Blake Lively, the renowned "Gossip Girl" alum, treated her husband, Ryan Reynolds, to a night of theatrical delight as they celebrated the "Deadpool & Wolverine" star's 48th birthday on Wednesday. The couple, accompanied by their three daughters, attended a matinee performance of the Tony-nominated musical "& Juliet" in New York City, creating a memorable birthday experience for the actor.

A Thoughtful Birthday Gift for the Musically Inclined

Catering to Reynolds' Love for Musicals

Lively's decision to take Reynolds and their family to see "& Juliet" was a thoughtful one, as the actress revealed that her husband has a deep appreciation for the art form. "I know he loves musicals, I love musicals, the kids love musicals. So it felt like the right choice!" Lively told the cast while backstage after the performance, according to a source present at the Stephen Sondheim Theatre.

A Family Affair

The famous family, including their three daughters – James, 9, Inez, 8, and Betty, 5 – attended the show quietly, without the newest addition to their family, son Olin, 1. Lively shared that the children were so enamored with the performance that they "want to come tomorrow. They think they're coming back every day."

Backstage Bonding

After the show, the Lively-Reynolds clan ventured backstage, where Reynolds "immediately started joking with the cast," according to the insider. The actor was full of praise for the talented performers, exclaiming, "'This is the best things I've ever seen in my life. You are all so talented, it's ridiculous. You guys are the ones in showbiz, I'm such a fake! I could never do what you all did.'"

A Warm Reception

The cast members were equally delighted by the family's visit, with a second source sharing that both Reynolds and Lively "couldn't have been kinder." The source added, "They stayed a long time, and really made sure every actor felt seen and appreciated." The crew even gathered to sing "Happy Birthday" to the "Proposal" star, capping off the celebratory evening.

Capturing the Moment

The couple took the opportunity to snap photos with the cast backstage, and Lively even captured a few solo shots of Reynolds on the Broadway stage, preserving the memories of this special birthday celebration.

A Lasting Impression

According to the insider, Lively was "blown away" by the quality of the musical, remarking that she was impressed by "how really well-written it is." The family's enthusiasm for the show was evident, with the source noting that Lively and Reynolds left the theater as "big fans" of the production.