Rody Vera joins 'The Notebook' musical opposite Celeste Legaspi
MANILA, Philippines — Veteran playwright and actor Rody Vera completes the main pairing of actors in the upcoming international premiere of "The Notebook: The Musical" happening in Makati this September.
The September 2026 run at Makati's Samsung Performing Arts Theater will be the first international production of the novel by Nicholas Sparks and its 2004 film adaptation starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.
Vera will play Older Noah and will star opposite fellow veteran actor Celeste Legaspi's Older Allie.
The younger versions of their characters will be portrayed by the tandems of Laurence Mossman and Morissette Amon (Middle), as well as Benedix Ramos and Sheena Belarmino (Young).
Vera is a respected figure in the local theater scene, expertise that has translated to other mediums like the screen and even advocacies.
As an actor, he has taken on roles in "Kahapon, Ngayon at Bukas," "1896," "Noli Me Tangere, The Musical," "The Crucible," "Rak of Aegis," and "Tiny Beautiful Things."
Related: Laurence Mossman joins 'The Notebook' musical opposite Morissette
For Theatre Group Asia, which is helming "The Notebook: The Musical" in the Philippines, Vera was the Narrator in "Into the Woods."
The company's creative and overall artistic director Clint Ramos described Vera in a statement as "one of the most important theater artists of our time" and "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,'" Ramos added.
Vera took note in his own statement how his 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 said, adding that what moves him most is how its story "finds beauty even in fragility."
The thespian expressed gratitude being able to act with Legaspi, the entire cast, and in general, be a part of the production's international premiere.
RELATED: Celeste Legaspi cast as Older Allie in 'The Notebook' musical
