Purchased tickets with ease, was given the option to add to calendar with full info which I always love! I did two separate purchases with blind seating, we added a fourth person later, it was not possible to select seating purchasing blind. We were completely ok sitting separately. Day of when ticket email came and seats were viewable all seating had been placed together which was REALLLLLLLY appreciated and not expected!! The theater is old, and stunning all the details in the architecture. Due to its age the seating is not elevated which is NO current fault. However it did cause all spectators to move their heads around to see the production. The row above us was empty we ended up climbing up a row in order to see. When I book again I won't book blindly and will select my seats. The production was cast WELL!!!! Chemistry isn't always evident among theater cast, it was present here.. Very present!!! Choreo was on point, vocals were Spectacular, energy was high, not one person in the production skipped a beat!!! We all really thought Hairspray was PHENOMENAL!! Will I return: ABSOLUTELY!!!!!! Great customer service, easy purchasing, small details like grouping tickets purchased separately, PHENOMENAL SHOW......: I'll be back sooner than later!!!!! We used spot hero app to find parking at 520 Mason Street which was underground and secure!!!!! The plus was it was literally around the corner and a one minute walk to the theater!!!!! read more

San Francisco Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

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I hadn't been to the SF Playhouse in ages, not since it was the Post Street Theater! It's a great theater with very good sightlines from every seat. I was there for "Dracula, A Feminist Revenge Fantasy, Really" and had a wonderful time. The sound system was pretty good; I heard most of everything that was said on stage, but whatever I missed can be blamed on my hearing, not their sound system! Seats were relatively comfortable and the legroom was at par with other theaters. The bathrooms, which were not separated for men and women, were clean with seat covers and plenty of toilet paper. It was a bit strange seeing men walk out of the stalls in the bathroom, but it didn't bother me. I would really prefer that the seat is returned to a downward position, though, and happy the floor was dry! read more

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Such a great venue for a small, local theatre! There is no bad seat in here. It's intimate and fun. Their shows have no business being that good. Bathrooms are clean and service is wonderful. I love the space--it's located upstairs in a hotel near Union Square. Support local theatre! Audience skews older. I think they need to market to younger people on social media more. read more

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Another great production at San Francisco Playhouse. Love the artsy feel and appreciated the high energy presentation of Hairspray. read more

San Francisco Playhouse - Link Larkin - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Small theater but AMAZING production of Hairspray! Everything from set the lighting to sound to amazing acting! All very professional and impressive. Only compliant- terrible bathroom situation! However worth it to enjoy an incredible show by a very talented cast. read more

I discovered this charming little theatre by accident when I saw that "M. Butterfly" (Madame Butterfly) was playing here for a whole week during a very convenient time. I had always wanted to see this classic story on stage so I jumped at the opportunity. It is a small theatre so chances of a sold out show is high; definitely purchase tickets early. It is a small theatre hidden within the Kensington hotel on the second floor. There is a small bar area on the main floor of the theatre. Bathrooms were nice and clean. The front row of the balcony are the best seats and offers a perfect view of the stage; you can see everything as well as have a clear view of the actors' faces and the emotions. I think any row beyond the accessible seats you might have some obstruction from heads and may need to lean forward a little to see what's happening. I'd love to see more shows here. M. Butterfly had an excellent cast. The play was moving and enhanced so much history, culture, politics, romance, drama, gender, and sexuality. read more

San Francisco Playhouse - The view from the balcony from row M - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

This review is a bit late, but as they say, better late than never. My significant other and I were on a short trip to the Bay in September and had a chance to see a performance of "My Fair Lady". It was our first time at the SF Playhouse, and we had a really enjoyable time. The theatre is inside the Kensington Park Hotel. It is a small venue, so all the seats seem to have a great view of the stage. The staff that was working the night I was there were attentive and friendly. We had seats located in the balcony, and the usher working upstairs was great. I wish that I had gotten his name to give him a shoutout. He took care of everyone that had questions and made sure that guests knew where their seats were located. One thing I enjoyed was getting an email the day of the show to purchase intermission refreshments ahead of time, which worked out perfectly. We really enjoyed the production and the venue. We will look for future opportunities to visit again to catch a production when we are back in the City for future visits. read more

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The theatre presents and stages great, intriguing shows; meanwhile, the staff and production crew are always friendly and considerate.

