First time trying this 87 years old local independent theatre. Impressive players, costumes and sets! Attended on a Friday night- The Book Of Will, First Act ran...a bit long, Second Act definitely wrapped up well. Looking forward to seeing what they offer next season. read more

We left this performance extremely disappointed and uncomfortable. During The 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee, a member of our party was unexpectedly singled out and made part of a sexually driven audience interaction without any warning, consent, or understanding of what the scene would involve beforehand. What may have been intended as "comedic" quickly became inappropriate and uncomfortable for both the individual involved and the rest of our group watching it happen. Audience participation does not excuse putting people into sexual situations without prior knowledge or consent. This could have easily been avoided by using a planted cast member or by clearly informing volunteers beforehand about the nature of the interaction. Instead, the theater chose to put unsuspecting audience members in that position. What made the experience even worse was the complete lack of professionalism afterward. I emailed the theater regarding this concern over two weeks ago and never received any response, acknowledgment, or apology. Ignoring concerns like this speaks volumes about how little they seem to care about the comfort and experience of their guests. Overall, we were very disappointed by both the performance experience and the theater's handling of the situation afterward. Unfortunately, based on this experience, we would not recommend attending productions here. read more

Cozy venue. The Book of Will was very well done. Nice way to support the local community. Will definitely attend again soon.

Wow. Our first time here to see "Of Mice and Men". What a stellar performance by all. Definitely will go back again for the next show. My ONLY two minor complaints is that the wardrobe was too "new" looking. I mean, the show takes place at a farm with everyone working in the barley fields and sometimes sleeping outside in the dirt. But the clothes look like they just bought them at Target and put them on. The second thing is that we were in row 6, but the stage is real low, so all the scenes depicting people sleeping outside or laying on the stage we were unable to actually see. But please go and see this fantastic well executed story. You will NOT regret it. Thank you again for a wonderful evening. read more

The Book of Will - Outstanding script and performance. This deserves Broadway if not already there! Seamless scene changes. Actors playing multiple parts was necessary, not distracting, shows depth of talent. read more

One of my favorite venues. Every show I've seen here has been so well done. They are currently in their 86th season! How amazing. Would recommend catching a show here if you can. read more

First time there last night to see "Of Mice and Men" and it was stellar. How we've never been there before is beyond me, but this is a charming community theater with a warm, intimate vibe. The performances were powerful and the actors were top-notch. Plenty of free parking made the whole evening stress-free. A great night out for anyone who appreciates local theater! read more

A wonderful play in a small, quaint theater. High caliber performances and very touching story. Had a wonderful and memorable evening. read more

Lamplighters Community Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - La Mesa, California

We've been going to this play house several years and it never fails to exceed our expectations. The last play was funny and we couldn't stop laughing. Their ability to always come up with something unique and sometimes shocking performances puts them in the top of live theater productions. Highly recommend if you're looking for something beyond the regular routine. read more

I saw last night 5 women wearing the same dress and did not like it at all! The foul language and drug use was extremely disturbing. I wish I knew before hand since I was pretty upset and they need to put a rating on these plays since I never would of gone. The acting was good but PLEASE give viewers a warning so they can decide for themselves. Just grateful my husband didn't go like he was suppose to since he would of left before intermission yes it was that disturbing read more

The current production of "One Flew over the Cuckoo's Nest" is the best one I've seen in this wonderful little theater. The acting is smooth and clear and there is an amazing amount of emotion in the faces of each and every one of the performers. By today's standard of politically correctness, the story line is uncomfortable - as it should be - but everything is portrayed with dignity and skill. The night that I attended, roaring applause was simple praise for this great cast. Well done, Lamplighters! read more

Lamplighters Community Theatre - Small space, BIG emotions. Well done, Lamplighters Theater! - Performing Arts Near Me - La Mesa, California

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We have been to many plays in NYC and elsewhere so may I start off by letting you know that we highly recommend "Red Jasper" written and directed by Michael Madden who did a superb job of both. The theater itself is very comfortable with stage viewing no matter where one sits. The play "Red Jasper" held the audience's attention while it hit all the emotions one would want in a good performance. It made us laugh, shed a tear, think, engage, understand, and in certain cases sympathize with the character. It was performed by Broadway class actors that captured you in every word. My husband and I hope that you take advantage of this opportunity to spend an afternoon or evening at the theater. It is a memorable experience. Carol and Steve Garan read more

Lamplighters Community Theatre - May 27 - June 19, 2022 - Performing Arts Near Me - La Mesa, California

This season's production of "Rumors" was so much fun and the cast was well suited for their roles. One of my favorite experiences in a casual theater setting. I must give my gold star rating. read more

Lamplighters Community Theatre - Performing Arts Near Me - La Mesa, California

My first visit to this community theatre was fabulous! "Silent Sky", the play is a beautiful, fascinating story of an unsung brilliant and ​gifted female astronomer who was not allowed to look through her lab's great telescope, as were none of the female scientists in the 1800's. The lead actress who played her was lovely and extremely talented, as were each of the supporting cast members. Even the costumes from that era were gorgeously reproduced Much laughter and tears, everything a theatre production should be. Great for adults but also inspiring and enjoyable for children. Go see this play while you can; you won't regret it!!!​ read more

It's a community theatre, staffed by volunteers. People who come here and expect Broadway level plays are really missing the mark. Complaining about the lighting or sound quality is a cheap shot. Everyone who works to put on a performance is a volunteer and they're doing their best with very limited resources. Be grateful that you are able to see plays for such an inexpensive price. The reason I can't give it more stars is mainly due to the rudeness of a couple ill informed volunteers that were unable to follow basic regulations. Perhaps some of the volunteers just need to be trained better. The actors are great though, I enjoy their efforts to bring the plays to life. Hopefully things will improve enough for me to give a better rating in the future. read more

