The Purpose - straight off Broadway and a Tony award and a Pulitzer award for drama you can't miss this while on it limited run at the La Jolla Playhouse. The show is phenomenal. Let's talk the playhouse - the campus is gorgeous, and with multiple venues hosting events - look for the name on the building and there is always great signage up! The bonus, you will always see what else is available or coming soon! The parking is just across the street in a brand new parking structure and is easy to get in and out of. Enjoy the arts- the passion that goes into a production is always felt read more

La Jolla Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - La Jolla, California

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There isn't a bad seat in the house. That's the first thought in my head about the La Jolla Playhouse. I have been to plays in New York, Los Angeles and London. I am totally impressed. We are here to see The Recipe (life and times of Julia Child). They have a kitchen replica as you walk in. You can get your celebrity shot there! This play is so well written. Very tight scripting. This play is so well acted. Transitions are seamless. This play is hilarious! Next stop? New York would not surprise any of us, who came to see it. The staff at The Playhouse is so warm and welcoming. Both young and old are well taken care of. And guess what? I'm buying a subscription! You cannot beat this for local theatre. And I am comparing it to other venues in San Diego. No issues about parking. Not a bad seat in the house. I'm telling you, this play runs till almost the end of the month. Grab any seat available. Go alone if you have to. Don't miss The Recipe. With garlic, gusto and gratitude, Chef Marian San Diego & Carlsbad Foodies read more

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I grew up with great regional theatres in the New York-Philadelphia corridor -- affordable Broadway-quality productions in more intimate environments. We have the same experience level at the La Jolla Playhouse. The Playhouse is actually three theaters of different sizes, which are perfect for productions ranging from small cast plays to large-scale musicals. We've enjoyed several plays and musicals here. The acoustics are terrific, and the seating comfortable. The Playhouse is on the UCSD campus, and there's designated parking for the Playhouse. read more

Such an amazing regional theatre in La Jolla. I've been to many shows here and each show amazes me. The staff are always so helpful and polite. read more

La Jolla Playhouse - Stunning set for the Pulitzer Prize and Tony Award winning show Purpose. - Performing Arts Near Me - La Jolla, California

Saw another amazing play at the Playhouse last night. Purpose was incredible. The performance, the Set, the Story, all of it. Did not disappoint. So happy to have had the opportunity to attend this performance. And feel so lucky to be able to enjoy these, really world class, productions here in San Diego. If you have not attended one of the shows here you were missing out. We are lucky to have such a wonderful venue here locally. It took me a couple of performances to bite the bullet and subscribe annually and it was one of the best decisions I've made. Well done. read more

Came to see The Recipe, a play of Julia Childs life and career. The La Jolla playhouse is a nice setting, not a bad seat in the house, even the upstairs balcony. Great acoustics, comfortable seating and a lobby bar with beer, wine and cocktails. Friendly staff that is helpful and courteous. Parking structure a few blocks away that is convenient. We typically see 4-5 plays a year and have never been disappointed. read more

La Jolla Playhouse - Lobby bar and snack bar - Performing Arts Near Me - La Jolla, California

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Very enjoyable first time at La Jolla Playhouse for a Sunday afternoon performance of The Heart. The theater was clean, spacious, well ventilated and staffed with friendly ushers. BF and I were stoked to get balcony seats at the top - lots of legroom, birds eye view and no getting up and down when others arrive. The Heart was an excellent original play, and we especially liked the vocals of the main nurse and the organ donation requesting doctor. The play felt contemporary and local, set in San Diego and with a fun electronic soundtrack that riffed well off the heartbeat thematic element. There was a packed house of elders at this performance, but no noise or other disturbances, the stage lighting was great, and we had a wonderful time doing something different and supporting local theater. read more

La Jolla Playhouse - View from the balcony AA seats - Performing Arts Near Me - La Jolla, California

I absolutely love the La Jolla Playhouse! I have seen three shows there so far and each time, I have been impressed with the quality and the value of the tickets. I saw The Outsiders before it went to broadway and it was fabulous! Seats were great and such a good price. I am excited for the next season. There are already a few shows I want to see! read more

My first show at the La Jolla Playhouse was last fall to see "Working Girl" (totally remember that movie btw from the 80's!). It was a nice theater, didn't feel like there was a bad seat in the house. My only complaint, which actually is no fault of the theater, so I am not docking them any stars, is that it is weirdly difficult to find for someone who is not familiar with the layout of that area. In addition to that, the signage was confusing or nonexistent. We circled around and barely made the beginning at a full sprint no less! So, make sure you give yourself plenty of time to get there and get situated. Next time we are in the San Diego area, I will definitely check the schedule of events! read more

