As You Like It by Shakespeare delighted us this evening. The cast were delightful and breathed new life into this classic. I appreciated the free performance and hope the community continues to support this gem. read more

See all

I went to see Barefoot in the Park twice. It was so good! It's a small theater where you are seated at a small table for four. The play only had five actors, but it was so cute!!! Try the cocktails; they were spot on. read more

Yesterday's play Head over Heals was fantastic. The singing was superb and the characters were so fun. The Go-Go's music with the story melded perfectly. The line were hilarious. I need to see it again! read more

The Coronado Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - Coronado, California

Wow! This is the third time I've seen A Midsummer Night's Dream but the first time to the Coronado Playhouse. I heard the venue is really small and the show was free admission so I went in with low expectations, but gosh was I wrong! I loved the show. It was funny, witty, and creative. The actors were brilliant. What a treasure! I also appreciated the intermission music which Millenials will appreciate. I was not expecting a whimsicial fairy version of Usher's Yeah! I would add it to my regular Spotify playlist if I could! Definitely try and see A Midsummer Night's Dream this month. read more

The Coronado Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - Coronado, California

The Coronado Playhouse is a super fun little community theater near the Hotel Del Coronado that puts on great performances! I recently noticed on YELP, under EVENTS, that the Theater was presenting Mama Mia, the classic musical featuring the music of Abba, that catchy Swedish quartet. So I bought a couple of tickets for me and my bride, who is a fan of the music and the Meryl Streep film of the same name. The venue was quaint, but the actors and singers/dancers all seems to be having such a great time! I had forgotten how much fun a community theater presentation could be! Give them a try - you won't regret it! read more

See all

A community playhouse that we enjoy coming to for the light hearted productions. It is affordable, the table seating is enjoyable and the plays are quite good. We come out with a smile on our faces; isn't it what's most important nowadays? read more

The Coronado Playhouse - Clue On Stage program - Performing Arts Near Me - Coronado, California

See all

Liked the small town vibe of the theater. Musical was a showcase for new talent. Lovely evening.

Didn't find a show you were seeking at the Old Globe? Looking for a more affordable live show in San Diego? Here is a pleasant way to spend a night of live theater, a place also affiliated with other places like OB Playhouse and La Jolla Playhouse (although I bet they advertise for each others' shows for the sake of making sure that showgoers know they have options). I mean after all, players often perform in shows in multiple places, so we were able to recognize some of them in previous shows elsewhere. The shows I've seen here so far have been decent. When I saw Little Shop of Horrors, I enjoyed it, even though I never saw the film with Rick Moranis and Steve Martin. My main issue was definitely the sound, as it wasn't as clear as it should have been. So when we saw Cabaret, I was reassured that the sound was restored since it was clear. Seating tends to be at small tables shared with others. The most recent visit, the old couple we shared a table with left after the first act, so we had an even better view later in the show. Even with them there, the view was fine. If the show involves their players walking/running around through the crowd walkways, who cares about the view if the show is more interactive and directs attention all around anyways? The best parts are perhaps the concessions. I believe all the proceeds go directly into the theater to fund more productions. The only recommendation I can give you is that an alcoholic beverage is ALWAYS a good purchase from here. For community theaters like this, your contributions and purchases definitely go much further than places like Old Globe (even though they appreciate their donors as well). Parking: All along the stretch of driveway that runs parallel with Orange, and we had no trouble finding parking. Earlier arrivals get closer parking, but it doesn't tend to get full. FYI: - Don't be afraid to interact with the players who roam around the crowd before the show actually starts. - Entrances are either at the front or the side (towards the left of the front and through the glass double doors, which also lead towards some artwork and the restrooms). - It is common for tickets for this theater to be purchased on Goldstar. Don't be like the couple who sat with us for Cabaret, who spoiled their own experience by looking down on everybody and everything here as some sort of "discount date night". There really isn't a bad seat in the house, if you really think about it. - You can often meet the players after the show if you'd like. read more

Productions are good. I don't like the casino bar type seating. Cheaper than its LAMB neighbor.

3.5 stars is about right. After all, this is a community playhouse, right? The venue is fine.... Smallish with several small circular tabletops for four that you share with others. Seats are adequate. Refreshments are very reasonably priced, but please offer some sweets other than just packaged candy bars. Cookies or brownies would be a plus, even if they were packaged. We saw Sondheim Follies, and in tribute to the master that Stephen Sondheim was, the performers did put their hearts out. However, this was on the same order as a high school or college production. In fact, the highlight of the evening was the music orchestrated and conducted by a very capable piano man. read more

The Coronado Playhouse - Stage set for Sondheim Follies, 9.1.18 - Performing Arts Near Me - Coronado, California

Nice intimate venue. Parking is limited and it was slightly cramped seating but overall it was a very nice place. They made the most of the limited stage size and the performance was seamless. A nice, but limited, selection of drinks and snacks. read more

