Stranahan Theater and Great Hall
A 2,424-seat performance venue in Toledo, Ohio, hosting Broadway tours, concerts, comedy, and theatrical productions.
Highlights
Must-see attractions

Social
From TikTok & Reddit
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better seats
Stranahan Theater and Great Hall
Best Time
Fewer crowds, better seats
Highlights
Must-see attractions
A 2,424-seat performance venue in Toledo, Ohio, hosting Broadway tours, concerts, comedy, and theatrical productions.
"One of Toledo's celebrated gems, bringing a lot of great live events and Broadway tours."
🚗 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.
Highlights
Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences
Broadway Tours & Live Performances
Main Hall
Experience world-class entertainment, from Broadway hits to concerts and comedy shows.
Symphony Under the Stars
Main Hall
Enjoy the Toledo Symphony Orchestra performing film scores, like Star Wars, with themed drinks.
Intimate Concert Settings
Main Hall
Catch renowned artists like Kansas and Kenny G in a venue praised for its intimate feel.
Plans like a pro.
Thinks like you
Planning Your Visit
Timing Your Visit for the Best Experience
Navigating Parking and Venue Access
Best Times
Insider Tips
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit
🚗 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.
🍸 Themed Drinks Available
Enjoy special themed cocktails for certain performances, like Star Wars nights.
🚶♀️ Be Prepared to Walk
Parking is available, but you might have a bit of a walk to the entrance.
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.
🎟️ Book in Advance
For popular shows, especially Broadway tours, booking tickets early is recommended.
🍸 Themed Drinks Available
Enjoy special themed cocktails for certain performances, like Star Wars nights.
🚶♀️ Be Prepared to Walk
Parking is available, but you might have a bit of a walk to the entrance.
⏰ Arrive Early for Entry
Lobby and seating doors may open closer to showtime; arriving early helps avoid lobby congestion.
What Travellers Say
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
What People Dislike
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.
Yes, there is plenty of parking available. However, depending on where you park, you may have a walk to the entrance.
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.
Yes, drop-off is possible. Consider the condition of the access roads when planning your drop-off point.
Information on direct public transport routes can vary. It's best to check local Toledo transit schedules for the most up-to-date information.
🎫 🎫 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.
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.
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.
Yes, the Stranahan Theater often offers season ticket packages or subscriptions for select series, providing potential savings and guaranteed access to popular shows.
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.
🎫 ✨ Onsite Experience
The Stranahan Theater hosts a diverse range of events, including Broadway tours, concerts, comedy shows, ballet, and live plays.
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.
The main hall is described as having good sightlines and an intimate feel, with no bad seats reported for certain performances.
Yes, basic theater concessions, including drinks and snacks, are available. Some special themed drinks may also be offered for specific events.
The venue takes security seriously, which can make attendees feel more at ease during performances.
🍽️ 🍽️ 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.
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.
Outside food and beverages are generally not permitted inside the Stranahan Theater. Concessions are available for purchase.
For certain events, like the Les Miserables performance, there were special cocktail presentations, suggesting themed offerings can occur.
Some reviews mention that condiments and concessions can be a bit pricey, which is common for theater venues.
📸 📸 Photography
Generally, personal photography and videography are prohibited during performances to avoid disrupting the show and other patrons. Check specific event policies.
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.
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.
Professional camera equipment, including tripods and large lenses, is usually not permitted. Personal devices like smartphones are typically allowed for non-disruptive use.
The lobby areas are usually well-lit for general ambiance and photos. During performances, the stage lighting is dynamic and focused on the show.
For Different Travelers
Tailored advice for your travel style
👨👩👧 Families with Kids
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.
💰 Budget Travelers
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. Exploring local eateries outside the immediate theater vicinity can also help save on dining costs.
Deep Dives
In-depth insights and expert knowledge
The Stranahan Theater's Role in Toledo's Arts Scene
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.
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.
Navigating the Stranahan Theater Experience
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. Basic concessions, including drinks and snacks, are available, and for specific events, themed cocktails might be offered, adding a unique touch to the experience. Security is taken seriously, contributing to a comfortable and safe environment for all attendees.
For those looking to dine before a show, nearby options like Basil Pizza and Wine Bar are recommended. While the venue itself offers concessions, they can be a bit pricey, which is typical for performance halls. Overall, the Stranahan Theater provides a solid experience for enjoying live entertainment in Toledo.
Social
from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit