From Sparks to the stage: "The Notebook" musical captivates at Connor Palace

• It's one of two national tours debuting at Playhouse Square this season, along with "Hell's Kitchen," opening next month.

State of play: "The Notebook" centers on an elderly man, Noah, who reads from a notebook to his wife, Allie, who suffers from Alzheimer's.

• The book recounts their amazing love story starting in the 1940s.

The intrigue: The musical hops back and forth between different time periods more than the 2004 film starring Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams.

• That lends itself to six great performances from actors playing Noah and Allie during three different time periods of their lives.

Troy's thought bubble: There were more younger couples than usual in attendance at Connor Palace, which was nice to see.

• The musical is more faithful to the novel than the film and doesn't feature the endearing element of Noah initially having to work hard for Allie's affection.

The bottom line: "The Notebook" is an energetic tearjerker that kicks off Playhouse Square's 2025-26 season with a love story for the ages.

If you go: The show runs through Sept. 27.