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    Lyceum Theatre

    3.8 (104 reviews)
    Open 12:00 pm - 6:00 PM

    Lyceum Theatre Photos

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    Entrance w marquee
    Lawrence C.

    An excellent venue. It's currently in the throes of getting remodeled, and as such only 4 stars. But, I'm sure it'll be 5 stars when redone, expected in early 2017. A small theater, and as such, not a bad seat in the house. I always try to sit on the upper numbered seats, so I get a seat on the side, enabling me to best see the piano keys. Here's a review from the San Diego Union Tribune on July 9th....I saw the performance on July 8th. http://sandiegouniontribune.ca.newsmemory.com/publink.php?shareid=0a696ce9a&pSetup=sandiegouniontribune This is the 2nd time I've seen Hershey Felder. First time was in La Jolla portraying Gershwin. This month he's Leonard Bernstein. The man is brilliant. I'll be back to see him next year, whomever he is portraying.

    Maria C.

    This theater is located in Horton Plaza. You are able to get a 4 hour validation if you watch a show and you park in the Horton Plaza's parking garage. We came to watch an Asian inspired play with about 15 actors. The theater is pretty small, which is great because it's intimate and you don't need binoculars to see. The chairs are a bit uncomfy and creaky, but it's expected for an old but goodie place to watch some great down to earth shows. Snack bar only sells the essentials, and sells the basic alcohol. There's a really cool foyer and during intermission you are able to check out the art and history on the wall. If you get a chance to watch a show here, do so! Such a hidden gem in the heart of downtown.

    Adorable play with young actresses & actors
    Crystal B.

    The Lyceum theatre is small and kinda hidden in the mall. If you walk down a few flights of stairs you'll find it. There's some construction going on now so we parked in a parking lot. However, once inside you can get the parking validated. We went and saw Cats. Which we found out had young (as in h.s., middle school & younger)actresses and actors and it was adorable! At intermission they sold refreshments; coffee,sodas and candies & they selling raffle tickets for prizes. We sat at the top corner so it was easier for us to go in and out. However, it was tight quarters so if we had an inside seat your walking by someone with your butt in their face lol! Small intimate theatre perfect for date night!

    Rent -  One of my love's favorites...
    Caleb T.

    How do you rate and review a live theater? You don't want to judge them by the show playing, they can't really be faulted if the gal playing Mimi wasn't all that good. The acoustics were alright, the place was relatively clean, a pretty good venue overall It's a classic theater, been around for quite some time, and in a great location beneath Horton Plaza. But, that also brings me to the rougher points of the place; they are currently undergoing renovations that really bring the overall experience down by quite a bit. The outside gallery has been stripped down to its bare bones, exposing concrete and underlying plaster. It's very rough, unattractive, and makes the whole of the place seem a bit dirtier than it should be. Restrooms are scarce, just a single set for the 250+ patrons, and they have that single step above a diner bathroom feel and ... well, smell. The theater itself is filled with broken theater chairs, covered in cushions that should have been replaced long ago, that are all cramped and a bit uncomfortable. And it was all topped off with the fact that the front seats are all layered in a way where I know my the height of my girlfriend and I interfered with the people behind us. Still, hopefully the renovation will address some of these problems, if not all. Regardless, we came here to see Rent and I had a great time of it. Great cast, great production, great music, and great pre-show and mid-show speeches from the cast and director. The seats were well priced and the theater is in a nice location near some great restaurants which really do help keep a somewhat gross and rundown theater at that near average level. I'm definitely gonna give this place another go when I see something worth catching.

    Time to see a show!
    Amber S.

    There are no bad seats in this small intimate theater. The play we saw "Beethoven" was wonderful. While it was only a one man show, he played many parts and that alone was a spectacle to behold. If you're looking for an interesting evening I would suggest finding what is playing here and taking the chance. I can't wait to go again and won't hesitate to get any seat now that I know every seat has an easy and close view of the stage. Enjoy and let me know if it's a play I should be going to see!

    Robert T.

    Last time I was here was when I took my two sons here to see 'The Grinch Who Stole Christmas". Got three last minute tickets to see "Fun Home" and they were in the last row, straight back. But because the theater is so intimate, it was perfectly fine. A tip you need to know, remember to have your parking ticket validated! Or pay $30 for parking.

    The program... Apparently a hot commodity and off limits to children if you ask the usher at doors 5 &6
    Alexandra C.

