A Musical Adaptation of One of the Most Iconic Love Stories Ever Told—The Notebook, at the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts, March 24–29, 2026.

For better, for worse, for richer, for poorer, in sickness and in health, to love and to cherish, till death do us part. If you’re married, these words may sound familiar. There is perhaps no better representation of this phrase than The Notebook, a love story that first gained recognition as a novel, later made history as a motion picture, and now can be enjoyed and revisited by both new audiences and longtime fans in the impressive new musical adaptation.

Did you know that many Broadway musicals have a live orchestra?! If you make it to the show, be sure to say hello to them.  They’re in the orchestra pit, right in front of and below the stage.  Live music is everything.

The Pioneer Center
100 S Virginia St, Reno, NV 89501

TICKETS  

Instagram | The Pioneer Center | The Notebook Musical

***Details for special ticket offers are located at the bottom of this post.

The Notebook The Musical

March24-29

-Directed by: Michael Greif & Schele Williams

-Choreo: Katie Spelman

-Duration: 2hrs 20mins w/ 15 minute intermission

-Genre: Romantic Musical

-Music & Lyrics: Ingrid Michaelson

-Age Recommendation: 10+

-Major themes:

Enduring love & memory

Social differences & life choices

Aging & devotion

The impact of time on relationships

The Notebook follows a couple and their lifelong love across multiple timelines and stages - butterflies, obstacles, misunderstandings, love triangles, passion, and memory loss included. Though the story takes place in the 1940s, the play feels a bit more modern, with humor woven in and artistic songs drawn primarily from the characters’ inner dialogue.

What makes the story especially impactful and hard to grapple with is that the main character has dementia, a very real and common disease that affects about 7.2 million adults age 65+ in the U.S. today (source).

And what does this mean for Allie’s husband, family, friends, and caretakers? The constant struggle to bring her back to full consciousness and the determination to never give up hope. I’ve witnessed and read countless unreal love stories where people stand by their loved ones in their darkest & toughest times, so the story is far from far fetched. If anything, it empowers, encourages reflection on our own relationships, and inspires us to be our best selves for the people we love.

To preface, I have never read the novel, but I am a big fan of the movie. I remember watching Ryan Gosling and Rachel McAdams, who play Noah and Allie, running across the stage at the 2005 MTV Movie Awards reenacting arguably the most iconic love scene in Hollywood history... the notorious kissing-in-the-rain scene, and winning Best Kiss by a long shot. Talk about butterflies…

Do you need to have watched the movie or read the book to appreciate or understand the story? Absolutely not! The play is framed strategically so that the story is obvious, and it is, frankly, beautiful. For me, my appreciation deepened after watching the play, as it included more intricate details than the movie.

Enjoy a special themed cocktail/mocktail at every show.  Bring back your Broadway cups to any show for a $1 off discount.

  Did you know that all of the ushers at the Pioneer Center are volunteers?  Thanks Ann for helping me out with this shot, and thanks so much for your service.

Some people may find some of the songs lacking in depth, but I thought the approach was unique and fun. The songs are essentially composed of the characters’ souls and feelings. They express what we all think but are afraid to say, in all its straightforward simplicity. For me, it’s refreshing to just let go and be real. Plus, if a song can make me feel something and put a stupid smile on my face, it’s a keeper.  There are also some standout moments where the actors hit jaw dropping high notes… I’m talking Whitney Houston /Celine Dion/Christina Aguilera/Elsa level status.

The intertwined timelines and framing were another aspect I really enjoyed. Some people have a hard enough time following one timeline, so for the production to pull off three is nothing short of amazing.

I intentionally left out all the story’s details because I’m big on surprises. If you love a good story, an incredibly talented and magnetic cast, some laughs, and believe in emotional experiences (yes, I cried), then this one’s for you.

Broadway is the golden standard for theater. You will not find more talented and passionate performers anywhere else. Experiencing performances at this caliber is truly special. I’ve learned some of the biggest life lessons from movies and theater plays, and I cannot recommend this type of experience enough.

A special thanks to The Pioneer Center (always) and The Notebook Musical for the gifts & invitation. I’m truly honored and could not be happier to help spread this gift of theater magic.

It was such a pleasure meeting this kind young lady, Sara, at the merchandise section upstairs. She's so sweet and down to earth.

You know you're in trouble when you see tissue boxes for sale.

Special Ticket Offers

$50 Military Night Tickets

Veterans and active duty military members may purchase specially priced $50 seats in person at our Box Office by showing their Military ID. Limit 4 tickets per person. This offer only applies to the March 25th 7:30pm performance. Our regular in-person Box Office hours are M-F 10am-4pm and 2 hours prior to any performance at the Pioneer Center.

$40 Single Seats

*When purchased in person at the box office. $50.72 when purchased online. Subject to availability.

