This cozy theater is today and he has been reinforcing since my divorce to 'be good to yourself'. I did just that this weekend, first attending the opera #Carmen on Friday night, then attended this play last night. I was intrigued by the synopsis because it mentioned taking place on 9/11, but the storyline goes well beyond that fateful day. The Mercy Seat. First, the theater: a small, intimate area with only 3 rows of seats. I've always enjoyed smaller theaters as you get ThisClose to the actors. Next, the play itself - clearly a unique display of two actors taking us on a roller coaster of emotions through their relationship. Having recently come out of a 6-year tie myself, I was able to relate to both characters and became submerged with the plot. At the end of the show, there is a small gathering area where the actors meet and talk with audience members. I shook hands with Aleks and listened intently how he explained to a small group of women how he mentally prepared for the character of Ben - stating several times how he was an a-hole and had to continuously remind himself of that. As I listened to him, I sensed that male-bashing bias that I've come to hear all too often. It's true that the character of Ben had been in a 3-year relationship with this woman while his wife and children are home. But the woman he is having an affair with is just as guilty. She made the conscientious decision to get involved with a married man who has children. She may be coming to the realization that she wants more, but Ben is not at fault for this. Furthermore, we hear Ben talk about his kids at several points throughout the storyline. So while his mistress (and boss) apparently fulfills certain destinations for Ben within the bedroom, he still loves his kids. I can relate to Ben. I was in a miserable marriage for years but didn't have the spine to leave them because I love my two boys. So from my perspective, Aleks doesn't give Ben enough credit. It takes two to tango, and Ben clearly has more to lose than his mistress. With that said, I would like to congratulate both Aleks and Ray-Anna Ranae on an absolutely brilliant performance. I didn't know this playhouse existed until yesterday but would read more

Onstage Playhouse is Chula Vista's jewel on 3rd Ave. I've attended several plays at least once. I wish I could have been there for each and every one. They are wonderful and thought provoking. Exceptional acting and directing. It's an up close and personal experience every time. I love the sets! We also love having several restaurants within walking distance where we can have dinner before the show. It makes for the perfect date night or night out with friends. read more

Saw MASA and it was so well done. Cute intimate Venue. Everyone was friendly. Everything was clean. Not a bad seat in the house. read more

Onstage Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - Chula Vista, California

What a great, intimate local theater. We just saw the production of "White Guy on the Bus" tonight (6/19/25) and it was amazing. Great acting!! I encourage everyone to attend a show here. Support local theater!!! read more

This is a great little theater, and I mean small theater. If I remember correctly there are only 3 rows of chairs so every seat is great. Not very expensive but great entertainment. read more

It's so refreshing to have a theater right in the neighborhood that features original material, a diverse cast, and great acting and directing. Thank you!! Oh, and you must see "Masa!" read more

Saw "Bullshot Crummond" here (starring my big brother). The theater is smaller than I'd expected, but it gave the lobby a nice homey feel. We spent a few minutes in the lobby before they opened the theater doors; they have a small snack bar with candy and coffee, as well as a couple of couches for relaxation. The theater itself was super tiny. We had seats in the second row (I've learned the hard way: at my brother's shows, one *never* sits in the front row...) but we might as well have been on stage. Tiny, but comfortable. The reduced star is because it was hotter than sin in the theater itself. We had one intermission, and we all swarmed out towards the front door for some fresh air. It was brutal, and the poor troop was sweating buckets on stage for 2 hours. We heard the A/C unit broke right before the show started, which they were unable to fix. Everyone we met was friendly and welcoming, and they seemed to treat my brother and his fellow actors well, which I appreciate. read more

The actors were amazing and I enjoyed the storyline. I will definitely tell others-about Onstage Playhouse

We just saw "First Date" there. Amazing group of talented actors singing and laughing at contemporary dating. Don't miss it!!