    I've been to the Lyceum Theatre several times in the past, but finally went with my family to see the Jungle Book today. Although I've enjoyed coming here, the experience this time was a bit disappointing. The play was great, although some parts kept me wondering if it was really appropriate for kids of all ages/ "family friendly" as advertised. The instrumentals were appropriate for the theme and attention to detail with costumes are evident. The staff left much to be desired. Upon entering the theatre, my daughter asked for a program and the usher completely ignored her. I then asked on her behalf and the usher replied, "we don't give programs to children". Needless to say, I saw several children walking in with programs after us. During the play, the disappointment with ushers continued as 2 of them sat behind us (we were in the 2nd to last row) and contined to talk throughout the play.... Everything from them saying "I hear someone eating, but that's not our section" to "well, I've been stepped on 4 times" as 4 people passed them to exit the theatre and another random conversation about "tennis shoes"... It felt like I was watching the Jungle Book on stage with an episode of the Golden Girls playing closely behind me. I've taken my daughter to see at least 30 plays and she's been in a ballet program for over 3 years. This is the first time she was ever denied a program and she actually enjoys reading the entire thing to review the cast and read about upcoming plays. If programs aren't given to children, maybe the theatre should reconsider charging for children to attend... Or at least train staff to be respectful regardless of who is asking. There are plenty of great theatres throughout San Diego, so there would have to be a really good play at the Lyceum for me to be eager to return soon.

    Inside before the performance

    Last night I was invited to the Klezmer Festival concert. I had been two times in the past before covid and always enjoyed this style of music as I find it very unpredictable musically. I do have an extensive background in listening to Jazz and also classical. Classical I've always enjoyed the most as it takes me on adventure that is enjoyable. Unlike jazz, I pretty much know where it's going and it's usually out there. LOL of course, this is just my opinion and I know that you have yours. I find Klezmer uplifting, sometimes sad and stirring up all sorts of emotions. Last night's concert was about 20 minutes of Klezmer and mostly Jazz from local musicians that I have known since they first came to San Diego or live here in the 70s. Now, don't get me wrong as I'm happy to see these guys, still playing and of course still around. They did celebrate some music by Jewish composers, but as I mentioned above I want to hear Klezmer.... I'm giving the musicians 5 stars as past history serves me it's not an easy profession and a lot of times very ungrateful. These guys are top notch. The lyceum as you will see in the photos spent Millions of dollars on renovation. What they didn't consider is that the majority of people that go to to the lyceum are generally over 50 and up. The staircase and thank goodness there's railings for all ages as it's like a steep and slippery slope on a mountain. The seats are ancient and as you will see in the photo I posted it was very hard to sit straight up or any comfortable way. I know as a fact that they talked about putting in new sitting for the last few years and an elevator. I give the lyceum 3 stars as it is the only boujouis theater in town. It is located at the old Horton Plaza which is now defunct and offices are going into what used to be a fabulous place to shop. About 4 years ago I would come here and volunteer for La Jolla music Society which I always enjoy doing it really is a lovely venue and they have several theaters here I hope that day get it together what's better renovations.

    small, intimate venue; not a bad seat in the house, easy to get in and out. lyceum theatre san diego ca
    Sylvia H.

    Saw "Rent" here tonight and it was great. The show was a musical that featured about 20 talented performerers who were both great actors and vocalists. They weren't superstar famous calibre performers, but were definitely not amateurs. It was a 3 hours show (including a 15 min intermission) that was the full broadway version. The set was pretty basic, the lighting was good and highlighted the show. I definitely recommend seeing this one. I'll for sure check out another one of the Lyceum's shows. I got a great deal on Goldstar.com and saw the show for under $15 including taxes/fees. Will-Call ticket pick up was super fast and efficient. They are a not-for-profit performance group and give younger artists a chance to shine. If you buy a production shirt at any of the shows and wear it to other shows you see here, you get a discount at the boxoffice ($10 a show, I believe). During the intermission they auctioned off a poster signed by the cast. There was also a Raffle for gift baskets, the proceeds of which went to the theatre. The producer's daughter drew the Raffle ticket during intermission, there were a lot of family/friends in the crowd; it was definitely a tight-knit group and the production was really near and dear to their hearts. The Lyceum Theatre itself is nice. Its very small, which makes it quite quaint and there is really no bad seat in the house. It also nice because smaller seating capacity makes for less people to get in and out of the theatre and your seat and a shorter wait for the restroom. It is a little rough around the edges (don't expect anything overly ornate), but its clean, the seats are comfortable enough and the acoustics are good. The staff is super friendly and very helpful. The Theatre validates your Horton Plaza parking ticket for four hours (regular mall validation is 3 hours). The only drawback was that the theater is tricky to find. Horton Plaza is already a confusing mall (especially since I rarely go there and most of the elevators weren't working tonight) and the theatre is located on the bottom level, on which its accessible through the back entrance (near CVS) not through the front entrance... you have to go up to the first floor, walk to the back, then go down to the bottom level to get there. From there, you go down a couple flights of stairs into a "hole" (as a store employee who helped me and a few other confused people also looking for it described it) to get the the entrance. No biggie, just allow yourself some extra time if its your first trip, but more signs wouldn't hurt. Also, I'm not sure how wheelchair friendly the theatre would be; I'm sure they have to have a way, but its just a thought. Overall, given the quality of the show and the nice facility, I'd definitely go back and recommend this place!

