In October 2022, Chris Jones of The Chicago Tribune reviewed “The Notebook” when it played at the Chicago Shakespeare Theater, saying Michaelson had written “a wonderful set of songs.” But he knows that, because of all the changes made to the presentation of the story, fans of the book and movie may feel betrayed. “There are people who are not happy that this is not the movie,” Michaelson acknowledged. “Some people will come to hate the show, because it’s another movie-to-musical adaptation. Others come in expecting to see Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdam look alike on stage. Oops!
“It’s not a big, bombastic musical,” Michaelson said. “Taking me sent the boat in a different direction — a quieter, more introspective direction.”
In writing the songs for Allie and Noah, Michaelson incorporated his thoughts about his mother’s death, as well as comments from his widowed father. “I don’t want to talk about my parents the whole time, but a lot of them are wrapped up in these songs.”
Because of this, he relives their deaths every time he sees the show. “I really haven’t had any breakdown moments since my mom died,” she said. “It wasn’t until a month ago, in rehearsal, that I completely lost it – like, a loud, guttural, other people can’t see it crying You’ve seen me cry eight times now, so maybe that’s unbelievable,” she wisecracked.
As opening night approached, Michaelson, not known for creative neuroses, developed what he said his therapist called “pre-post-mortem anxiety.” Other than a record he’ll release this summer, filled with what he calls “quiet, old-timey music,” he doesn’t know what’s next. “Being a woman of my age, without children or parents, I am untethered on both sides. I feel like I’m just a tire rolling down the highway sometimes.”
Fulfilling a dream from 35 years ago has been great, he said, but it has also introduced new concerns. “I don’t want to be pigeonholed as the whiny, romantic writer,” Michaelson said, and then laughed. “Though that’s probably my best.”
