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    Lyceum Theatre

    3.8 (104 reviews)
    Open 12:00 pm - 6:00 PM
    Updated 3 months ago

    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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    2 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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    Page 1 of 3

    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… Read more

    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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    We've been coming here for years. So here are my thoughts …read more... Service is always great ... our favorite server is Garrett. We didn't see him for a long time but had him today. We're so grateful he's back. He's attentive and professional and seems to always remember us. The food menu has improved. For a while food was coming out cold. Now we have new items that are delicious and they come out nice and hot. Loving the chicken nachos. Only complaint....Bathrooms Could use some attention. We often find the bathrooms out of soap and towels. Today one was flooded. Oh and we really miss theme nights. Hopefully you guys will bring them back. Our favorite was Elf. May we suggest doing one for the fall when practical magic part two comes out ??

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    Loved my first experience enjoying the Little Italy open air movie night! I went last Saturday to…read morewatch Divorzio all' italiana (I am a fan of great Mastroianni) and have been studying Italian for years (so at least I did not have to rely in reading the subtitles:). I have seen this movie like zillion times, yet never in such a setting. Not too many chairs, perfect amount of people. Coincidentally re-encountering with long time not seen friends and colleagues gave a vibe of 'neighborhood' even if I don't live in Little Italy. The speakers introducing the movie did a great job in engaging the audience. I not only enjoyed the company, the film itself and the summer night, but also the sense of community there. Only $5. Do not forget to bring a small blanket or a beach towel, it can be chilly.

    There's no better way to spend a cool July or August Saturday evening, then in Little…read moreItaly,watching both old and new movies from Italy..Even if you're not quick enough to pick up all the dialog, you can just read the subtitles and laugh just as loud as anyone who fully understands Italian. The first movie on Saturday, 7/6 was hilarious and a great start to the summer series. And the crowd was great - a mix of young to old. Some folks bring in food from the great restaurants all over Little Italy. The venue has a huge 10 foot outdoor screen with a great JBL sound system. The quaint amphitheater suits these movies perfectly. This is the best $5 you'll ever donate to the arts and its guaranteed you will have a really fun evening, in the best area of the San Diego waterfront. Every Saturday night at 8PM, under the stars.

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    Over 100 persons attended the Inaugural Italian Film Festival showing on 7/6.
    Over 100 persons attended the Inaugural Italian Film Festival showing on 7/6.
    Cinema Little Italy
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    Lyceum Theatre - movietheaters - Updated July 2026

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