Old Globe Theatre
Old Globe Theatre
4.5
About
The Tony Award-winning Old Globe is one of the country’s leading professional regional theatres and has stood as San Diego’s flagship arts institution for over 80 years. Under the leadership of Erna Finci Viterbi Artistic Director Barry Edelstein, The Old Globe produces a year-round season of 15 productions of classic, contemporary, and new works on its three Balboa Park stages: the Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage in the 600-seat Old Globe Theatre and the 250-seat Sheryl and Harvey White Theatre, both part of The Old Globe’s Conrad Prebys Theatre Center, and the 605-seat outdoor Lowell Davies Festival Theatre, home of its internationally renowned Shakespeare Festival. More than 250,000 people attend Globe productions annually and participate in the theatre’s education and community programs. Numerous world premieres such as the 2014 Tony Award winner for Best Musical, A Gentleman’s Guide to Love and Murder, Bright Star, Allegiance, The Full Monty, Dirty Rotten Scoundrels,and the annual holiday musical Dr. Seuss’ How the Grinch Stole Christmas! have been developed at The Old Globe and have gone on to enjoy highly successful runs on Broadway and at regional theatres across the country.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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4.5
511 reviews
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Cape May, NJ45 contributions
Aug 2022
Old Globe grows more banal year by year. "A Midsummer's Night Dream" is the latest example. So overly staged. Bottom's performance was beyond poor. The actors' delivery have no real sense of lyric deliverance. The Bard is turning in his grave.
Written August 19, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Marilyn093
San Diego, CA13 contributions
Sep 2024 • Friends
Incredible cast, brilliant director and amazing set made “Murder on the Orient Express” come to life!! Andrew Sellon is the real Hercule Poirot!! The show has already been extended and if you can get tickets, you will love it!!
Written September 9, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
SanDiegoFoodCzar
San Diego, CA21 contributions
Sep 2021
HOLY COW!
The good - Good isn't enough to describe any part of this amazing experience.
THE GREAT! - Not one single flaw in this experience. From the ambiance of the theater, to the cast, to the set up of the seating, the sound system, the guest services, the concessions, and anything else I have not yet mentioned...Every aspect of this experience was great!
Why you'd avoid - If you don't like theater? . Really...if you like going to see shows this is an amazing place. If you are not a fan of watching live shows, this isn't the place for you though
The good - Good isn't enough to describe any part of this amazing experience.
THE GREAT! - Not one single flaw in this experience. From the ambiance of the theater, to the cast, to the set up of the seating, the sound system, the guest services, the concessions, and anything else I have not yet mentioned...Every aspect of this experience was great!
Why you'd avoid - If you don't like theater? . Really...if you like going to see shows this is an amazing place. If you are not a fan of watching live shows, this isn't the place for you though
Written September 22, 2021
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
kfountain44
Chicago, IL111 contributions
Jul 2022
Fabulous theater in Balboa Park. The production was superb-everything about it was spectacular. The entire experience, from the walk in the park to drinks prior right outside to the comfortable seating in a nice space made this a fantastic experience.
Written August 30, 2022
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
compassionrequired
San Diego, CA1 contribution
Mar 2018 • Couples
Received tickets to see The Importance of Being Earnest at The Old Globe as a Christmas gift from my son. We could not have afforded these tickets on our own. My beloved husband and I were extremely excited to see the show because we have not been to the theatre, symphony, or any cultural event in nearly 6 years — we had to fight for my life from two terminal cancers for the past 5.5 years. In that time we endured pain, isolation, poverty, and despair. Seeing this show was going to symbolize hope for our return someday to the world of the living.
Today my husband's neck went out. He is in terrible pain and can barely sit up, let alone drive and sit through a 2-hour performance. Distraught, I phoned the theatre box office to see what could be done. I spoke to "John" and also to a female manager. They said they could move our tickets to another night (the show's run is nearly over) but it would cost us additional money ($26) that we don't have. Manager also unhelpfully suggested we let our tickets lapse and then just show up on another night hoping/wishing/praying there'd be seats (we live in North County, not exactly a short jaunt to the Globe). Neither alternative shows compassion or understanding for our situation, which I explained to them through my tears.
I am appalled by the utter lack of compassion shown by The Old Globe. It costs them literally nothing to shift tickets to another night. The manager snidely said she was already doing us a favor and making an exception even by offering to move the tickets at all. She wouldn't budge on the extra fees and kept repeating how she was making such an exception. Sadly, I had to request that they refund Nathaniel's money.
I never want to have anything to do with The Old Globe ever again. This experience has left a bad taste in my mouth. We had been looking forward for years to someday seeing a production in this theatre, but not now. Highly NOT RECOMMENDED.
