Theaters In California
California is home to a vibrant theater scene, offering a diverse range of performances from Broadway-style productions to innovative regional plays. The state’s theaters are iconic venues for both historical significance and modern, cutting-edge performances. Here’s an overview of some of the most famous current and upcoming theaters in California, along with their notable productions.
The Geffen Playhouse (Los Angeles)
About: Located in the heart of Los Angeles, The Geffen Playhouse is known for its high-quality productions, often featuring well-known actors from Hollywood. The theater focuses on contemporary plays, classic works, and new play development.
Current & Upcoming Shows:
Black Cypress Bayou (2024): A world-premiere play by Roger Guenveur Smith.
Witch by Jen Silverman: A dark comedy on themes of power, choice, and morality.
The Ahmanson Theatre (Los Angeles)
About: As part of the Los Angeles Music Center, The Ahmanson Theatre hosts large-scale productions, including touring Broadway musicals and classical revivals. It’s one of the go-to venues for experiencing big-name productions in Southern California.
Current & Upcoming Shows:
Funny Girl: A revival of the classic musical is currently on tour here.
Hadestown (2024): The Tony Award-winning musical is scheduled to perform in early 2024.
The Curran Theatre (San Francisco)
About: A historic venue in San Francisco, the Curran Theatre is well-known for hosting Broadway-style productions and premiering new plays. It was recently renovated, blending historic charm with modern amenities.
Current & Upcoming Shows:
The Lion King: The beloved Disney musical is set to return for a limited engagement in early 2024.
Harry Potter and the Cursed Child: This popular continuation of the Harry Potter saga is ongoing.
The Berkeley Repertory Theatre (Berkeley)
About: The Berkeley Rep is famous for its innovative new plays, many of which have gone on to enjoy success on Broadway. The theater is a hub for avant-garde and thought-provoking performances.
Current & Upcoming Shows:
Cambodian Rock Band by Lauren Yee: A gripping play that combines historical narrative with live music, exploring family and identity.
Goddess: A contemporary musical rooted in African mythology and themes of love and justice.
La Jolla Playhouse (San Diego)
About: Founded by Gregory Peck, La Jolla Playhouse is a creative force in San Diego’s theater scene. The Playhouse is known for developing new plays and musicals, many of which have moved on to Broadway, such as Jersey Boys and Come From Away.
Current & Upcoming Shows:
Love All: A play that tells the inspiring story of tennis legend Billie Jean King.
The Outsiders (2024): A new musical adaptation of the classic novel by S.E. Hinton.
Pasadena Playhouse (Pasadena)
About: This historic theater is a key player in Southern California’s cultural landscape. The Pasadena Playhouse presents both contemporary and classic works, with a focus on connecting community and culture.
Current & Upcoming Shows:
Sunday in the Park with George: A revival of the Stephen Sondheim classic musical.
Ain’t Misbehavin’ (2024): A musical tribute to the Harlem Renaissance, set to premiere in the new year.
Segerstrom Center for the Arts (Costa Mesa)
About: Located in Orange County, Segerstrom Center for the Arts is known for its large Broadway tours and international dance companies. This venue attracts top-tier productions and performers.
Current & Upcoming Shows:
Wicked: The hit musical about the witches of Oz is running through the winter season.
Beetlejuice (2024): A musical adaptation of the cult-favorite Tim Burton film is scheduled for the 2024 season.
San Francisco Playhouse (San Francisco)
About: This award-winning theater is known for its commitment to presenting plays that tackle social justice issues. It also fosters new playwrights and world premieres, offering diverse programming.
Current & Upcoming Shows:
Indecent: A play that explores themes of censorship, art, and love.
Sweat by Lynn Nottage: A Pulitzer Prize-winning drama about the struggles of the working class in modern America.
The Old Globe (San Diego)
About: One of the most prominent regional theaters in the country, The Old Globe offers a wide range of performances, from Shakespearean classics to new plays and musicals. The theater also runs the annual Globe for All program, bringing free Shakespeare performances to underserved communities.
Current & Upcoming Shows:
The Garden: A play about two women, generations apart, who grapple with the question of legacy.
Twelfth Night (2024): A Shakespearean comedy set to open during the 2024 summer season.
The Pantages Theatre (Hollywood)
About: Known for hosting blockbuster Broadway tours, the Pantages Theatre is one of Hollywood’s most glamorous and historic venues. It’s a favorite spot for fans of large-scale musicals.
Current & Upcoming Shows:
Les Misérables (2024): The legendary musical about the French Revolution is set to tour at Pantages next year.
Moulin Rouge!: The highly anticipated, Tony-winning musical based on the Baz Luhrmann film is currently playing.
California’s theater scene is dynamic, offering everything from Broadway-level productions in iconic venues to cutting-edge plays in intimate settings. Whether you’re in the north or south of the state, there’s no shortage of remarkable performances. Keep an eye on these theaters for current shows, world premieres, and exciting new productions on the horizon.