    The entrance

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    1 year ago

    Went here one time to watch a play named "Tres Camarones" great show and the theater is cool and beautiful being underground.

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    3 years ago

    So sad they closed. The best multicultural and theater in San Diego. I hope they reopen in the future

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    7 years ago

    Came here to see a premiere for an indie film. An intimate theater where almost every seat is a great seat.

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    Ask the Community - Lyceum Theatre

    Hello yelpers, where does one park? Asking for a 12/2019 update. I will be attending a musical this month. Thanks xx

    I imagine my answer will come too late, but maybe it will help someone else. You can still park in the Horton Plaza parking lot, and they can validate it for you at the theatre. Otherwise, you can look for street parking in the area. Free parking… 

    Don’t See Your Question? Ask Away!

    Review Highlights - Lyceum Theatre

    As for the parking, you can park in Horton Plaza and they will validate your parking for 4 hours.

    Mentioned in 15 reviews

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    Balboa Theatre

    Balboa Theatre

    3.9
    (254 reviews)
    0.0 mi

    The historic Balboa Theatre in the Gaslamp district on 4th is a landmark to the city of San Diego…read more The Balboa first opened in 1924 and then closed in 1986. It remained closed until 2008 where it was restored and now it full of performances from comedy shows, plays and music. On this first time visit I came here to see Bobby Lee's stand up performance. Our seats were in the balcony level way above. At this level it is a little diffcult to see the stage as you have to angle your head down wards to see the stage. Viewable but its very far. The seats are very tiny and it difficult to walk across as every inch is used up in the theatre. Acoustic were great and the overall detail and restoration is amazing to look at. Great theatre venue overall but would recommend not sitting in balcony.

    Fun experience Especially when we only got the tickets 30min…read morebefore the show on a whim. Seats were not too bad, it's a little dingy in decor (the colors look like a child that got ahold of playdoh and mix all the colors) but, I guess that would be my only negative opinion, once ABBA (Swedish) started it all didn't matter. They were fun and very talented. Very entertaining. I enjoyed those around us that were attending. Bathrooms are extremely clean. Price wasn't bad, entering with security was actually super pleasant and very professional and polite. Exiting wasn't too bad either,

    Photos
    Dec 27 2025 2nd floor bar
    Dec 27 2025 2nd floor bar
    Top 6 Finalists
    Top 6 Finalists
    Dec 27 2025 2nd floor hallway and bar

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    Dec 27 2025 2nd floor hallway and bar
    San Diego Civic Theatre

    San Diego Civic Theatre

    3.8
    (485 reviews)
    0.2 mi
    Established in 1965
    Committed to satisfaction

    Saw Alicia Keys "Hells Kitchen" musical a few days ago here. It had been a while since I'd been…read moreinside the San Diego Civic Theatre, but it's just as beautiful on the inside as I remembered. Is still well preserved & maintained. There's limited food/snack options and the drinks are a little pricey, but in all fairness, the prices are on par with other Theaters. If you have balcony seating, there are no elevators so you will have to take the stairs..which are quite numerous ....important to know if you have walking limitations.

    I've been to several musicals here and the experience is always a great one…read more Last night we saw The Sound of Music. The performance was wonderful and the voices of the cast were absolutely beautiful. The theater itself is large and you can see very well. I'm not very tall and even though people were seated in front of me I had a perfect view of the stage. The seats are comfortable and the ushers are very helpful. I believe there are concession stands on every floor as well as bars where you can get soft drinks or alcoholic beverages. The concessions are quite expensive but you expect that when you're at a theater of any kind. Very easy to find parking in the area. There is a large parking structure right next to the Civic Center as well as different parking lots where you can easily just park and walk across the street to the theater. The only rule that I have seen is that you do not bring in a bag that is larger than 12 in by 12 in. You go through a back check and walk through a metal detector but that's pretty common for any type of concert as well. Inside is very comfortable and I always enjoy coming here for a performance.

