Broadway’s hit romance The Notebook is making a stop in Pittsburgh as part of the 2026‑2027 PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh series. The touring production will be at the Benedum Center from Tuesday through Nov. 15, giving local audiences a chance to experience the story live on stage.
Local talent drives the production
Associate director Asmeret Ghebremichael, a Pittsburgh‑area native who grew up in Churchill near Swissvale, helped shape the show’s creative direction. Ghebremichael, a New York University graduate in media, culture and communications, has performed in The Book of Mormon, Legally Blonde, Elf: The Musical and Wicked. She says meeting director Michael Greif, who helmed the original Broadway run, was a turning point.
“He is a legend,” Ghebremichael said. “I fell in love with his process and wanted to do the same thing he was doing, so it opened a door for me.” Her experience across Broadway, off‑Broadway and television, she says, lets her translate a director’s vision into language actors can understand.
Pittsburgh actors bring the story to life
Jesse Corbin, another native of the Pittsburgh area, is returning to the Benedum Center, which he calls “my Broadway.” Corbin grew up borrowing original cast recordings from the local library and dreaming of performing on stage. In the show he portrays Lon, Allie’s wealthy fiancé. While Lon can be seen as an obstacle to Noah and Allie’s romance, Corbin emphasizes the character’s own motivations.
“He’s a great guy and checks off all the boxes, which is what makes this story special—a choice that makes sense isn’t always the most fulfilling,” Corbin explained.
Corbin also notes the emotional intensity of the production. “We try to cheer one another up and find moments of joy backstage and at intermission to maintain our sanity,” he said. He admitted that rehearsals sometimes moved him to tears, adding, “I was so moved by the beauty of the love and commitment of the two characters.”
Why the story still resonates
Beyond the romance, the musical explores themes of love, connection and the choices that shape our lives. The final number, “Coda,” reflects on the couple’s journey and its lasting impact. Audience members often respond visibly; Corbin observed, “You can see couples in the audience inching a little closer, dabbing a tear and reaching for their partner’s arm.”
For many, the live experience adds something a film cannot capture. “The show wraps you up in a warm, romantic hug,” Corbin said. “Getting to watch a story told in real time by live actors adds an element to any story and is something a movie can’t replicate.”
Practical information
Tickets and showtimes are available online at trustarts.org. The production runs through Nov. 15, offering multiple performance dates for families and theater lovers in the region.
With a blend of seasoned Broadway professionals and local talent, the touring version of The Notebook promises a heartfelt evening for Pittsburgh audiences, reinforcing the city’s vibrant arts scene.
Original reporting: Herald-Standard – latest news for Uniontown, Pennsylvania — read the source article.
