Eight great theaters (plus one) in San Diego


Did you know that San Diego is the No. 1 exporter of shows to Broadway? We’re the 5th largest theater market in the country… and we have LOTS of theaters, large and small, that cater to any taste and style. Here’s a sampling from theater critic Pat Launer.

The Old Globe - the granddaddy of ‘em all…. 72 years old and going strong. Three stages in the summer, two the rest of the year, 15 productions annually in all. Classics and Shakespeare and new work, oh my! All produced with the highest standards of excellence. Gorgeous location, in the middle of beautiful Balboa Park. A San Diego treasure.

La Jolla Playhouse - Our other Tony Award-winning theater, which produces high-caliber musicals, some classics and experimental plays, too. Some risk-taking with the Page to Stage and EDGE productions of new work. Three theater spaces located on the campus of UC San Diego, adjacent to a new Wolfgang Puck restaurant, Jai.

Lamb’s Players Theatre - Our county’s third largest theater, with a resident company of actors, directors and designers, a resident space in Coronado, and a second performance venue at the Horton Grand Theatre in the Gaslamp Quarter. 37 years of presenting quality theater that explores the spiritual dimensions of life and the values of past and contemporary culture.

San Diego Repertory Theatre - San Diego’s most prominent downtown theater, dedicated to representing a broad array of cultural voices and perspectives. Premieres and regional work, relevant to our border binationalism, as well as musicals and new twists on classics. Two theater spaces in Horton Plaza.

Cygnet Theatre - one of San Diego’s little gems, the 7 year-old company is now situated in the newly renovated Old Town Theatre. Interesting, sometimes offbeat, often thought-provoking work, very well presented.

Diversionary Theatre - 24 years of presenting high-quality productions of plays old and new, with gay, lesbian, bisexual and transgender themes. Shows regularly feature many of San Diego’s finest theater artists. Located in the University Heights/Hillcrest area.

New Village Arts - delightful North County theater, located in an 80 year-old former lumberyard in the charming village of Carlsbad. Founded in 2001 by graduates of New York’s Actors Studio Drama School, the company produces entertaining dramas and comedies in an intimate atmosphere.

North Coast Repertory Theatre - nestled in a cozy space in Solana Beach, NCRT has been amusing and intriguing North County audiences for 27 years. Strong commitment to quality and the community.

Broadway San Diego - our greatest importer of big, brash Broadway shows (and smaller ones, too) on tour. In two downtown venues: the Civic Theatre and the historic, landmark Balboa Theatre.

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READER COMMENTScomment rules | moderation | privacy

Comment by: jpm007 Posted: April 8, 2009, 10:47 am

Thanks for your helpful reviews, Pat. They are greatly appreciated!

Comment by: Pat Launer on San Diego theater: ‘Good Boys,’ ‘Tiger’ Posted: June 4, 2009, 11:13 am

[...] Eight great theaters (plus one) [...]

Comment by: Pat Launer on San Diego theater: ‘Dogs,’ ‘Hedwig’ Posted: June 11, 2009, 10:22 am

[...] Eight great theaters (plus one) [...]

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