My first time there, but not the last! I love "little theater" and this experience did not disappoint. I will see all of the plays I can in the future. read more

I am not very artsy or cultured and only went with a group of friends to support a fundraiser but I was very pleasantly surprised by this playhouse and the showing of "Play It Again Sam" by Woody Allen.The playhouse itself was VERY SMALL, only 3 rows total. The seats are really squished together but it is really interesting because the stage is literally like 3 feet away from the first row. I sat in the second row and felt like I was right in the middle of the play. It was cool being able to see the actors and actresses right in front of me. The male actors in the play, Allen, Dick and Humphrey Bogart were OUTSTANDING. The actress that played Sharon Lake/Vanessa was also fabulous. The other actors/actresses were good. VERY limited snacks and drinks so don't come hungry or picky. They did have coffee, water, chips and snack bars. That's all I remember seeing. All and all... great experience. read more

This is a small community theater located in Chula Vista. It's on the east side of Third Avenue. I believe it has a 60 seating capacity. Kim H and I went to see the play "Fat Pig" last night,Friday night. The play was written by off Broadway playwright Neil Labute. I first heard of him when his play,"The Mercy Seat" came out in '02. That was a play about a World Trade Center employee who missed the tragedy because he was receiving oral sex from his mistress at the time. Anyway, this play was about a slim man named Tom who fell for a curvaceous woman,Helen, hence, the title. The dilemma is whether to continue the relationship in spite of the meddling of his 2 friends. The ending was predictable, in my opinion, but to most, it drew a gasp. The "fat pig" was played by a gifted actress, Carla Nell. Neil Labute's words came alive when she spoke them. Here was a woman who was comfortable within herself that she would be the first to make fun of her size. There's a couple of times when her character had to show some skin, & you have to be confident to be able to carry that out. Tom, played by Brendan Cavalier was perfectly suited for the role of the confused leading man. His facial expressions were believable The actors overall, did an excellent job in making you forget that you;re watching an act. From the spoken words to just the facial expressions, & body movements, all 4 of the major actors, pulled it off. The characters of Carter, the office friend,who disliked fat people, & Jeannie, the ex GF, were brilliantly played. I think it's difficult to play a non-likable character,& still have the audience understand you. In Carter's case, when we found out that his own Mom was fat, we understood,because the acting was good. A play is only as good as the story and the story made you question all the other times we have to confront our fears & prejudices The play runs through October 4, and it is an hour and 40 minutes long.And you can also visit the Onstage Playhouse website for more information. And, oh, for those who care, one of the more prolific San Diego Yelpers plays Carter in the play. This was my first review of a play ever. read more

I came here with my siblings to see a stage production of Rocky Horror. Community theater, Rocky Horror, Chula Vista? I wasn't expecting much. But the cast put their heart into the play and were honestly awesome. The actors really made the roles their own, and the harmonies were really well done throughout all the songs! The play was well conceptualized for the small stage - and the backing cast did an incredible job of hosting us (they were funny & friendly) The small room leant a cozier "you're part of the show" atmosphere -- and there was so much detail put into the set and costumes! It's really a hidden gem, and I'll totally come back for other plays in the future. read more

Many thanks to James P. Darvas for his directorial enhancement of my stand-up comedy at this theatre.

I just saw the latest absolutely fantastic show of "Disenchanted"! What a wonderful night and such AMAZING talent! Broadway has NOTHING on these fierce women! The playhouse is a moderate size so there is NO bad seat. If you want REAL entertainment without breaking your bank account THIS is the place to be! Please go to their website (www.onstageplayhouse.org) and check out ALL the shows! You will NOT be disappointed and who knows maybe I'll see you at the show! read more

Just saw the 25th Annual Putnam County Spelling Bee. What a fun performance! They brought 4 people from the audience onstage to take part in a small part of the play. The actors that were chosen for each of the parts were spot on in their casting. Lots of fun and a again it is a wonderful venue for community theater. read more

This was my first time to Onstage and it did not disappoint. I saw the extremely funny and poignant play "Disenchanted". The actresses were amazing. I have to say I was not expecting the high caliber of talent in a local stage play. The setting is intimate. Three rows of about 20 each. The best seats are in the middle section. I truly enjoyed myself and will be going to more plays here. read more

