘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,’ she said. ‘Although remembering that is painful, it will be my responsibility to honor my mother by bringing understanding and compassion to my role.’
In the original novel, the older Allie is already married to her longtime love, Noah Calhoun; however, her Alzheimer’s diagnosis causes her to forget several memories, including their marriage. It was also revealed that Noah is also battling cancer, kidney failure, and arthritis.
Legaspi said that bringing the ‘interesting’ character arcs of Noah and Allie onstage is a good challenge, and she looks forward to getting to know them more. She also spoke about the musical’s storyline, which is about family and how love endures all.
‘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,’ she said.
‘What I see is the family. How its strength helps us all; how love as it goes through the ages can remain even stronger and more textured. When we say ‘love story’ it does not remain the same. It transforms and changes. That is the strength of true love,’ she continued.
Born into a family of artists as the daughter of National Artist for Visual Arts Cesar Legaspi, she is a legendary actress and singer, notable for her enduring contributions over the years. Some of her notable songs include ‘Tuliro,’ ‘Mamang Sorbetero,’ and ‘Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal?’ among others.
The singer-actress also took the stage in several theatrical productions, including ‘Showboat,’ ‘Jesus Christ Superstar,’ ‘Oliver!’, ‘Paglipas ng Dilim,’ and ‘Ang Larawan.’
Joining her, Belarmino, and Morissette in the upcoming production is Benedix Ramos, who will play Young Noah. The actors taking on the roles of Adult and Older Noah have not yet been announced.
‘The Notebook’ musical will be staged at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati, though further details on its staging are yet to be revealed.