Nice small, intimate theater. My daughter and I love a good theater production, and try to catch one whenever possible. Whether it's broadway by the bay or off broadway or way off broadway. We love supporting the art of live performances. We caught Hairspray at this location, and it was a great production, cast and set was awesome. We sat in the balcony, technically the view should be great, unfortunately we had two of the tallest people in San Francisco sitting in front of us so we kept trying to look around them to get a good view. Can't blame the theater for that. For most of the performance all I could see was the silhouette of a man blocking the stage. Depending on where the performers where at times I was unable to see them at all. Usually when things go this way I trade seats with my daughter so that she can get the better view . This was our first visit, I'm sure we will return, but now that I have a better idea of the layout I would try for front row balcony to get the best view in the house. Great service, drink specials, lite on snacks. Parking is limited so reserve a spot. Theres a garage right around the block. Other than that, Support local theater no matter where you are in the Bay Area. read more

San Francisco Playhouse - Stage before the Sf Giants showed up - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

The musical we saw, itself, was pretty good. The principle was not the best singer or dancer, by far, but many others in the cast were very good to excellent. However, the seating here is atrocious. You know how everyone complains about the legroom in economy on planes? Imagine a chair set 10 inches lower than a normal chair, with 8 inches of room between the edge of the seat and the seat in front. I am not tall and was absolutely eating my knees the whole time. You have to sit with your knees higher than your butt, and your feet tucked back behind your knees. The most uncomfortable seating I have ever been at in a theatre. read more

I've seen multiple productions at the SF Playhouse over the past two years, with a mix of plays and musicals - most of which I thought were great / fantastic. Most of them I had never heard of before, but ended up really enjoying and learning new things in the process. (There were one or two productions that I wasn't a big fan of, but I attribute that more to my personal taste, rather than to the shows themselves; others in the audience were clearly enjoying themselves.) The venue is located on the 2nd floor of a hotel and intimately-sized. *TIP*: I recommend sitting in the central Orchestra area, if possible, for the best views of the actors' faces and everything that's happening on-stage. I love that they have a "Rising Star" program to inspire local students as well. The Playhouse hosts post-show Talkbacks at the end of the Rising Star show dates, where the students have a chance to ask the cast questions after the show is over. Regular audience members can also sit in and listen to the Q&As (for free!) *TIP*: Check the Playhouse's website to see which days are Rising Star days, and then just stay a bit longer after the main show is over for the Talkback. It's worth it to hear about the behind-the-scenes directly from the cast members. Overall, I recommend coming to the SF Playhouse. I got the Flexpass subscription last year, which is a great deal for seeing a variety of shows and comes with flexible tickets that you can exchange for different dates (which has been a big benefit for me as other plans come up). I plan to get the subscription again for the 2025-2026 season. read more

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But a flex pass of four tickets for my son-in-law to see "  Into the Woods " and two other plays of his choice. While this is unusual to buy the flex fast for someone else , because it's normally for yourself, the Staff there was so helpful in making sure the privileges were transferred to him! I can't wait to see a play there! read more

The SF Playhouse is located within a hotel around Union Square in SF. Not too hard to locate, you go in past the lobby and up the stairs or take the elevator to the 2nd floor. I always purchase my tickets online. I've sat lower and more recently for Noises Off sat in the Orchestra. It's a little bit tight but an overall good view. The plays I've seen there are great, comfortable, and you can hear well. They have a bar in the lobby and gender neutral restrooms. There's some street parking surrounding and there are also parking garages. Would recommend catching a show here if you're in the area! read more

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What a delightful theater! As a musical lover, I'm honestly embarrassed that it took me until last night to finally see a production at this charming playhouse. I saw Into the Woods, and if you're reading this in December 2025 or early January 2026 - GO. BUY TICKETS RIGHT NOW. Don't miss it. The cast is absolutely stellar. Truly, everyone is a star. The vocals are fantastic across the board, and the entire production is filled with whimsy. The set alone is a joy to look at. You'll laugh, you'll cry, you'll tell your cats about how it is better than any production you've seen in SF theaters in ages. ;) This was my first date with SF Playhouse, and I'm ready to lock it down and get married. LOVED IT. One quick heads-up: if you're attending an 8pm show, be aware that many nearby parking lots close at 11pm. I had to do a very quick car move as the audience was intermissing, which was...sweaty and stressy. Plan ahead and you'll be golden! read more

