Best Places to See Theatre in San Diego
San Diego may be known for its gorgeous weather and pristine beaches, but America's Finest City is also home to some spectacular theatres. Catch a Broadway-bound musical, an original production, or a tried-and-true favorite at a storied theatre in San Diego.
La Jolla Playhouse
Located a mere 2 miles from The Lodge at Torrey Pines, La Jolla Playhouse is a nationally acclaimed theatre that has touted 102 world premieres, sent 32 productions to Broadway, and garnered 38 Tony Awards including the 1993 Tony Award for Outstanding Regional Theatre.
Through March 29, the theatre is currently showing the west coast premier of Fly, a fun twist on the tale of Peter Pan. What's more, La Jolla Playhouse collaborates with several productions each year to bring an intimate cast meet-and-greet brunch to The Lodge at Torrey Pines with several songs performed from the show. The Fly brunch is on March 22, and check back for upcoming partner events.
The Old Globe
Set in the beautiful surroundings of Balboa Park, The Old Globe has the impressive distinction of being California's oldest professional theatre. With a theatre complex consisting of three stages including one outdoor venue, The Old Globe theatre in San Diego presents 15 productions and nearly 600 performances every year. Audiences can look forward to the annual traditions of the Shakespeare Festival during the summer as well as a winter run of Dr. Seuss’s How the Grinch Stole Christmas! during the holiday season.
San Diego Civic Theatre
Broadway fans unite at this downtown theatre known for its touring shows. Designed by San Diego architect Lloyd Ruocco, San Diego Civic Theatre first opened its doors to the 2,967-seat venue in 1965 and is still the area's largest regional theatre. Home to the San Diego Opera and California Ballet Company, iconic performers have also graced the stage including Frank Sinatra, Diana Ross, Jerry Seinfeld, Conan O’Brien, Jerry Lewis, Carole King, and Bob Dylan. Upcoming shows include Broadway classics such as Rent, The Lion King, and Les Misérables.
Spreckels Theatre
Commissioned by business mogul John D. Spreckels, this impressive 1,463 seat theatre in San Diego first opened more than a century ago in 1912 at the cost of $1 million. Designated a National Historic Site in 1973, Spreckels Theatre operated as a Vaudeville Opera house until the early 1920's as well as a movie palace of the motion picture hey-days until the 1950's. Today, the downtown San Diego venue is a destination for touring musical artists, top theatrical productions, comedians, and dance shows.