$25 Student Rush

Valid for all performances with student ID.⁠ Tickets can only be purchased in person at our Box Office. The rush begins two hours prior to performance time and sales run for one full hour. ⁠Limit 2 tickets per purchase (subject to availability)⁠.

It's amazing how Broadway sets work.  There's an impressive scene in the play where they produce rain.  And yes, it was real!

Upcoming Shows at The Pioneer Center

Benise - 25 Years of Passion
April 4, 2026

A.V.A. Ballet Theatre's Swan Lake
April 11 & 12, 2026

Free Family Series: Piano Heist
FREE ADMISSION
April 25, 2026

Free Family Series: Molodi Live!
May 2, 2026

The Reno Dance Company Presents: Rhythm of the Night
May 5, 2026

Shucked
May26-31, 2026

Hell's Kitchen
July 14-19, 2026

The Sound of Music
July 14-19

NOTES

*Free parking available at the huge parking lot across the street.  You can't miss it.

*Are you a big Broadway fan and want to secure your seats in advance while getting a great package deal? A subscription might be perfect for you.

*Pioneer Center FAQ

*Heads up on the security check.  Weapons are not permitted.

*Free coat check available

*No pictures & video are allowed during the show.

BROADWAY SUBSCRIBER BENEFITS

-Enjoy many exclusive subscriber benefits, including:  Securing the best seats at the lowest prices, prior to the general public.

-A guarantee of your same great seats to each Broadway show at the Pioneer Center this season.

-An ability to renew and keep your same seats from year to year.

-Early access to purchase additional tickets to Broadway season shows prior to the general public (pending availability).

-Early access to seating upgrades and exchanges to alternate performance dates prior to general public on sales (pending availability).

-Early access to purchase tickets to select additional touring shows prior to the general public (pending availability).

-Electronic tickets are sent to Subscribers via email before the performance to avoid box office lines.

PACKAGE PRICING

Price includes one seat for 6 Broadway Comes to Reno season productions (does not include Hamilton):

Price Level 1 - $805

Price Level 2 - $610

Price Level 3 - $450

You know what’s funny? I flew into SF yesterday after a 5.5hr flight, then drove 5.5 hours in traffic back to Reno and made it to the show just five minutes before it started. Yesterday was one of the craziest days ever, LOL... but it was totally worth it because I got to experience this art.

Photography

©Katherine Fung

All rights reserved.

***Information subject to change. All opinions are my own.***

Categorized Under "Arts & Culture"

Breaking the Mold: The Story Behind Dragon Head Inc.

Dragon Head Inc.

Website | Instagram

Email: dragonheadprintinginc@gmail.com

Phone: 530-214-0245

Go to school.
Get good grades.
Get a degree.
Get a high paying job.

Sound familiar?

It should. It is the script many of us were handed from the beginning. And while that path has created stability and success for many, it is not the only way to build something meaningful. It is not the only way to create impact.

Today, I want to tell you about someone who chose a different route.

Reagan, the founder of Dragon Head Inc., is a visionary entrepreneur based right here in Reno. He specializes in screen printing, live event printing, design, and high level execution that transforms digital ideas into tangible, lasting products.

Highlighting individuals like Reagan on my website genuinely makes me excited because it is people like him who remind me of the phrase “good old fashioned service.” A phrase that comes from a time (my time, LOL) when every single aspect of a business was given attention and care, and when businesses stood for more than just what it sells.  On top of that, he's in the trenches following his dreams no matter what, and that kind of conviction is worthy of some applause.

Reagan has a skill set that can be used in countless ways, from entertainment to branding to scaling your business presence. Hire him to print shirts on demand at your next event. Work with him to design a logo that represents your vision. Put your favorite pet or your favorite person on a shirt.  Flyers. Business cards. Tote Bags.  Band shirts for your shows.  The possibilities truly are endless.

And Reagan is also one of the most grounded, down to earth creatives you will meet.  He pretty much identifies as a quiet kind of guy, but he's actually one of the easiest people I've ever talked to.

Like many of us, Reagan began on the traditional path. He attended Pratt Institute in New York, one of the most respected art schools in the country. But in 2013, he made a bold decision. He left school and stepped directly into the real world of screen printing.

That decision became the foundation of everything.

The Craft Before the Company

Screen printing became Reagan's discipline.

After leaving Pratt, Reagan went straight to work at a young print shop in New Jersey. The environment was intense. The expectations were high. The lessons were immediate.

He worked under a boss who demanded excellence. The kind of boss who pushes you beyond what you think you are capable of. It was not easy. But it shaped him.  And it helped uncover the life he wanted for himself - a life where he called all the shots and he had only himself to answer to.

At that shop, he printed for high end streetwear brands, sneaker companies, sports teams, and even one off projects for celebrities. Quality was not optional. It was drilled in from day one.

How cool would this design be on a sweatshirt?!?