Love seeing live theatre but this past year I've seen some good plays and a couple I was disappointed with. Seems inconsistent, but when a good play comes you know it's Broadway Bound! read more

If I could give a higher rating, I most definitely would! The entire staff is extremely friendly, especially the box office! I had physical tickets to Sasha Velour show but I left them at home in LA. I called a couple hours before the show and they were able to reprint them for me to pick up at the box office. Super friendly! The bathrooms were pretty clean and the space felt intimate and the seats were cushy. They had free parking at one of the UCSD parking structures with a shuttle that takes you to the venue. If not, it's also a short, leisurely walk there that takes about 7-9 minutes. read more

La Jolla Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - La Jolla, California

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It was a great experience attending a play here. It was my first visit and I will definitely come back. There were many friendly smiling staff members to assist and provide directions where to go. The parking and shuttle was so easy and seamless. The play was excellent as expected. The theatre lived up to their stellar reputation with this show. I can't wait to come back! read more

La Jolla Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - La Jolla, California

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Last night I saw Redwood at the Potiker theater. It is amazing that such well known artists such as Idina Menzel have made appearances at this playhouse. Pros: -free parking/shuttle services to the event -tickets range in price which helps people at different price points. There were even people who were in the standing section for Redwood, which I had no idea was even an option. Cons: -be careful of where you choose your seat. I sat in the balcony seat AA 210 and couldn't see 1/3 of the stage so at times I could only hear what was happening. I'm a little surprised that these seats were offered. read more

La Jolla Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - La Jolla, California

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Love La Jolla Playhouse! All the theaters are super intimate/there isn't a bad seat in the house and they always have amazing original shows with incredibly talented actors! read more

The La Jolla Playhouse is a live theater venue which, while small, has a big reputation for sending plays to Broadway. They don't all become hits in NYC but a substantial number have succeeded. The acoustics are very good. The sight lines are superb. The theater seating is perfectly sloped so you could see the stage even if Kareem Abdul-Jabbar sat in front of you. Well done, designers. There's a parking structure about a ten minute walk away. Easy peasy. This little theater has a big reputation and for good reason. read more

La Jolla Playhouse - Interior, pre-show. Perfectly-sloped seating so everyone has great views. - Performing Arts Near Me - La Jolla, California

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Still fangirling over the play I saw the other day with Genevieve Angelson, Anna Chlumsky, Ann Harada, and freakin Matthew Broderick. What a freakin treat. I already have my ticket to see Idina Menzel next year. I can not be more thrilled to have La Jolla Playhouse in my backyard. Before seeing Babbit and purchasing my tickets for 2024, I knew La Jolla playhouse from all the other cool things they've brought to the area. I really enjoyed the immersive show they put on La Lucha downtown and getting to see Little Amal come to San Diego was so special. Their calendar is really starting to pick up after live events had to pause a few years ago. I'm so excited for their 2024-25 programs and can't wait to see what else they bring to the area. read more

First time for us going to this theater. What a phenomenal performance! The actors and music were outstanding. I highly recommend this musical to anyone who is a Johnny Cash fan. I was very impressed. read more

La Jolla Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - La Jolla, California

I love the La Jolla Playhouse! It is one of the best non profit arts organizations in the nation and regularly sends shows to Broadway. They always have really diverse programming from big musicals to thought provoking plays from a variety of playwrights. What really stands out are the risks that LJP takes. You are usually seeing newer work or world premiers. There are theaters that try to match what LJP does like South Coast Rep or CTG, but can't quite capture the magic that LJP consistently accomplishes. The best part is that they have a robust education department that gets schools in San Diego exposure to the arts which I think it important. Parking can be a little difficult. Would recommend downloading the ParkMobile app before attending because you won't get any service in the underground parking garage. Use the app to pay before you enter or after you park to save yourself a headache. read more

Every single show we've seen at LJP has been fantastic. So much so that we became season subscribers last season (first time we ever have for any theater) and are again for the next season. We love that they choose newer plays and produce them in innovative and intriguing ways. They often move onto Broadway after premiering here. read more

This is my second time attending a play at this theater but first time reviewing it. My daughter and I had the pleasure of seeing Matthew Broderick in the play Babbitt! Before we were even in La Jolla the playhouse kept us up to date and informed us of our evening via email. I really appreciated their notifications concerning the parking situation due to some construction in the lot. The email gave great detail in how to get to the venue and where we should park. There was a free shuttle that picks you up outside the parking garage. Everything was very simple and easy. Once the shuttle dropped us at the theater it was a short walk to the entrance. They had a nice lobby with easy access to restrooms and refreshments. The lines were typical but went quickly, I appreciated the friendliness of the staff and the decor. There was a nice photo backdrop for guests to take pictures which was nice! Once we were ready to find our seats it took only a few minutes and it was very easy. The theater is not huge but every seat has a great view. The design is excellent in allowing you to see the full stage without being blocked by the guest in front of you. The play was wonderful, acting superb and the seats were comfy and leg room spacious. I would definitely come back to see another show in the future. Upon leaving the playhouse once it was over we decided to skip the shuttle and walk with the rest of the crowd to the parking garage down the street. It took us only about 10 min to get there. Everything was very easy and quick! If you get a chance to see a show here I think you will feel comfortable and have a great time. Anytime at the theater is a treat! read more