I came here to watch "Into the Woods." It was a bit weird that the playhouse is located on the 2nd Floor in the Kensington Park Hotel. The venue is small. The good thing about that is that you can see the faces of the cast. My seat wasn't the best though, as it was partially obstructed. Overall, I enjoyed my time here. read more

I just LOVE LOVE LOVE the SF Playhouse! San Francisco Playhouse is an award-winning regional theater located in the heart of San Francisco at Union Square. It has intimate settings and seatings, and there is really no bad seat in the house... affording a very personal and engaging experience. World class performers at this theatre! Always great shows here. Their current WAITRESS is also NOT TO BE MISSED! It is excellent!!! read more

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Such a random location for this wonderful little theater. The inside is beautiful but I was surprised on how tiny it was and how close the seats were. Into The Woods was fantastic, each actor executed their role perfectly. There needs to be more bathrooms, not everyone could go who wanted to before intermission ended. read more

I came here for a Saturday matinee to see the play that goes wrong and really enjoyed it. The theater is inside the Kensington Hotel in union square on the 3/4 floors I believe. I haven't sat on the upper level before but the theater is very intimate and I would assume every seat is a great seat! I really enjoyed the play too! Given, I had zero expectations going in. I was definitely laughing out loud with the rest of the crowd and would recommend it to others! read more

San Francisco Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Before two separate people recommended I see "Waitress" at San Francisco Playhouse I falsely assumed I knew all of the City's play venues. After I saw the crowds they were attracting I had a hunch I might be the only one who didn't know of SF Playhouse. Waitress was good (and now it's gone) and the same people that recommended it expressed other views as well. Namely, that they love this intimate theatre despite their belief that not every show that has a run here is a winner. But other than the show I saw, here's a few things I really liked about the venue itself: * It's a big-small theatre. Every seat here appeared to be a good one.; * Food and drink are allowed inside and, for the run of Waitress, that included fresh-baked pie slices.; * Drinks can be pre-ordered for quick pick-up at intermission.; and * Post-show, the cast all came out into the lobby and interacted with those who stayed after, creating a really nice vibe. San Francisco Playhouse is located on the second floor of a Union Square area hotel with lots of (paid) parking options nearby (check SpotHero). It's a great addition to SF's theatre scene. read more

The SF Playhouse is always clean, organized, and professional. The staff are courteous and friendly. All gender bathrooms are nice, and there are top-down water bottle refill stations. The patrons can be a mixed bag. read more

Just saw Noises Off at SF Playhouse! Incredibly good. So Funny and well done!! Ticketing was easy online and the theatre was full. Such a communal event! read more

This old time playhouse was quaint and had an amazing cast for the My Fair Lady production. Such a professional group of singers and actors. So happy I went here and enjoyed every part of the performance. This is one of my favorite musicals and have seen it multiple times. Amazing show Seats are not that comfy but we managed read more

My first visit to see Fat ham was so outstanding. My seat was in the balcony but, I still had a decent view of the stage and performance. It's cozy just enough to have leg room and seating comfortably which is important when your a tall woman. I enjoyed my experience thoroughly. Well Done. read more

San Francisco Playhouse - Enjoyable - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

Broadway type of theater complete with a revolving stage, excellent costumes and live music. I was privileged to see my fair lady. However, the no bad seats theater is the place for live action shows. read more

San Francisco Playhouse - Actors of my fair lady! - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

