The holidays are the perfect time to slow down, cherish one another, and create memories that last a lifetime. This year, why not go beyond the usual gifts and treat your teen or tween to something truly special, a night (or matinee!) out at Broadway’s hit musical, & JULIET, part of the 25–26 BROADWAY IN TOLEDO Series at The Stranahan Theatre from Dec. 16–21, 2025.
There’s something magical about live theater. The energy, the laughter, the music, it’s an experience that can’t be replicated on a screen. When you step into the theater together, you’re not just watching a performance, you’re sharing a moment in time. You’ll feel the heartbeat of the actors on stage, the creativity of the writers, costume designers, choreographers, and set designers, and for a few hours, the characters become almost part of your own life.
& JULIET flips the story of the world’s most famous love story on its head. Juliet takes control of her destiny, embracing her own path, her own joy, and her own independence. It’s a story of girl power, self-confidence, and positivity, reminding teens and tweens that they don’t need a partner to define their story, they can be bold, brave, and unapologetically themselves. And what better season to celebrate that kind of confidence than the holidays, a time meant for togetherness, reflection, and joy?
Taking your teen or tween to a live performance is about more than the show itself. It’s about the entire experience. Leaving early and enjoying a holiday-themed lunch or treat beforehand. Or stay late and share a dinner afterward, letting the magic of the performance carry into your conversation. Talk about your favorite songs, the moments that made you laugh or cry, and the characters that inspired you. Discuss the creativity of the production, the clever sets, the sparkling costumes, the dazzling choreography, and the way all these elements come together to tell a story. These conversations are a gift in themselves, helping teens see the imagination, skill, and collaboration behind every show while also strengthening your bond.
The gift of a live theater experience is the gift that keeps giving. Weeks, months, and even years later, you’ll both remember how it felt to sing along to hits like “Roar,” “Baby One More Time,” or “Since U Been Gone.” You’ll remember the energy in the theater, the excitement of the performers, and the glow of spending a few magical hours together. A night like this becomes a story you can tell again and again, a memory that can’t be wrapped in paper but is infinitely more precious than any toy.
Holiday gift-giving doesn’t have to revolve around a single day. Instead, the season is an invitation to embrace togetherness, experiences, and shared joy. What better way to honor this than by stepping out, dressing up a little, and immersing yourselves in a live production that celebrates creativity, storytelling, and fun? From the moment the curtains rise, you and your teen or tween will be pulled into a world of music, laughter, and empowerment. By the end of the night, you’ll leave with a memory of a story that felt, for just a few hours, like it was part of your own life.
& JULIET is bursting with energy, humor, and heart. Featuring 2025 Jimmy Award® Winner Fabiola Caraballo Quijada as Juliet, along with an all-star cast including Paul-Jordan Jansen, Crystal Kellogg, CJ Eldred, Nico Ochoa, Kathryn Allison, Joseph Torres, and Noah Marlowe, this production is a spectacular showcase of talent. The show’s Grammy-winning soundtrack, created by Max Martin, combined with Emmy-award-winning choreography and the brilliant book by David West Read (Schitt’s Creek), makes for a theatrical experience that’s as empowering as it is fun. Teens will be inspired, parents will be entertained, and everyone will leave with a smile, and a song stuck in their head!
Planning the evening can be part of the fun. Choose a matinee or evening performance, pick a nearby café or restaurant for a holiday meal, and enjoy time together in a way that feels festive, special, and unhurried. This is a chance to pause the busy holiday season, put down the phones, and truly connect. It’s not about gifts or schedules, it’s about experiencing joy and creativity together.
By gifting a live theater experience like & JULIET, you’re giving so much more than a ticket. You’re giving laughter, inspiration, music, and memories. You’re giving a moment of magic in which your teen or tween can witness characters making bold choices, pursuing their passions, and embracing life with confidence. And in doing so, you’re creating a memory that will stay with them long after the curtain falls.
So this holiday season, give a gift that celebrates togetherness, empowerment, and the joy of live experiences. Treat your teen or tween to & JULIET at the Stranahan Theatre, enjoy a meal before or after the show, and cherish the laughter, the music, and the stories you’ll share. Because memories like these are far more lasting than any toy, and the season of togetherness is far sweeter when spent creating them.
🎟 Tickets are available now at BroadwayInToledo.com and StranahanTheater.com. Planning for a group? Save on 10+ tickets by contacting Groups@ATGuild.org. Performances run Dec. 16–21, 2025, so secure your seats and make this holiday truly unforgettable!
Mom on the go in Holy Toledo 