You might be surprised to know
that San Diego has a world-famous reputation for original theater and many
Broadway-bound musicals make their debut here.
In addition to The Old Globe’s always stellar line up, there are many theater
companies and different stages where you can catch amazing productions of smash
hits or soon-to-be-classics. Here are
some of our favorite companies and events you’ll want to keep an eye on.
UC San Diego is not only home to Birch Aquarium and stunning architecture, it is also home to the La Jolla Playhouse. Founded in 1947 by legendary
movie stars Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire, and Mel Ferrer, this not for profit
professional theater has been lauded with countless awards over the decades. In fact, they have been the chosen venue for
75 world premiere theater pieces, like the musical Jersey Boys, a staple on
Broadway and later a movie directed by Clint Eastwood. Any show that runs here has been carefully
selected, so even if you haven’t heard of it, chances are you’ll love it and it
will go on to become a theater classic.
From February 2nd to the 28th, the Playhouse will
be performing the black comedy, "Guards at the Taj." This is an existential piece that critics and
audiences have been raving about all over the country (this show commonly needs
to extend its run to accommodate the crowds).
Tickets at the La Jolla Playhouse start at $20. 
The San Diego Repertory Theatre (known as San Diego REP), is
a slightly more subversive but just as entertaining as the La Jolla Playhouse in
their productions. Even their location
in downtown San Diego is very unique. You’ll
know you’ve reached the Lyceum Theatre, home to San Diego REP, by a sunken
entrance in Horton Plaza and a towering, colorful mosaic monolith in the
center. The intimate theater is known for experimental
plays (one past production was entitled “The Great American Trailer Park
Musical”), as well as re-staged favorites. The REP was founded in 1976 and its mission is
to “feed the curious soul.” Currently showing is the hilarious romantic
comedy, “Outside Mullingar,” a play written by the Oscar-winning writer of “Moonstruck.” Tickets start at $31 and the current play
will run until February 14th.
Lest you think theater is only for the grown-ups, San Diego
also has some options for families with young children as well. The San Diego Junior Theatre is an
independent nonprofit organization which started in 1948. Famous alumni from this company include Dennis
Hopper, Raquel Welch, and Broadway star Brian Stokes Mitchell. The theater which houses the SDJT is worth a
visit alone, as all productions are in the Casa del Prado Theatre in Balboa
Park. Each production is chosen with the mindset of
entertaining both young children and the parents who accompany them. There are currently two shows this weekend
(January 22 to 24th), with productions on Friday, Saturday and Sunday. The popular children’s book from 1972, “Alexander
and the Terrible, Horrible, No Good, Very Bad Day,” has been re-imaged for the
stage. There is also the musical “Ivy +
Bean,” based on the 10-book series of the same name. If you can’t make this weekend, check their
calendar, as they always have something up their sleeve.
For the past 31 years, San Diego
has been participating in an incredibly special event known as the “Plays by
Young Writers.” Every year playwrights
under the age of 18 submit their original work in hopes of being selected to
stage their pieces as complete productions (costumes, sets, et al) at The Old Globe
Theatre. This year four plays were
chosen and the winners’ ages range from 11 to 18. Two different programs will be available to
see, one geared towards an audience of 11 and older, and the other for an
audience of 16 and older. Tickers start at $20 and opening night is this
Saturday, January 23rd, and will run until January 31st.
Whether you are a true theater
lover, or just like to catch the occasional show, our town has something for
everyone. The fact that we have a
theater company just for children is one of the many examples of San Diego having
it all. If attending the theater is on
your agenda, might we remind you that Mission Bay is just minutes from La Jolla,
downtown, and Balboa Park, so it makes sense to start with booking one of our
dramatic homes for your stay. 