Made the trek to La Mesa last night to see the production of "And Miss Reardon Drinks A Little" and I was glad I did. The Actors were on mark and very well adept to bringing their Characters to life. None of the innuendos or witty banter delivered by the wonderful cast was lost on the audience. Cheers to the three main actors, Rhiannon McAfee who played Catherine Reardon, Susan Stratton who played Ceil Adams, and Heather Warren who played the difficult character of Anna Reardon. Together their portrayal of sibling rivalry was wonderfully conveyed in this sometimes dark satire. The accolades could not be complete without strong kudos and recognition of Amy Dell and James Steinberg who played the Steins! Bravo to the entire cast and the production crew for this little gem in La Mesa. read more

Just saw On Golden Pond last night and was so impressed with the acting, the set, the intimate seating and the staff! Just a terrific experience all the way around. Definitely a must see to bring the Oscar winning film we enjoyed so much to life in this day! Bravo Lamplighters! We shall be back and telling all our friends! read more

The show I saw was "Mack and Mabel" and it was great. I went in a little apprehensive as I am not really a "play" person. I have been to big productions such as "The Book of Mormon" in SD and "Wicked" in New York and am generally ready to leave at intermission. The big plus here is the theater is so small you almost feel like you are part of the show. The cast was having a blast and that energy could really be felt. I was happy I went and will go back for another show. read more

Okay, I'm a sucker for community theater, so my review might be a bit tainted. I saw "10 out of 12" here and although the play wasn't my favorite, I must admit that there were some excellent actors on stage. Also, the crew did a fine job with very limited resources. I'd like to see this company serve beer and/or wine in the lobby. Other than that, a nice way to spend the evening. read more

Last night was my first visit to this Lamplighter theater. "Send Me No Flowers " was very funny. The staff there was very kind. The free treats were right on time too. I really enjoyed the entire experience. The cast was great! Almost felt like a private show. Please stop by one night and enjoy yourself. I'm a loyal patron from now on. Thanks Lamplighter. read more

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A frequent Broadway attendee, this was our first a this theatre. It was overwhelmingly professional in every sense. The musical was performed with style, character, and flawless production. And the venue was warm, welcoming, and comfortable. Easy parking, accommodating staff, there is nothing to say in any negative sense. read more

My husband and I always enjoyed going to Lamplighters Theater. The actors were spot on and staging was beautifully done. We always got tickets for the front row and felt like we were part of the show. So up until now all was 5 stars from me. The other night I went to see "Dial M for Murder" even though I've seen the movie many times. I tried to keep an open mind but it was extremely difficult. The male actors were fine but the actress was totally miscast. She was a beautiful exotic looking woman with a Russian accent, since she is Russian. No racial or cultural offense intended but throughout the play I had a hard time understanding her; referring to her husband's tennis "rocket" I knew that she meant "racket" but there were other times I had no idea what she said. Sorry to go on and on but the classic scene which is the logo of her hand holding the scissors to stab him totally missed the mark. It looked like she just jabbed her fist into his hip. Anyone who has never seen the movie would never get it. Minor details that annoyed me was the fact that the original took place in London and this one was New York City, she is supposed to be secretly in love with the other man but they were always cuddling together while talking to her husband and they go off on a date while her husband is planning her murder. The actors did an amazing performance considering the excessive details in the script. read more

So excited to see that Lamplighters Community Theatre is BACK! This theatre company has been a treasure of east county for years, and has been dark too long. The first production is over, but many of us eagerly anticipate the announcement of a new season. Support local theatre!!!! read more

Saw "Mack and Mabel" on Saturday night and thoroughly enjoyed it. All of the performers' voices matched the requirements of the show, a lovely period piece set in old silent movie era Hollywood. Fun characterizations by the ensemble cast, talented singing and dancing, and creative direction led this to be worth the night out and a heartfelt recommendation for others. Go see it! read more

What a cute Theatre! We drove down from North County to see "Murder at the Howard Johnson's" and it was delightful! The space, which is in a strip mall, was cozy, it holds about 120 seats. It's definitely a community theater and we were very glad that we made the trip. read more

I wasn't sure what to expect as I had never been to this venue, I was pleasantly surprised. The venue is small (holds 117) but well organized, it did not have the feel of being overly crowed and they had a full house. The venue itself was nice and clean, bathrooms as well. The staff were all very nice and friendly. The play it self was really good, the characters were very believable, the actor's and actress's came out afterwards to greet the audience. The group I went with all had the same consensus we would like to go ago for another performance. read more

We have seen a few plays in the last year here. We always enjoy them. The acting is pretty good and the price is right. Well worth the time and money. read more

Many years go I was a season ticket holder at Lamplighters and so I looked forward to their version of "A Christmas Carol" radio show, and I was disappointed. I think the main culprit was the sound effects guy, and the director who let him get away with it. Most of the cast wore rubber-soled shoes and were in-and-out many times, but if you closed your eyes and just listened to voices you would think they were still on stage. There was nary a footstep heard, or the close of a door, or even an opening. The chain that one of the ghosts wore never did give a satisfactory clank, (it looked like a cheap plastic one.) One must remember that in radio the sounds are very important to help listeners follow and "see" the story. I think it's harder to direct than a regular show, but I may be wrong. I was in theatre for many years in Englad during my youth and so I may be a little more picky than others, but I do enjoy a good performance. read more