Broadway Meets the West Coast

Whether you call it Broadway West or the West Coast's West End, San Diego has earned its reputation as a premier destination for theater. In fact, San Diego is a leader among American cities in developing and sending shows to Broadway. The hit musical "Jersey Boys," which won multiple Tony Awards and spent 12 years on Broadway, originated at La Jolla Playhouse, while the Old Globe in Balboa Park has birthed such Broadway hits as "Into the Woods."

Between them, the two theaters have had a hand in nearly 60 Broadway shows — most recently the Playhouse's "Come From Away" and the Old Globe's "Almost Famous."

The broader theater scene in San Diego is extraordinarily vibrant, too. There are more than 150 stages here where audiences can experience the immense pleasures of live performance. With genres as diverse as the venues, on any night you could choose between a rollicking musical, a thought-provoking drama, a witty comedy or a bold, challenging new play in an intimate setting. There's something for every visitor in this theater-rich region, including downtown's San Diego Theatres — the Balboa Theatre and Civic Theatre — which host a wide variety of nationally touring musicals and more. 

Many shows are available at half-price through San Diego's answer to New York's TKTS booth: ARTS TIX. You can order tickets online at sdartstix.com or visit the box office which is conveniently located downtown at Horton Plaza.

Whether it's the Old Globe's summer outdoor Shakespeare festival in beautiful Balboa Park, a sing-along musical at Lamb's Players Theatre in Coronado or a daring new work at La Jolla Playhouse, put some drama into your San Diego trip — and get ready to be dazzled!