Went to "Clue" and had a great time with my family. The staff was so sweet and you could really tell they had great pride in their playhouse. The theater was really small but with its little tables surrounding the stage, it felt like a neat little dinner show (without food bc of COVID). We did have to wear masks throughout the show and show vaccination/negative tests before entering. read more

I bought tickets to see The Addams Family last week with one of my best friends for his birthday and was slightly disappointed at the venue. I expected a playhouse in Coronado to be set up like a regular Playhouse with comfortable seating and plenty of room to move around. This was not the case here. The tables were tiny and they were set up for 4 people, two of which we did not know. I felt like we were at a cheap comedy show. We were not prepared to be stuffed in a sardine can all night, but we made it work. The three stars is not for the actors or the play, but the comfort of the venue, which was not comfortable at all. The chairs were very hard and I had a hard time sitting for that long until the intermission. Besides the venue being a little disappointing the play was absolutely amazing! I would definitely want to go see it again if the venue was more comfortable! read more

Well, came in to watch "The Adams Family" This playhouse sitting is set rather differently with many plays I had done to. Its set like a dinner type. You can buy snacks for the show. One bad thing for the viewing was that all seats were leveled. My tickets were in the back row, you can imagines anything up front and thats not in eyes view will be missed. The snack bar just had basic things - drinks and cookies. Nothing hold you over till you had meals. But I do like the play I watch, there were live music playing in the background. Which is pretty cool, something of this nature I do missed when I attended these plays around town. read more

The Coronado Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - Coronado, California

Oh yeah. I'm having issues with the ticket office. Not the production part of the playhouse. I've called twice to get tickets transferred to another day. And due to their inadequacies, they claim I'm unable to get tickets for another date and time. Shame on you playhouse. I work three jobs to buy tickets to your show. Never again will I waste my time and money on you. read more

Enjoyed the community playhouse vibe. Great place for family and friends. Enjoyed the show. Everyone was helpful and friendly. We attended the Friday night show for "Two Gentlemen Rock Verona." read more

The Coronado Playhouse - Stage view and audience table. - Performing Arts Near Me - Coronado, California

I've seen quite a few plays here. The lions club has an awesome dinner and play night and I've luckily attended! If you can crash one get tickets they never disappoint and the silent auction always has great baskets. The playhouse itself is attached to a recreation center so on occasion that there is a wedding and a play which is usually always on the weekend parking gets a little tight. It is fun however when you make your trek to the bathroom to peak in to see the wedding guests. The Playhouse has a cute little bar where they have mixed drinks, beer and wine as well as snacks and sodas. Remember to bring cash with you, there wasn't a sign but I think it's cash only. The setting is intimate and the plays I have seen there have had excellent lighting as well as sound. It made the actors even more magnificent then they already were. I haven't had a bad seat in the house but of course I like to get there early and sit toward the front. I love this little theater and can't wait till the next play! read more

I went here recently to watch 42nd street with my mom and little brother. The theater itself is very intimate. They have tables with about 4 chairs each instead of auditorium seating. I think that I was able to see just fine since my table was in the second row, but probably if I was in the back row I would've had some issues. The play itself was great. The actors were very enthusiastic, and performed with great gusto. The theater is actually part of the Coronado community center, which of course is beautiful since it is right on the water. I would've liked it better if the theater was a bit bigger and had some ventilation, but overall it was a nice experience. read more

The Coronado Playhouse - Performing Arts Near Me - Coronado, California

This place is downright adorable! I love community theater and this is IT at it's best! From the minute you walk in, you can tell that everyone who works (volunteers?) there has their heart into this place. I love the layout and so much prefer to sit at a table and have a drink/bite than to sit in cramped auditorium style seating. I love how intimiate it is as well. The production was adorable and very well done for community theater. We had a great time. We were visting from out of town and next time I find myself in SD, I'll definitely be looking to see what's playing here cuz I'd love to come back! :-) read more

My first and last time going to the Coronado Playhouse. Seating was uncomfortable and the play was terrible. It was so bad we escaped at the intermission. read more

I do like a the intimate setting but it comes at a price--not being able to see if you're not in the first rows of tables. Like the other reviews, the seating is all on the same level so it's very hard to see if you're not in front. If you're a smaller person and sitting further back either bring your own cushion (actually everyone should bring their own cushion!!) or don't bother going. I sat near the back and between shifting my chair to the right and left and craning my neck, it really wasn't enjoyable. Also, about those seats... they are incredibly uncomfortable chairs. In all, I would only return if I got a front row table and remember to bring my own seat cushion lol. read more

I am a current member of Coronado Playhouse. I enjoy the people the cast the shows. It is worth it. I love opening nights where members mingle. A good way to meet new friends that share the same passion. I just watched Guys and Dolls. It is a must see. read more

