The Notebook
Composer/Lyricist: Ingrid Michaelson --- Book: Bekah Brunstetter --- Directors: Michael Greif & Schele Williams
Music Director: Geoffrey Ko --- Music Supervisor: Carmel Dean --- Co-Orchestrator: John Clancy --- Choreographer: Katie Spelman
This Summer, my friend Joe and I were invited to intern with Joann Kane Music Service, the company that would be preparing the sheet music for the Pre-Broadway workshop of a new musical: The Notebook (adapted from the book & movie). I'd been following news about the show for over a year, but never imagined I'd be fortunate enough to work on the piece at the Chicago Shakespeare Theatre.
We started work at the first orchestra rehearsal, and through the end of previews, we consistently came in to take notes for the music team, to print new scores, to make pencil notes in the orchestra players' books, and often just to sit in on rehearsals. We were hired as interns, but after being called in more than initially expected, Joe and I were each offered the title of Music Assistant.
The Notebook is rumoured/expected to open on Broadway within the calendar year.
I brought my friend Mitchell Huntley to see the show on its opening night, after several weeks of preview performances.
Celebrating our preview opening! Left to Right: John Clancy (co-orchestrator), Joseph Hoppenworth (my fellow music assistant), myself, Carmel Dean (Music Supervisor and co-orchestrator), Geoff Ko (Music Director), & Anna Ebbesen (Associate Music Director)!
I brought my friend Mitchell Huntley to see the show on its opening night, after several weeks of preview performances.