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My wife and I have lived in La Jolla for 20 of the past 25 years, and we have never once seen a show at the La Jolla Playhouse (OK, I DID see Pete Townshend perform there with a friend many years ago). We fixed that a couple weekends ago when we saw Here There Are Blueberries. The Playhouse itself is wonderful -- comfortable, stadium seating with clear views of the stage from wherever you might be. The show was great. The cast excellent. Enjoyed it so much that we subscribed to the rest of the 2022-2023 season. Looking forward to attending more shows soon! read more

La Jolla Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - La Jolla, California

First time to the La Jolla Playhouse. I really like this small and intimate theater. It provides a good view of the stage for everyone. The theater is really easy to find. Currently there is construction going on nearby so one has to park in farther garage and take a shuttle. We saw a musical named "BHANGIN' IT: A BANGIN' NEW MUSICAL" with upbeat music and was treated to a vibrant bhangra dance at the end. It has a plot that many teenagers can identify with. read more

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We have seen so many great plays at this playhouse. Parking is convenient and staff is friendly. We appreciate to have this place in San Diego. read more

We used to have season tickets here back in 2005! OMG how it's changed since then! The theatre is still the same intimate setting but the parking lot across the way is GONE. It's now multiple high rise buildings. You now have to park like a mile away but parking is now free and a shuttle will take you to and from at no charge. The play we saw today was Outsiders. It was great! My daughter is a UCSD student and one of the perks is $15 tickets. They are only the last 2 rows but they are still great seats. No one obstructing our views. The sound and music were spot on. The will call box people and the ushers all very nice. Good refreshment... prices reasonable. Overall great show, great experience! read more

La Jolla Playhouse - Program - Performing Arts Near Me - La Jolla, California

Love the Playhouse most plays here are fantastic except for Indian Princess what a bummer. Worst play I've ever seen.

Wonderful from start to finish, saw the wonderful play Indian Princessess and laughed so hard.

My first time here and thought it was great! Very clear parking directions on the website, and it's nice they offer complimentary parking / shuttles. The seats in the theater were comfortable. A bit hard to find the bathrooms before the doors to the inside opened if you didn't know / look around. read more

I'm enamored with the new play "to the yellow house". A wonderful and imaginative play about Vincent van Gogh in Paris and his encounter with Agostina Segatori. Deidrie Henry had an incredible presence as Agostina. Paco Tolson is captivating as Vincent. The costumes are incredible and the sets are divine. An absolute gem. read more

La Jolla Playhouse - Program from the La Jolla Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - La Jolla, California

Great small theater to see pre broadway shows. Went to see The Outsiders. Was a great theater with elevated seats, so even the back rows have a great view. Seats we're comfortable and plenty of leg space. Would come back here for future shows. read more

La Jolla Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - La Jolla, California

Delayed review. I came with a UCSD student friend and didn't have to pay the exorbitant ticket price, though I could have gone for the $30 under 30 (of age, we think) deal had I wanted to trek down to SD on a random week night. This however, probably inflated my rating for my perceived value of the musical. Parking was in the student lots and nobody was paying for parking although there were signs about needing permits. 3 hours later, after the showing: no parking ticket. Hordes of enthusiasts crowded the ticket booth at 730pm and we were afraid our tickets were going to be given away, since will-call tickets were supposed to be picked up earlier. Luckily we got in and got to our seats. All the seats in the La Jolla Playhouse are fantastic from what I can see. Our seats, located maybe three rows from the back and to the right was phenomenal. The theatre was packed - we wouldn't have been able to "trade" seats if we wanted to. Even though the play was to start at 8pm, the opening didn't start until about 8:15pm. I've heard great things about the production before it, and seeing the caliber and execution of this musical, I wouldn't be surprised that this is the standard. Fantastic venue and plays are to be had here! read more

I've seen some really good shows here with famous people like Matthew Broderick and Billy Crystal. It's very old but it's clean and the seats are well laid out and still comfortable enough. read more

Recently went here to watch The Outsiders. You have to park in a parking structure, get a parking pass and shuttle to the La Jolla Playhouse. For us, it went really smooth and quick. The La Jolla Playhouse is a great venue. It has a smaller intimate feel and from where we were sitting, it seemed like there wasn't a bad seat it the house. We definitely would go here again for more shows. read more