And he never forgot it.

In 2017, after visiting Los Angeles, Reagan realized that if he wanted to take his art career further, he needed to be where the competition was strongest - LA.

At T-Shirt Lab, he stepped into a growing shop and eventually handled nearly every aspect of screen printing operations. Art school gave him the foundation. The Jersey shop gave him grit. LA refined his execution.

By 2024, he had landed in Reno with a new mindset. He had outgrown the limitations of being an employee and recognized that if he wanted to build a life beyond paycheck to paycheck, he would need to build something of his own.

As an illustration artist and graphic designer, he finds particular satisfaction in transforming digital concepts into tangible products at scale. Though he admits he is not a handyman and would be lost under the hood of a car, screen printing offers him the perfect balance of tools, art, and manual labor. It is a craft that allows him to feel both creative and capable, a fusion that ultimately defines Dragon Head INC.

The Reno Business Insight You Can’t Ignore

Reno is growing.  Opportunities stretch as wide as the mountain ranges surrounding the city. But growth alone does not guarantee visibility. Today, strong products are only the beginning.

Years ago, visibility meant placing an ad in a newspaper or on the radio. Gatekeepers controlled exposure.  Now, platforms like YouTube, Instagram, Google, and Yelp allow anyone to share their message. But access does not equal impact.

You need vision first.
Then strategy.
Then execution.

That is where branding comes in.  Branding is the story you tell, the mission you stand for, and the feeling people associate with your name.

When you think of Apple, you think innovation and simplicity.
Nike, grit and determination.
Disney, magic and storytelling.

Strong brands create identity.

Dragon Head Inc. exists to help businesses be seen and remembered.

Why I Think You'll Love Working With Him

Talent matters.  But so does character.  After spending time with Reagan, what stands out just as much as his skill is how easy he is to work with. He is professional without being stiff. Confident without ego. Intentional without arrogance.

He listens.
He cares about the end result.
He treats every project, big or small, with respect.

And let's not forget the fact that Dragon Head Inc. is the only business in town that offers LIVE PRINTING - a service where Reagan brings screen printing equipment to your event and creates custom prints on site in real time.  Live printing shouts fun, innovation, and creativity.  If I went to a wedding/convention/show and walked away with a shirt of my choosing printed right in front of me... now that's something you just don't forget.  It's the ultimate souvenir that keeps on giving.  

Oh, I totally forgot the flex where Reagan does design on top of printing, a killer combo not every screen printer can offer. 

And make no mistake, kindness does not mean submission. Reagan knows his value. He understands his craft, and he is worth every penny.

As Dragon Head Inc. grows, he is bringing more local creatives into the fold, supporting talent and building community.

Final Thoughts

We are constantly bombarded with products and services everywhere we turn. It is easy to scroll past, tune out, or assume everything is the same. But every now and then, a business stands out for the right reasons.

I wanted to take the time to support Dragon Head Inc. because I truly believe it offers more than just a product. It offers an experience, intention, and craftsmanship.

The businesses that take the time to understand your vision and put in the work to bring it to life are the ones that rise above the noise. They are the ones that leave a lasting impression.

Reno’s creative future is bright.

And I cannot wait to see what you create with this talented, driven, and genuinely good human.

To Reagan and all the aspiring entrepreneurs that have the courage and boldness to carve your own path… to those who cheer on the underdogs and believe in them wholeheartedly - thank you for leading the way, thank you for your support, and thank you for being here!

Q & A With Reagan

1.  What’s a “secret talent” you have that your customers would be shocked to know about?

My secret talent is that I can wiggle my ears. LOL. Secret is out of the box.  You know I'm going to put this guy on the spot next time I see him and ask for some evidence.

2.  What’s one thing you wish someone had told you before starting your business?

This isn’t the slightest bit easy. 

I worked at a shop where all day I said to myself, “What’s this guy’s issue? Why isn’t he doing A, B, and C? I can do this and his work at the same time.”

I was wrong. The printing and artwork may have been easy, but sales, automating systems, bookkeeping, social media management, and all of this extra stuff really is the hard work.

3.  If your business had a theme song, what would it be and why?

My business theme song is “Rabbit Run” by Slim Shady. Most of Eminem's old stuff has the perfect amount of anger, humor, self deprecation and undeniable confidence.

I can relate to the “beating myself up and then building myself back up” that a lot of his older music speaks to.

4.  What’s the most unusual source of inspiration you’ve ever used for your business ideas?

I don’t know how unusual it is, but my main source of inspiration is thinking about clocking in for someone else and limiting myself to an hourly wage. The fear of coming this far only to fail is greater than any other. That fear is my inspiration.

***All opinions are my own. Information subject to change.***

Photography

© Katherine Fung,

All Rights Reserved.

Categorized Under "Local Businesses"--->"Screen Printing Services"