Stranahan Theater & Great Hall - Image 1
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Stranahan Theater and Great Hall

4.6
·2k reviews·Toledo, United States

A 2,424-seat performance venue in Toledo, Ohio, hosting Broadway tours, concerts, comedy, and theatrical productions.

Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, better seats

CrowdLow
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Stranahan Theater & Great Hall - Image 1

Stranahan Theater and Great Hall

Best Time

Weekday evenings

Fewer crowds, better seats

CrowdLow
Highlights

Highlights

Must-see attractions

A 2,424-seat performance venue in Toledo, Ohio, hosting Broadway tours, concerts, comedy, and theatrical productions.

4.6
(2k reviews)

"One of Toledo's celebrated gems, bringing a lot of great live events and Broadway tours."

Vertical photo
TIP

🚗 Pothole Alert!

Drive carefully on access roads; they can be bumpy. Arrive a bit early to navigate the grounds.

🎟️ Book in Advance

For popular shows, especially Broadway tours, booking tickets early is recommended.

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

Broadway Tours & Live Performances

Broadway Tours & Live Performances

Main Hall

Experience world-class entertainment, from Broadway hits to concerts and comedy shows.

Symphony Under the Stars

Symphony Under the Stars

Main Hall

Enjoy the Toledo Symphony Orchestra performing film scores, like Star Wars, with themed drinks.

Intimate Concert Settings

Intimate Concert Settings

Main Hall

Catch renowned artists like Kansas and Kenny G in a venue praised for its intimate feel.

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Planning Your Visit

Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience

To avoid the biggest crowds and ensure a smoother entry, consider attending weekday evening shows or matinees. Some reviews suggest lobby and seating doors open a bit late, so arriving early can help navigate potential congestion.

Navigating Parking and Venue Access

While parking is plentiful, be prepared for a walk to the entrance depending on your spot. Some access roads have potholes, so drive carefully. Early arrival can also help with navigating the grounds.

Best Times

When
Weekday evenings
Why
Fewer crowds, better seats
Crowd
Low
When
Weekend matinees
Why
Family-friendly timing
Crowd
Medium

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

i think we can all agree on this. #fyp #foryoupage #dance #dancertok #ballet #balletdancers #ballettok #nutcrackerballet #tired #elmo #tiktok #toledoballet #stranahantheatre #toledoohio #ohio
@behindthescenes_tb
15K likes • 89.3K views

🚗 Pothole Alert!

Drive carefully on access roads; they can be bumpy. Arrive a bit early to navigate the grounds. Reddit

🎟️ Book in Advance

For popular shows, especially Broadway tours, booking tickets early is recommended. Reddit

MOVIE FINISH TO STATE TITLE. STRANAHAN WINS 🤯🏆 Stranahan was down by 6 with 20 seconds left. They came back and captured the 4A State Title. #broward #browardbasketball #basketball #highschool #highschoolbasketball #hsbasketball #state #statechampionship #statetitle #stranahan #gamewinner #buzzerbeater #crazy
@305sportss
4.1K likes • 49K views
The 2025 tour ends this month! The last 9 shows of the year start this weekend in Ohio! 10/3: Toledo, OH Stranahan Theater & Great Hall 10/4: Akron, OH Akron Civic Theatre 10/9: Tupelo, MS Cadence Bank Arena 10/10: Lake Charles, LA Golden Nugget Hotel and Casino - Lake Charles 10/16: Tulsa, OK The Cove at River Spirit Casino 10/17: Durant, OK Choctaw Grand Theater 10/18: Kansas City, MO Amerist...
realtravistritt
962 likes • 16.9K views

🍸 Themed Drinks Available

Enjoy special themed cocktails for certain performances, like Star Wars nights. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Be Prepared to Walk

Parking is available, but you might have a bit of a walk to the entrance. Reddit

Had a great time at Stranahan Theater & Great Hall to see Toledo Symphony Orchestra performing the film score of Return of The Jedi! We had wonderful Star Wars Themed Drinks and fabulous pizza before the show at Basil Pizza and Wine Bar! #CoolStuffToledoOhio #KindaOdd419 #Toledo #Ohio #Travel #Tourism #Midwest #Northwest #GreatLakesRegion #Stranahan #Theater #Events #Entertainment #Recreation Fol...
kindaodd419
1 likes • 49 views

Tips

from all over the internet

🚗 Pothole Alert!

Drive carefully on access roads; they can be bumpy. Arrive a bit early to navigate the grounds. Reddit

🎟️ Book in Advance

For popular shows, especially Broadway tours, booking tickets early is recommended. Reddit

🍸 Themed Drinks Available

Enjoy special themed cocktails for certain performances, like Star Wars nights. Instagram

🚶‍♀️ Be Prepared to Walk

Parking is available, but you might have a bit of a walk to the entrance. Reddit

⏰ Arrive Early for Entry

Lobby and seating doors may open closer to showtime; arriving early helps avoid lobby congestion. Reddit

What Travellers Say

4.6
(2k reviews)

Reviews Summary

The Stranahan Theater is a celebrated Toledo gem, praised for bringing world-class entertainment like Broadway tours and concerts to the area. While the main hall offers good sightlines and an intimate feel, some reviewers note the venue is showing its age and could use updates. Parking is plentiful but may require a walk, and access roads can be bumpy.

"One of Toledo's celebrated gems. Les Miserables did not disappoint, and there wasn't a bad seat in the house. They even had a special cocktail presentation for the show."

Peter Schaal

"This theater brings in a lot of great live events and Broadway tours, which is a big plus for Toledo. The main hall is decent—good sightlines and sound—but it’s definitely showing its age and could use some updating.

There’s plenty of parking, though depending on where you land, be ready for a bit of a walk to the entrance. The grounds themselves could use some love—lots of potholes in the driveways and access roads that make for a bumpy arrival.

Still, it’s one of the better spots in the area to catch a show, and worth the trip if something you like is playing."

Jamil Mangan

"The Thorn - A live action play with a cirque element to it about the life and death of JESUS.
Only complaint about the theater is the timing of opening the lobby and seating doors. Maybe move opening times up 1/2 hr to allow all large crowds to move in to the seats without having large crowds in the lobby which could be a emergency issue. Nice venue, clean bathrooms, basic theater concessions."

Michael Barnes

What People Like

Great live events
Good sightlines
Intimate setting

What People Dislike

Showing its age
Bumpy access roads
Pricey concessions

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Stranahan Theater & Great Hall is located in Toledo, Ohio. While specific public transport options might be limited, driving is common. Be aware of potential potholes on access roads. Reddit

Yes, there is plenty of parking available. However, depending on where you park, you may have a walk to the entrance. Reddit

Weekday evenings and weekend matinees tend to be less congested than peak weekend nights. Arriving a bit before showtime can help avoid last-minute traffic. Reddit

Yes, drop-off is possible. Consider the condition of the access roads when planning your drop-off point. Reddit

Information on direct public transport routes can vary. It's best to check local Toledo transit schedules for the most up-to-date information. Reddit

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Tickets can typically be purchased online through the official Stranahan Theater website, authorized ticket vendors, or at the box office. Some events may also link to specific ticketing platforms. Instagram

Box office hours can vary, especially on non-event days. It's advisable to check the Stranahan Theater's official website or call ahead for current hours. Reddit

For many events, tickets may be available at the box office on the day of the show, but for popular performances, it's highly recommended to purchase in advance to avoid disappointment. Reddit

Yes, the Stranahan Theater often offers season ticket packages or subscriptions for select series, providing potential savings and guaranteed access to popular shows. Reddit

Refund and exchange policies are typically set by the event promoter and the Stranahan Theater. Generally, tickets are non-refundable unless an event is canceled or rescheduled. Check the terms at the time of purchase. Reddit

🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience

The Stranahan Theater hosts a diverse range of events, including Broadway tours, concerts, comedy shows, ballet, and live plays. TikTokInstagram+1

The venue is generally accessible, with accommodations for patrons with disabilities. It's recommended to contact the theater directly in advance to discuss specific needs. Reddit

The main hall is described as having good sightlines and an intimate feel, with no bad seats reported for certain performances. Reddit

Yes, basic theater concessions, including drinks and snacks, are available. Some special themed drinks may also be offered for specific events. InstagramReddit

The venue takes security seriously, which can make attendees feel more at ease during performances. Reddit

🍽️ 🍽️ Food & Dining

The Stranahan Theater offers basic concessions like drinks and snacks. For a full meal, consider dining at nearby restaurants before or after the show. Reddit

Basil Pizza and Wine Bar is a recommended spot for pizza and themed drinks before a show. Other local eateries in Toledo offer diverse dining experiences. Instagram

Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside the Stranahan Theater. Concessions are available for purchase. Reddit

For certain events, like the Les Miserables performance, there were special cocktail presentations, suggesting themed offerings can occur. Reddit

Some reviews mention that condiments and concessions can be a bit pricey, which is common for theater venues. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

Generally, personal photography and videography are prohibited during performances to avoid disrupting the show and other patrons. Check specific event policies. Reddit

The lobby areas and the exterior of the theater can be good for pre-show or post-show photos. During the performance, focus on enjoying the show. Reddit

Policies can vary, but often, taking photos of the empty stage before the performance begins is allowed, provided it doesn't interfere with staff preparations. Reddit

Professional camera equipment, including tripods and large lenses, is usually not permitted. Personal devices like smartphones are typically allowed for non-disruptive use. Reddit

The lobby areas are usually well-lit for general ambiance and photos. During performances, the stage lighting is dynamic and focused on the show. Reddit

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

The Stranahan Theater & Great Hall can be a great destination for families. Performances like ballet, such as The Snow Queen, are particularly engaging for younger audiences. Reddit While specific children's programming varies, major touring shows often have family-friendly appeal. Arriving a bit early can help manage children's energy and avoid last-minute rushes to find seats. Reddit

Consider the show's content and runtime when planning for younger children. The venue offers basic concessions, but bringing snacks might be a good idea for picky eaters, though outside food policies should be checked. The intimate setting of the theater can make it easier for families to feel connected to the performance. Reddit

💰 Budget Travelers

For budget-conscious visitors, keeping an eye on ticket prices and seeking out less popular showtimes can be key. Weekday evening performances or matinees might offer slightly lower ticket prices compared to prime weekend slots. Reddit While the Stranahan Theater itself offers concessions, they can be pricey, so consider having a meal at a more affordable spot nearby before heading to the show. Reddit

Look for opportunities to purchase tickets in advance, as last-minute deals are rare for popular events. Some Reddit discussions mention that Toledo lacks smaller mid-sized venues, making the Stranahan a primary option for many touring acts, which can influence pricing. Reddit Exploring local eateries outside the immediate theater vicinity can also help save on dining costs. Reddit

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

The Stranahan Theater's Role in Toledo's Arts Scene

The Stranahan Theater & Great Hall stands as a significant cultural hub in Toledo, Ohio, bringing a diverse array of live performances to the region. It's celebrated for attracting major touring productions, including Broadway shows, which might otherwise be inaccessible to the local community. This venue plays a crucial role in enriching Toledo's arts and entertainment landscape, offering residents and visitors alike a chance to experience high-caliber performances in a relatively intimate setting. InstagramReddit

Beyond Broadway, the theater is a platform for various artistic expressions. It hosts concerts featuring renowned musicians, stand-up comedy acts, and even specialized performances like ballet and live plays. The Toledo Symphony Orchestra's themed performances, such as their Star Wars score presentations, highlight the venue's versatility and its ability to cater to a wide range of interests. This commitment to variety ensures the Stranahan Theater remains a vibrant and essential part of Toledo's cultural identity. InstagramReddit

While the venue is appreciated for its programming, some aspects, like its age and the condition of its grounds, are noted as areas for potential improvement. However, the overall sentiment remains positive, with many considering it one of the better spots in the area to catch a show, underscoring its enduring importance to the local arts scene. Reddit

Navigating the Stranahan Theater Experience

Attending an event at the Stranahan Theater & Great Hall involves a few practical considerations. Parking is available, but be prepared for a walk to the entrance, and note that some access roads may have potholes, so drive with care. Reddit Many visitors recommend arriving a bit early, as the lobby and seating doors might open closer to the showtime, allowing ample time to find your seats and avoid congestion. Reddit

Inside, the main hall is praised for its good sightlines and intimate atmosphere, with reviewers often stating there isn't a bad seat in the house. Reddit Basic concessions, including drinks and snacks, are available, and for specific events, themed cocktails might be offered, adding a unique touch to the experience. InstagramReddit Security is taken seriously, contributing to a comfortable and safe environment for all attendees. Reddit

For those looking to dine before a show, nearby options like Basil Pizza and Wine Bar are recommended. Instagram While the venue itself offers concessions, they can be a bit pricey, which is typical for performance halls. Reddit Overall, the Stranahan Theater provides a solid experience for enjoying live entertainment in Toledo. Reddit

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