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Went here to see "The Play That Goes Wrong" (currently running 8/21-11/9; non-spoiler thoughts on the show later in the review) and, boy, was it stuffy in the auditorium. Other Yelpers have commented on the general poor air circulation here and it was worse during this heat wave (head of the bald man sitting in front of me was glistening and body odors were very apparent in the room). Water pitchers at the bar were empty by the middle of intermission. To not be a total negative Nancy, I had no issues in terms of seat comfortability (cushioned adequately and not cramped.....didn't see anyone stilted-shoulder-to-shoulder like in other auditoriums that I've been to). Leg room was fine (no knee-bumping with neighbors). Fairly clean especially for a historic site. Friendly staff. Venue is a part of the Kensington Park Hotel (2nd floor of the hotel; elevator access available but line for the elevator was long after the show, so much that many elders just took the stairs down). *Venue rating: 3.5 stars rounded up.* ---------------------------- "The Play That Goes Wrong" non-spoiler review: I was fortunate to see the show in NYC with most of the original UK cast and I was cry-laughing throughout the wonderfully-slapstick-y show. With that being said I was quite delighted when I found out that SF has a show running of it. However, the ensemble here didn't quite stick the landing performance-wise. Don't get me wrong, the performers were clearly acting their hearts out (for the most part), but some of the subtle-yet-critical comedic moments were glossed over in this show (i.e. the "facade" bit was a total dud; meaningless line delivery by the actor). One character was way too clown-y compared to their original counterpart. I was disconnected from one of the more-important characters (actor had the acting chops but didn't seem to embody their character), so much that I'd say that there was a bit of a miscast. Although I still laughed during a few segments and ended up being a fan of one of the other actors (actor performed their character very well), overall the ensemble collectively didn't quite grasp the charm that made the original show a massive hit. I wouldn't recommend watching the show here if you've already seen a rendition of it but if you're a newbie and are still curious about the show I'd say go for it (you have to LOVE slapstick comedy though.....during intermission I overheard stern folks essentially not really vibing with all of the chaos on stage haha). *Show rating: 6.5/10* read more

Not sure how I missed reviewing this gem of a playhouse in SF! My husband loves plays and has gotten us the subscriber package for two years running. I love the mix of old, new and refreshed plays/musicals. We have the same seats for every show and we get to watch all six each season. There have been too many good plays to name but my heart will always be with Clue- it was magical! The staff here is super helpful and friendly and they worked hard to keep everything running safely during COVID. I'm so happy they pushed through and have another great season going. For logistics, you will want to take the elevator or stairs up to the second floor for the box office. Seats are on the second as well as 2M. Bar for refreshments is on 2 and they have a fancy lounge for the big donors. Cheers to them for their support! There is no bad seat in the house. Stop by and enjoy a show. Minutes from Union square but a world away from the hustle and bustle. The SF playhouse is a great place to watch a show.! read more

San Francisco Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

My return visit to San Francisco was a walk down memory lane. I found out the San Francisco Playhouse was on the 2nd Kensington Hotel where I was staying. And OMG, A Chorus Line closing night was upon my arrival. Definitely booked online. Pro tip: When you book online, the left side seat are odd numbers and the right are even. So my seats 101 and 103 are together? I made a call to the theater and a kind woman confirmed. It's an intimate venue and truly beautiful. If you partake, there a bar, which you can bring your cocktail to your seat. A great value for a theater night! read more

San Francisco Playhouse - A amazing and beautiful experience! 09/09/2023 - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

Such talented actors in so many genres of theater! Small theater means it feels personal. I sit in front row with a visually impaired friend and feel like I'm having a private performance. Chat with actors after the show in the lobby. What's not to like? read more

A fun historical space in the heart of SF! The theater is located on the third level of a hotel, and is small but mighty. The chairs are tight and uncomfortable but the setting feels intimate and cozy. Looking forward to seeing more shows here in the future! Be careful where you park and don't leave anything valuable in your car. Better yet take public transit and take a short walk over. read more

I hadnt been herein over 20 years when it was "Theater on the Square". I really like this theater located on the second floor of the Kensingtion Hotel that is located on the second floor with a mezzanine on the third floors. In the mezzanine there are two tight rows and then a large aisle before more seats in case you want to stretch our. The staff are very helpful and for some patrons I saw them given boosters so they could see over lighting. For Chinglish they had big heated projectors for interpretative projections and they upgraded two elderly individuals to the orchestra so they could see past them and also not have to deal with the heat from the projectors. Over a nice intimate theater. Talked to one usher who told me she was working her first night as a volunteer. She had just signed up at the box office. read more