For local plays at a great price this is the venue for you. Seating is for 200 and every seat is s good seat. Some plays even make it off broadway . read more

The Coronado Playhouse - Altar Boys at Coronado playhouses - Performing Arts Near Me - Coronado, California

The oldest community theater in San Diego county offering the 13th annual FREE Coronado Shakespeare - featuring Hamlet. Hamlet is actually a Shakespearean adaptation - which means you'll understand most of the banter, after all it no longer is the 1500s Seating is caberet style, some snacks and drinks available or sneak in your own. shhhh. ~100 seats means no seat is bad, no obstructed views, just a nice cozy atmosphere. Location is perfect, across from "The Del", on the Bay, overlooking the sensual lights of downtown San Diego. Yeah - it's free(Hamlet) - but someone has to pay for the lights. Be generous and donate on the way out.(tax deductible!) read more

I love this little theatre. I attended a Sunday afternoon play there recently and had a fantastic time. Everyone who works there is dressed up in costumes in the theme of the current play which creates a fun and friendly atmosphere from the start. Tickets are reasonably priced- around $25 a person, and they have cheap refreshments too! You choose your seats when you buy your tickets and are sat at a table, with four to a table. The acoustics and lighting aren't completely sophisticated, but if you are looking for some good entertainment for a couple of hours that will not break the bank, I encourage you to check out this little place. Yes, it's small, but there isn't a bad seat in the house.. trust me, I'm not tall and I sat in the back row with no problem seeing the action on stage. read more

The Playhouse is small and intimate and the shows I have seen here have been good. Nothing spectacular, but it's always fun to go to. The only complaint is the seating style. I was in the 2nd row of tables and the people in front of us were large and I couldn't see very well. Overall it's a nice little theater and they do a good job. read more

Its a lovely idea, the Coronado Playhouse, but inexperience seems to rule the roost here. Their HAMLET rendition featured an aged Hamlet (the part calls for a college student). We can say that thecast did know their lines, but the director had not explained the basics of stagecraft to any of them. We were forced to leave after the second act. We would have left earlier, but we kept hoping it would improve. We really really really wanted this to be a good experience, but it was like watching "Hitler in Springtime"(movie reference) The cast was trying so hard, we felt so sorry for them. SHERLOCK HOLMES has some charms and fun to the knowledgable Holmsian. However, what the h-e-double toothpicks is the director thinking in leaving the audience sitting in the dark for 5 minutes before the beginning of the show and again at the 2nd act? Further, while the live 5 piece ensemble were truly wonderful musicians, the inane and simplistic music they were forced to play was torture. After sitting in the dark for 5 minutes, the audience had to endure another 5 minutes still sitting in the dark while listening to the inane da DA da DA da DA da...AHHHHHHHHHHHH!!!!!! As a result, the audience was fairly pissed off even before the show began. Despite this foul torture before the show begins, the cast was amusing, (Moriarty was TOO TOO marvelous) the set was minimalist, and it was fun that the playwright encouraged audience interaction with the cast. And the cast loved the improve, too. Feel free to bring the folks and the kids, there is no embarrassing vulgarity here. Do be aware that this is not a traditional theater seating. CP has "cabaret seating", meaning small tables with four people sitting at each table. So if you are short, try to sit in the front, as it is a huge pain to try to look around the giants blocking the view for two hours. Just because it is a small theater, does NOT mean all seats are not bad. Also, while CP claims they allocate the tickets to select tables randomly, the reality is that that the front box office gives the best tables to their friends. You will have to suck up to whoever is at the window to improve your seating. However, this theater is very wheelchair friendly. Overall, if you would like to support community theater, you love Sherlock Holmes, this will be a fun evening. read more

The theatre is located inside a beautiful community center near the yacht club of coronado. The stage is small so there are no bad sets. I was there is see Avenue Q. The ticket were $20 per person. I found this to be a great cheap date and worth the time. read more

The Coronado Playhouse - Set up - Performing Arts Near Me - Coronado, California

Twelfth Night at the Coronado Playhouse - this cast was even more perfect, easier to understand and funnier than the 1996 movie starring Ben Kingsley and Helena Bonham Carter! Especially Nicole Brokaw as Maria, and Sarah Stair as Olivia - all the performers were top-notch. The opening music, and the cute ad-libbing by Albert Molina made us laugh, and set the stage (so to speak) for the excellent play. We wouldn't have gone to the theater last night on our current budget, except for the annual Coronado "Free Shakespeare" performance. We ended up donating a little more than we could afford but nowhere near what the show was worth, because it was fantastic. That beautiful set! The crazy musical score sung by Feste! Viola, and Malvolio, and Aguecheck, and Sir Toby!! Thank you so very much, all of you. The play was grand. Chris & Ken read more