"Sideman," the first in the Sunday night series of readings produced by Onstage Playhouse is an unexpected delight! Who knew that the best kept secret on 3rd and F in Chula Vista would be the 60-seat, 30-year-old theatre?! If you're looking to support local theatre, Google Onstage Playhouse or just show up next Sunday at 7pm! read more

Onstage Playhouse - Markus Rodriguez and fellow actors - Performing Arts Near Me - Chula Vista, California

What a hilarious review of Arsenic and Old Lace! This is a great date-night place: very intimate location, fun actors, good lighting and wide stage. The staff really cares and goes the extra mile to help out. The back of the tickets give you a discount at a nice italian restaurant within walking distance: you should take them up on it, get there early and enjoy a relaxing night! We had so much fun that we bought the tickets for the entire season: its so inexpensive! And there is a great senior discount, too. AND, since we saw the first in the season, they allowed us to apply the price we paid on these tickets to the entire series. The price for THE ENTIIRE SEASON was less than I've paid for Globe tickets: and the acting was certainly on par with the Globe. The parking is horrible, so best you go early and have dinner in the area, orr you will be walking a while. Yes, you've got a nice, memorable evening here. There's really no bad choices in this room! SO we will be seeing a Neil Simon comedy read more

This is a great little venue! We love to visit whenever we are in town.

Saw a performance of Tony Award-winning "Spring Awakening" here, all live singing and live music by a talented youthful cast, and it blew my mind! I had to download the album later - couldn't get the music out of my head! We are so fortunate to be attracting such musical and dramatic talent to the heart of Chula Vista. read more

I started stage managing and running lights/sound here for the show "A Piece Of My Heart", the 2nd show of the 2017-2018 season. The people who volunteer here are incredible and have true talent! The shows I've seen in this small space have blown me away, especially with the every changing versatility I see on that small stage. Seating here is very intimate but defiantly worth it! They just recently renovated the whole lobby area as well as a new paint job and received new carpet in the house. The restrooms were also upgraded with this renovation the theater is fresh and much more welcoming! I highly recommend going onto a website called GoldStar to buy half price tickets! Also every first Thursday of each show is "pay what you can night" where you can literally pay anything to see the show! Depending on how the run is going there may be other opportunities to receive discounted tickets! They have a snack bar and also sell water, soda, coffee, and tea all by donation! The ushers are very helpful when you are confused about where your sets is located and are always happy to assist you in any way! read more

Went to see heathers and it was an excellent show with a highly talented cast! I'm here again to watch it a second time.

This place is the shit. I will definitely come here again. Lion in the Winter was INSANE! Draaamaaaaaa

I went for the first time to see Dr. Jekyll and Mr. Hyde. It was well done, actors were great and I enjoyed the intimate setting.

Outstanding local theater, always good actors, and interesting plays. I buy season tickets every year, and it is in walking distance from where I live. I am always amazed at the quality of the shows and actors, I look forward to each new season and getting my tickets. Last seasons Buddy Holly and Play it again Sam were outstanding. read more

Went to see The Mystery of Edwin Drood. The theater itself is a bit small and stuffy, but I was pleasantly surprised at the amount of talent the cast and crew had. The show was fantastic and both my husband and I had a great time. I would definitely recommend seeing a show here as it was clear they put a ton of work into their performances and love what they do. Went on a Saturday night and did not have any trouble finding parking a few blocks away. read more

OnStage Playhouse is community theatre at its finest. I've been coming here for years and am always amazed at the quality of the shows they produce, especially considering the small space they have to work with. Their current production, "Buddy: The Buddy Holly Story," is the best show I have ever seen at OnStage, and is in fact one of the best shows I have EVER seen ANYWHERE for that matter! By the end of the show, the whole audience was on their feet rocking out to LaBamba and Chantilly Lace. I will be going back to see this production one more time before it closes. And best of all, the ticket prices are so affordable! read more

The Onstage Playhouse is a gift to our city! Last night I saw the musical, RENT -and it was spectacular! Brilliantly directed and performed - and so moving! The cast was incredible - and the intimate space in which the play is performed gave new meaning to the power and beauty of this classic musical. This is a theatrical production that I will never forget! read more