Anne Tolpegin looks forward to helping bring "The Notebook" to life in Chicago.
"I can't wait to be back there," said Tolpegin, during a recent phone interview. Tolpegin is currently in the touring production of the musical "The Notebook," which is being performed for the second time in Chicago. The musical, directed by Michael Greif and Schele Williams, continues to Aug. 16 at The James M. Nederlander Theatre in Chicago.
Tolpegin portrays character Allie's mother and Nurse Lori in the production. "The Notebook" tells the love story of Allie and Noah, who grew up in different worlds, with quite different circumstances and various obstacles and showcases their love story through the years. Their story is relayed by an older man reading a notebook to a nursing home resident with dementia.
Anne Tolpegin is one of the stars of "The Notebook." Provided photo
"It's such a wonderful show," Tolpegin said, about "The Notebook." "It's not your typical musical experience...It feels like a play with music."
The actor said the production allows the audience to delve into a type of memory play where you see this "couple's life from start to finish."
Tolpegin added many people look at the show as being quite a tearjerker but added "it's also very funny."
The actor said she can really relate to the emotions in this show.
"The story is personal (for me) because I lost my mother to dementia," she said.
The story, Tolpegin said, celebrates the "strength" of an enduring love.
The musical "The Notebook" is based on the book, which was written by Bekah Brunstetter, and the 2004 film of the same name, but Tolpegin said the musical features a more modernized look at the love story and also features an ethnically diverse cast.
"(The creators) looked at it through a fresh theatrical lens," Tolpegin said.
The actor said many audience members feel a sense of hope and connection after seeing the production.
Tolpegin praised the show's score. "Ingrid Michaelson's music is beautiful," the actor added.
For Tolpegin, who was born in San Francisco, being back in Chicago is a special treat. She attended Northwestern University and began her career working on Chicago stages.
"Northwestern had a great reputation for its theater department," she said. Among Chicago stages she worked on were Bailiwick, Pegasus Players and others.
FYI: "The Notebook" continues to Aug. 16 at James M. Nederlander Theatre, 24 W. Randolph, Chicago. Tickets are $37 to $132. Visit www.BroadwayInChicago,com