The Coronado Playhouse is quite a find. Its located in the Coronado Community Center, but one would never know. The place is exquisite, seating is around tables, so there is not a bad seat in the house. The play Boing Boing was much higher quality then I expected, great entertainment with high class actors. A great night out. Looking forward to the next one. read more

Watched Next to Normal here last weekend. The cast and the band were phenomenal, especially the actress who played Diana. The coziness and closeness of the seats to the stage made the poignancy of the songs and this delicate 'crazy' topic cut right through you. Only minus was that the mic-audio system is a bit crude when singers are belting. Seats are fine. It may look crammed in photos but it's really no more packed than any other row-seating theaters. Love the table you can put your drinks and snacks on there. Drinks are very reasonably priced and cocktails are potent. Got Sunday matinee for $23. We found parking on Silver Strand easily. Will definitely come back. read more

They do a fantastic job with musicals. Been going for years and haven't seen a bad musical yet. The tables are small but fine, your aren't eating a meal. It seems a little crowded until the lights go down and the curtain opens and then you are transported. Sometimes other shows are hit and miss, but when they hit, they really do. King Charles III was outstanding and last year they did the best version of Much Ado About Nothing I've ever seen. Their staging of Next to Normal is almost perfect. Wonderful performers and a good band handled a difficult subject sensitively. Unfortunately the sound is turned up to high for such a small venue. Really, the prices are so reasonable and you can buy drinks, it is worth giving them a chance. read more

Wow -- to say the acting was excellent is an understatement. Absolutely fabulous. This was our first visit and it exceeded our expectations! Seating is at small round tables. I was a little worried when I saw we had seats A and B because it looked like we had our backs to the stage. Not true, you have a good view from every seat. There is a bar ( inexpensive) and the table is nice for holding your drink, purse and little snacks. Parking is okay too. We got there just before the box office opened and only had to walk @1/2 a block. There was a huge wedding going on at the community center at the same time so you would have thought parking would be tight. Also -- even though the wedding music was super loud you could not hear any of the noise in the theater. read more

Went here for Dracula. Was pretty good, for the low budget. Was set up for dinner theater but no dinner..so the chairs were very uncomfortable! staff was a little odd but it was ok because it was free for me! doubt I would buy a ticket to go see a play there again though..I think I rather go to Lambs players instead. read more

I took my mother here on Mother's day for the Cinderella play. The show was fabulous, the brunch was decent, but the seating was a little awkward because they are circular tables and not everyone has a straight on view of the stage. read more

Great little theater with ample parking. I just saw Much Ado About Nothing, and it was wonderful. The directing was fantastic, adding more whimsy, theatrical affect, a contemporary San Diego setting with Marines, and terrific acting. Bravo to the actors, set design and director, and thanks to the volunteers who make the theater possible. The play was so much fun! read more

Top notch community theater! The cast and crew at the Coronado Playhouse really put their hearts into the show. The acting was wonderful. Sets and costumes were well done. The folks at the door and concessions area were all very nice. I actually liked the dinner style seating (see previous reviewers comments). We stuck up a conversation with the couple at our table before the show, fanned the chairs out so everyone was facing the stage, and had a table to put our snacks and drinks on while we watched. Sure the guy in front of me had a fat head ... but I skootched my chair over a few inches so I could see and proceeded to get lost in the show. read more

We went to the 9/23/17 performance of Little Shop of Horrors. The characters acting was well done. Sitting in the back row in front of the sound booth we saw the speakers about 15 feet ahead of us over the stage. The sound was distorted it was so loud, the three back up singers I'm sure were very good but they were turned up so loud it distorted the words and their voices. The plant voice was also way too loud. After sitting with our fingers in our ears, we left at intermission. I guess you'd consider me a senior citizen, so you could suspect I was hard of hearing, I wear no hearing aids, Wish I did because I could have turned it down, I saw others also with fingers in the ears. Frankly, it ruined the show. Your sound person needs to have their ears tested. I have done theater for many years and was looking forward to this show, but it was ruined. Nice venue, nice people. Audrey and Seymore were well cast. Mr. Mushnik was inconsistent in his accent, but he had a good singing voice along with Audrey read more

We love the Coronado Playhouse and have had season tickets for years. This review is only about the current play "A Year with Frog and Toad" . The actors, costumes, sets are all very good. If you are a small child, or the parent of one, you will probable enjoy this. If you are an average adult, without small children, AVOID THIS PLAY. It is a children's play and should not have been included in our season of plays. read more

Totally thought I was going to Lamb's Playhouse when I bought tickets online through Goldstar. It was not Lamb's Playhouse. But it was a really professional community theater where the actors acted their hearts out! Snacks were cheap. Seats were a little awkward (table seating at 4 tops). Overall, it was just charming. We'll be back to support this community theater someday on purpose, promise! read more