Amazing venue, I went for the first time a couple of months ago and enjoyed the Lempicka show a lot! Even more because I was invited by a friend that is member of the Playhouse so I got to know more about the history of the center, when was created, what types of shows they do there. I avoided parking nightmare by taking Uber, but then I noticed there were some buses that would take people to their parking lots. Pre-show, while waiting for my friend I enjoyed a walk around the mini forest that surrounds the playhouse, smells sooo good and you will have some whimsical objects here and there. I really enjoyed also seeing the actors so closely as the whole theater is and feels very intimate and homey. read more

Beautiful theatre complex on campus of University of California, San Diego, located at the Revelle entrance. I didn't see signage for parking, but there is parking across the complex, and also there seems to be parking to the right just as you enter the Revelle entrance. Gorgeous not-for-profit theatre originally founded by Gregory Peck, Dorothy McGuire, and Mel Ferrer. There's even a Gregory Peck Park...lovely landscaping and electronic marquees with beautifully-designed scrolling posters posted along the walkway with signage that helps get you to James' Place, the Asian fusion restaurant next to the playhouse. A great place for pre-show dining. Box office was very accommodating and nice. I wanted a souvenir old school ticket, instead of a computer printout with barcode...and it wasn't a problem to swap it out. Also, the souvenirs for DIANA, the new musical about the Princess of Wales, were beautifully made albeit expensive. The Mandell Weiss Lobby is cool with well-lit posters of productions. The production values here are top notch. The seating about 500 (?) are comfortable, but it's continental style so if you don't like feeling trapped, buy a seat near an aisle. My ticket was for center of the last row (Row P) and cost about $60. This was my first time to the theatre. Worth the three-hour drive from Los Angeles. Looking forward to another theatrical adventure soon. read more

La Jolla Playhouse - Lovely evening for a new musical no doubt destined for Broadway. Go Diana!!!! - Performing Arts Near Me - La Jolla, California

Got invited here for the second time to watch a live reading of Native voices to awaken my inner native spirits. All the company and playwrights were amazing, I can't wait to go back and watch their series in June where they will have more show dates. read more

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Great visibility from almost all seats. Good shows, and plenty of ushers to assist. Only negative is the parking situation which can be horrendous as you park in the back 40, or worse, looking for a spot. Drinks and snacks are available in the foyer outside the theatres. All in all, a very nice venue among a pleasant environment and will look forward to returning for the shows. read more

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Was here this weekend to see a musical - Bhanging it! Parking was a breeze because of the detailed instructions and you can either walk (7 mins) or take a shuttle. The theatre was small enough that there is really no bad seat and very comfortable chairs. There is no concession stand inside the theatre but there is a food and drink stand outside.. The challenge is there is not enough time for most people to get their beverage or food and make it back in time for the show. That is the only reason to take a star away. Please don't let this not make anyone not go to enjoy this wonderful theatre. read more

Not a good play. Gave me a headache. I would've given it one star but it is obvious that they tried so hard. I have seen high school musicals that were better. I actually saw an elementary school musical that was better. read more

La Jolla Playhouse - Two stars because they tried so hard - Performing Arts Near Me - La Jolla, California

Having lived in very close proximity to this playhouse during my years at UCSD, I am quite sad that I rarely took advantage of the spectacular shows and musicals that were held here. It is a little known fact, but the playhouse is a prestigious establishment having won hundreds of awards and having been recognized internationally for producing some of the best and most unique performances. For crying out loud, students can attend shows for $10! And depending on its popularity, there's a possibility of forking out $80 if you're a non-student, most especially for musicals! Expect to encounter a more affluent and older crowd here. You must abide by theater etiquette at all times, so you are only allowed to leave the theater during intermission. Make sure you make show time or they won't let you enter! The most memorable performances had to have been *The Hunchback of Notre Dame* and *Freaky Friday*. The cast was SO talented, the sets so enveloping and completely dazzling. Each and every show sparks some very deep fascination within me and I'm really SO influenced to seek out and attend another show. Look up their current season and buy tickets in advanced now! I believe you can purchase for as little at $25, for tickets in the back sure, but the sound is so perfect wherever you sit and the theater already so small that you'll have optimal viewing at any seat. read more

La Jolla Playhouse - Freaky Friday was excellent! Quirky, fun but philosophical too. Go watch! Singing is great and the band is live! - Performing Arts Near Me - La Jolla, California

Historic and cutting edge theater. A great place to experience high caliber talent and Broadway level production values. We are fortunate to have this jewel in our midst. Enjoy! read more