San Francisco Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California

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No bad seats, extremely talented cast... not crazy about the coed bathrooms, though it was refreshing to see the men waiting in line too. Odd setup walking into a hotel lobby to get to the theater. read more

I have been seeing shows at SF Playhouse since they took over this location which used to be Post Street theater in San Francisco's Kensington Park hotel on the second floor in the Union Square district. Bill English and Susi Damilano know how it pick good quality storyline productions and great hard working cast to bring life to their characters on stage to help the audience escape from their daily routines. Sure musical and plays are fun and entertaining and there are some you may or may not enjoy but that is the part of the exciting live theater. You can't grab a remote to change channel. I personally for shows I don't enjoy fully, I just find something significance from the story that is positive. I am probably one of the few that didn't love the popular 39 steps satire comical play because it took a different take of the serious Alfred Hitchcock movie version. I knew going it was going to be slapstick comedy, but the different characters the two clowns played so quickly within seconds was amazing and the highlight of this show! The production gave off very similar vibes like that of last season's Clue which I totally loved and saw twice! I see a few negative reviews for SF Playhouse which makes me sad, but people's opinions are their own and they are in the minority. I just wanted to address one that complained about high prices and how they can't bring glass drinks into the theater. When I saw 39 Steps today, I asked the theater about why they switched to plastic cups and they said patrons keep breaking them and picking up broken glass is dangerous that can cut people picking it up by hand. People shouldn't complain about trivial stuff and for high prices, well everything goes up in life and you can't control that. Sure bread in the past cost fifteen cents, are you going to complain about that too? It's call inflation to match the current times. On a positive note, I have to give kudos to the creative bar staff in making Specialty drinks with creative names, like the one I drank with cofee and liquor was quite unique and help warm me up. :) read more

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SF Playhouse is an intimate live theater venue that stages traditional and new plays and musicals in a historic hotel space. The venue is well organized and it seems like every seat in a good one, especially on the balcony level. Ticket prices are always reasonable and the performances are top notch. read more

I thoroughly enjoyed this. Beautiful singing voices. Excellent acting. Great sets. My Fair Lady was My Fair Lady! read more

I had an overall good experience here. The entrance to the theater is a bit confusing because it's located inside an old hotel, however I was able to find it. Finding my seat was also a bit difficult. They had volunteer ushers but none were truly helpful. The house manager seemed very nice and friendly though. I saw Follies. The show started about 15 minutes late and the house manager let everyone know which was nice. The drink selection was nice, not too expensive. I think they could've offered some more snacks considering how long we're in the building for. Something that kind of disappointed me was the strict COVID policies. I think compared to a lot of other Bay Area theaters, it would've been nice to not have to go through vaccination checks. Also don't really understand the whole food/beverage service but masks mandatory, to me it's a bit contrasting. I hate to be one of those people who complains about the masks and stuff but honestly, if you're sick just stay home. With all the precautions this company took, there was plenty people around me coughing and clearing throats enough to raise a little concern to those who are cautious. The show itself was good, I'm a Bay Area theater critic myself so I uploaded a full review on my social media. Overall a good first experience and recommend if you're a SF local. read more

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Great small theater in San Francisco. I've seen several plays here and found the talent very strong - from acting to singing. We decided to get season tickets for the 2025 season and looking forward to it read more

Just saw fat Ham and loved it. A spoof on Hamlet. So creative and fun. It has been positively reviewed in the papers, but sometimes people prefer word of mouth. Her's my mouth saying give it a go and enjoy. We all need tg read more

This is always a great venue to see a musicals or plays and the price is much more reasonable than the bigger venues. Please support SF Playhouse!!! read more

Great acting and live music. Great venue. My only irritation was the silly insinuations that the two leading men were interested in each other. That was not part of the original My Fair Lady. I was thinking I'd get something that was not changed, but original. read more

Been coming here for years - we are members! Plastic glasses - more expensive prices- change not for the better read more

San Francisco Playhouse - $40 worth of bubbles - Performing Arts Near Me - San Francisco, California