    Photos
    View of San Diego Civic Theatre from the stage
    View of San Diego Civic Theatre from the stage
    San Diego Civic Theatre ticket office
    San Diego Civic Theatre ticket office
    The Orchestra level of San Diego Civic Theatre before a show, seats filled by patrons.

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    The Orchestra level of San Diego Civic Theatre before a show, seats filled by patrons.
    Horton Grand Theatre

    Horton Grand Theatre

    4.5
    (75 reviews)
    0.3 mi

    Intimate theatre with terrific productions and friendly staff…read more PROs There's not a bad seat in the house. The productions have always been very entertaining and well-produced, the caliber of actors is very high, and tickets are reasonable. I once made a dumb mistake--showed up on the wrong night, but the friendly person in the box office helped me avoid spoiling date night by exchanging my tickets from that night's performance. CONs Many shows don't sell out, so you may be disappointed if you're expecting a packed theatre. Personally, it's never bothered me and the audience has always been enthusiastic. The SKINNY I've been to many shows over the years and I've never been disappointed.

    It's crazy that we lived less than a block from this theater for over 7 years, yet never had an…read moreoccasion to go inside...until we snagged a couple of tickets to an author panel at the Horton Grand during this year's Comic Con. We honestly didn't get much time inside the theater itself; the panel was an hour long, and they ran a tight ship. But, I will say that I loved the feel of the space. It's a smaller, more intimate theater than some of the other performance spaces downtown, and it doesn't seem like they have a "bad seat" in the house, just based on the layout. The acoustics were good so that we were able to hear all the women on the panel, even if they weren't so good at using the microphones. The seats were comfortable, and there was enough leg room for people to scoot by to seats in the middle of the row without having to step, trip or stumble over those who were already seated. All in all, I liked the space a lot, and am now trying to figure out when we can visit for an actual performance (not that I didn't love the panel, but theaters are made for performing arts, and I so want to see a show here!)

    Photos
    The Cast of SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN.
    The Cast of SMOKE ON THE MOUNTAIN.
    Second time in less than a week seeing this amazing production.
    Second time in less than a week seeing this amazing production.
    Small stage but looks cool. Free tickets. Can't ask for anything better.

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    Small stage but looks cool. Free tickets. Can't ask for anything better.
    Mal Hall presents The Gaslamp Comedy Show at The Tipsy Crow

    Mal Hall presents The Gaslamp Comedy Show at The Tipsy Crow

    4.8
    (103 reviews)
    0.0 mi
    $

    Oh what a night! It's an absolute must!…read more Absolutely love this comedy show!!!!! I've come here regularly over the last 10 years or so and have seen amazing comics such as Mark Christopher Lawrence, Jerrod Carmichael, Anjelah Johnson, Cheeto Santino, Jonny Loquasto, Michael Kosta, Melissa Villaseñor, Alonzo Bodden, Shawn Pelofsky, Tony Baker, Adam Ray, Jesse Egan, Zoltan Kaszas, Mal Hall, and so many more! For the price, it's priceless. No drink minimums, stellar atmosphere, and just an overall great place to bring a date, a friend, or even your parents. I've seen bachelor/bachelorette parties, coworker gatherings, and a slew of birthdays all being celebrated here. Honestly there's not a lot of better places to spend 7-30pm-9:30pm on a Friday night (shows are typically once a month on the last Friday of the month). Head downtown, grab some dinner, come to the show, and then you can party the night away in the beautiful Gaslamp Quarter. If you're up for a night of LAUGHS come here and you won't be disappointed! Check online below for details and tickets. I think the next show is 09-24-21. https://malhall.com/gaslamp-comedy-show HUUUUGE thanks to Mal Hall and The Tipsy Crow.

    Super funny and unique comedy experience located in the basement of the Tipsy Crow…read more I caught Mal for the first time as the opener for Anjelah Johnson and my whole group was laughing so hard that we cried. I've been wanting to check out another show with him for awhile so I was excited when I saw The Gaslamp Comedy Show featured on his Instagram. We had a rotating group of fresh, upcoming comedians who were working out their material. We were an intimate group and it was a different experience watching them quickly pivot or adjust based on how the crowd was interacting with the jokes. 5/5, we'll definitely be back.

    Photos
    Dustin Nickerson in the house!
    Dustin Nickerson in the house!
    Mal Hall presents The Gaslamp Comedy Show at The Tipsy Crow
    Mal Hall presents The Gaslamp Comedy Show at The Tipsy Crow

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    Lyceum Theatre - movietheaters - Updated August 2026

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