Celeste Legaspi cast as Older Allie in 'The Notebook' musical
MANILA, Philippines — Theatre Group Asia announced that acclaimed iconic Filipino performer Celeste Legaspi will take on the role of Older Allie in its highly anticipated production of “The Notebook, The Musical.”
Legaspi embraces both the artistic challenge and emotional depth of her upcoming role.
“The characters in 'Notebook' are interesting. How it shows their growth and learnings. To be able to portray that is a challenge. And as I study the music of older Allie I learn that the music is modern and exacting; at the same time I will need to get to the heart of her. A great challenge. And I love challenges. Accepting challenges has been my motivation through all my years," Legaspi noted.
Her portrayal of Older Allie is shaped by personal experience as well. “My family suffered when my mother got sick with Alzheimer’s for 10 years. It was one of the most difficult times in our lives. Although remembering that is painful, it will be my responsibility to honor my mother by bringing understanding and compassion to my role.”
“What I see is the family. How its strength helps us all; how love as it goes through the ages can remain even stronger and more textured. When we say ‘love story’ it does not remain the same. It transforms and changes. That is the strength of true love," she added.
She joins singer Morrissette and Sheena Belarmino as Middle Allie and Young Allie, respectively. "The Notebook, The Musical" opens in September at the Samsung Performing Arts Theater in Makati.
Born into a family of artists as the daughter of National Artist for Visual Arts Cesar Legaspi, Legaspi’s creative foundation was established early. She began singing in kindergarten and rose to prominence in 1969 as part of The Ambivalent Crowd before transitioning into a solo career.
Her recording career features albums, such as “Ako si Celeste” and “Bagong Plaka, Lumang Kanta,” that achieved gold and double platinum status, while songs like “Saranggola ni Pepe,” “Tuliro,” “Mamang Sorbetero,” and “Gaano Ko Ikaw Kamahal?” became enduring Filipino classics.
Apart from her music career, Legaspi ventured into theater acting. She appeared in early productions, such as “Showboat and Oliver!,” before gaining recognition through performances at the Cultural Center of the Philippines, where she collaborated with literary giant Rolando Tinio.
Her repertoire includes seminal works like “Manila, Manila,” “Doon Po Sa Amin,” “Jesus Christ Superstar,” “Katy!,” “Paglipas ng Dilim,” “North Diversion Road” and “Ang Larawan.”
In 1988, alongside longtime collaborator Girlie Rodis, Legaspi co-founded Musical Theater Philippines, a company that became instrumental in producing original Filipino musicals.
Through this platform, she helped bring to life works such as “KenKoy Loves Rosing,” “Alikabok,” “Sino Ka Ba Jose Rizal,” “Fire Water Woman” and “Saranggola ni Pepe,” championing narratives rooted in Filipino identity and history.
Her contributions extended into film and television, where she worked with acclaimed directors including Lino Brocka and Ishmael Bernal, and appeared in projects ranging from “Santiago” and “Mamang Sorbetero” to contemporary series such as “Can’t Buy Me Love.”
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