When the curtain rises at Playhouse Square, it’s not just Cleveland audiences who are watching, it’s the entire theater world. And this season, Cleveland is proud to serve as the launch city for three highly anticipated Broadway tours - THE NOTEBOOK, HELL’S KITCHEN, and SPAMALOT.
For Northeast Ohio theatergoers, this means being the first audiences in the country to experience these Broadway shows on the road. That excitement, buzz and theater magic palpable on the opening of a new production is something not to be missed.
What It Means to Launch a Tour
To some, a tour launch might feel like any other opening night. But behind the curtain, the process is massive. In the weeks leading up to those first performances, hundreds of artists and crew members descend on Cleveland to transform our theaters into a home for rehearsal, technical preparation, and ultimately the performance.
On September 6 the curtain will rise on the first performance from the national tour of THE NOTEBOOK. Here’s just a glimpse at the scope of work happening behind the scenes for this Cleveland launch.
- Pre-rehearsal work - 83 hours, including loading in sets, lights, costumes, props, and even testing special effects.
- Technical rehearsals - 90 hours of rehearsal and another 40 hours of technical adjustments, everything from sound and lighting cues to costume fittings and microphone checks.
Approximately 115 visiting artists and staff from actors and musicians to designers, producers, and press representatives call Cleveland home during this process working out of one theater space, two lobbies, two rehearsal halls, 15 dressing rooms, and numerous backstage areas in our venue.
In addition to these visiting theater professionals, local crew consists of 5 Teamsters, 80 stagehands, 7 wardrobe professionals and 2 local hair stylists working on this launch.
And we can’t forget our wonderful volunteers! Approximately 2000 RedCoats will welcome our audiences across the 3 week run of this Broadway production as well as the countless Playhouse Square staff members that play a pivotal role in the launch of this tour.
Even after the first performance, the work does not stop there. Our visiting cast and crew spend another week rehearsing during the day and performing at night, fine-tuning every detail before the official press opening on September 12.
Why Cleveland?
Launching a Broadway tour is no small feat, and producers choose Cleveland for a reason. Playhouse Square offers a unique combination of world-class facilities, skilled crews, and a vibrant neighborhood that makes tour life comfortable and convenient for visiting artists.
Because Playhouse Square operates multiple theaters simultaneously, we can dedicate the time and space needed for tour launch rehearsals while maintaining our year-round programming. Resident companies continue their productions, our education department carries on its important work in the community, and audiences can still enjoy concerts, comedy, and other Broadway shows throughout our district.
Just as important, the Playhouse Square neighborhood itself is an huge asset. Accommodation, restaurants, grocery stores, salons, and healthcare are all within walking distance from our venue. For touring artists, that convenience is invaluable. And for producers, the dedication of our staff to meet every request with a smile and a can-do attitude makes Cleveland a natural choice.
Another factor to consider is Ohio’s theater tax credits. Thanks to legislation passed by the Ohio General Assembly, productions launching at Playhouse Square can take advantage of financial incentives that make Cleveland an even more attractive destination. Combined with our knowledgeable staff and enthusiastic audiences of 37,000 Season Ticket Holders so far this year, Playhouse Square as a launch venue is a winning choice for Broadway tours.
What’s the Buzz?
When a Broadway tour launches here, industry eyes are on our city. Theater journalists, influencers, producers, and fans nationwide watch for early reviews, word-of-mouth buzz, and social media reactions. For our audiences, it means being the very first to experience these shows and to be part of shaping how they are received across the country. So get your program selfies and post-show reviews ready #BroadwayCleveland!
THE NOTEBOOK brings to life Nicholas Sparks’ beloved romance with soaring music from Ingrid Michaelson, opening our 2025-26 KeyBank Broadway Series. Following this, HELL’S KITCHEN inspired by Alicia Keys’ life and featuring her iconic songs, brings the fire with unmatchable energy and emotion. And in December, we launch Monty Python’s SPAMALOT, the renowned irreverent comedy that guarantees a riotous good time!
Years in the Making
While rehearsals in Cleveland may only last a few weeks, planning a tour launch can take years. For shows like THE NOTEBOOK, the work began long before rehearsals. Led by Senior Vice President of Programming David Greene, our Programming Department works closely with producers to bring these opportunities to Cleveland, ensuring that our city remains a premier venue for touring Broadway productions.
Pictured: At the 2025 Tony Awards Ceremony from left to right Playhouse Square President & CEO Craig Hassall, Broadway Producer and Cleveland native Orin Wolf, and Playhouse Square Senior V.P. of Programming David Greene,
This season, Playhouse Square is where the story begins and #BroadwayCleveland audiences get to make theater history as the first in the country to see these spectacular tours. So, let’s give these productions a warm Cleveland welcome and send them off to the road in style!
For 2025-26 KeyBank Broadway Series season tickets visit playhousesquare.org/broadway
