Alex "Goldie" Golden '17 worked as an associate music director for the Broadway production of 'The Notebook.' Photo by Midge Zuk

As a theatre major at Bucknell, Alex "Goldie" Golden '17 was always busy, whether working as an orientation leader, music directing an a cappella group or directing music on the main stage as part of her senior thesis. "I look back and wonder, 'Did I sleep while I was in school?' " says Golden. "I was maybe a little too involved."

However, that fast-paced schedule prepared her for the next stage in her journey as a music director, a career that has taken her all across the country.

"Young music directors tend to take on a lot of far-flung contracts. I've done theatre in Indiana and Massachusetts. I've toured with Beautiful: The Carole King Musical and Mamma Mia!," says Golden, who has hit most of the continental U.S. while touring on productions. "But all of that adds up. Every job I've had has led to the next job, which has now led me to New York City."

During The Notebook's 10-month run on Broadway in 2024, Golden, who is now the associate music director for SIX on Broadway, worked as the production's associate music director and associate conductor. If there is a dictum that undergirds her work, it is that practice makes perfect.

"It begins with three weeks in the rehearsal room, where I teach music to the actors and act as a liaison between the rest of the creative team," she says.

Then the show shifts into tech rehearsal, where Golden helps facilitate the incorporation of specific design elements, such as a scene that requires live rain on the stage, and the introduction of the orchestra into performances. Once the production goes live, Golden attends eight shows per week — though there is always room for improvement. "Even after our 250th show, we were still taking daily notes to make sure we’re delivering the best show possible," she says. 

It's a lot of work with a lot of moving parts, but when it all comes together, there's an undeniable magic.

In fact, when she landed her position with The Notebook, she suddenly found herself working alongside the very talents who had inspired her as a student. "When I was at Bucknell, my a cappella group, Two Past Midnight, did a few Ingrid Michaelson songs," says Golden, referring to the composer of The Notebook's music. "So it was this weirdly full circle moment to be a part of the team responsible for translating her wishes for new songs into the show and then teaching that music to the actors."