Today my husband's neck went out. He is in terrible pain and can barely sit up, let alone drive and sit through a 2-hour performance. Distraught, I phoned the theatre box office to see what could be done. I spoke to "John" and also to a female manager. They said they could move our tickets to another night (the show's run is nearly over) but it would cost us additional money ($26) that we don't have. Manager also unhelpfully suggested we let our tickets lapse and then just show up on another night hoping/wishing/praying there'd be seats (we live in North County, not exactly a short jaunt to the Globe). Neither alternative shows compassion or understanding for our situation, which I explained to them through my tears.
I am appalled by the utter lack of compassion shown by The Old Globe. It costs them literally nothing to shift tickets to another night. The manager snidely said she was already doing us a favor and making an exception even by offering to move the tickets at all. She wouldn't budge on the extra fees and kept repeating how she was making such an exception. Sadly, I had to request that they refund Nathaniel's money.
I never want to have anything to do with The Old Globe ever again. This experience has left a bad taste in my mouth. We had been looking forward for years to someday seeing a production in this theatre, but not now. Highly NOT RECOMMENDED.
Written March 1, 2018
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
N C
San Diego, CA6 contributions
Sep 2016 • Couples
Excellent Production. A MUST SEE!
Great Set, Huge talented cast, GREAT Costumes, Huge and very talented Orchestra.
Don't Miss this One.
Great Set, Huge talented cast, GREAT Costumes, Huge and very talented Orchestra.
Don't Miss this One.
Written September 12, 2016
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Alohaboys4
Lake Forest, California36 contributions
Oct 2014 • Business
Saw, Bright Star the Musical there recently. Seats were designed well for the stage. Almost impossible to get a bad seat.
Written November 11, 2014
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
travelingjamie
San Marcos, CA915 contributions
Sep 2017 • Friends
I recently saw Hamlet at the Old Globe Theater in Balboa Park. The Old Globe actually has two theaters - an indoor theater and an outdoor theater. I've now been to both after watching Hamlet in the outdoor theater. I saw Into the Woods in the indoor theater a while ago, which was also very enjoyable. I like watching Shakespeare plays because there are so many adaptations and interpretations made on the old bard's lines. The Old Globe didn't disappoint. Any seat you get in the outdoor theater is good. It's easy to see the action on stage from wherever you sit, so don't worry about choosing bad seats. All actors had microphones attached to their costumes, which made it easy to hear. Overall, I'd recommend booking tickets for the Old Globe for any play. It's fun to stroll through Balboa Park on the way to watch a play in Shakespeare's replica.
There is a venue outside that sells wine, beer, water, soft drinks, and food. You can bring drinks into the theater as long as they have a lid. I didn't try the food, however I ordered a glass of red wine, and they put a lid on it for me so I could bring it inside the theater. Your tickets get you a discount at the Prado restaurant nearby, so enjoy a full night out!
There is a venue outside that sells wine, beer, water, soft drinks, and food. You can bring drinks into the theater as long as they have a lid. I didn't try the food, however I ordered a glass of red wine, and they put a lid on it for me so I could bring it inside the theater. Your tickets get you a discount at the Prado restaurant nearby, so enjoy a full night out!
Written September 22, 2017
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
Jonbrak1
Milwaukee, WI18 contributions
Oct 2012 • Couples
I've seen two shows at the Old Globe and had a great time during each visit. Both shows have been in the enclosed theatre, which has a distinct 60s/70s vibe on the interior, but it doesn't take away from the productions. Seats are comfortable and the house is set up so that there really aren't any bad seats (and their online ticketing process is great-- you can actually choose to see what the stage will look like from the seat you pick). The theatre grounds are beautiful and the buildings evoke the British theatre from which it takes its name.
Their productions are top-notch and if you get to the theatre early, you can take in some of Balboa Park first, making for a perfect outing.
Their productions are top-notch and if you get to the theatre early, you can take in some of Balboa Park first, making for a perfect outing.
Written May 22, 2013
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
M W
Seattle, WA21 contributions
This will be the fourth time I take my family to this wonderful production as we're hoping to make it a holiday tradition. This performance is timeless and will forever create wonderful memories that I hope my children will always cherish.
This is a top notch performance (one that you would see on Broadway) that will mesmerize your children as soon as the curtains lifts. I say children, but I'm just as amazed each time I see it because each year the sets are more elaborate and there is always something new to enjoy from each performance. The set and actors are professional and there are aspects of this production that will blow you away (I'm not going to spoil the surprise). If you ever imagined the story book coming to life, this is as close as you'll ever get- and it's pretty darn close!!
Today's economic situation is causing a lot of people to watch their pennies when it comes to entertainment (me included). Although this performance is not outrageously expensive, it does impact my holiday budget slightly. When I gave my children a choice of things to do this holiday season, this was at the top of the list. Cut out the golf, coffee shop, new outfit for the next couple of months and take your family to see this production. These things will only make you feel good for a little while, but I gurantee your children will remember this production when they're your age. Enjoy !!!
This is a top notch performance (one that you would see on Broadway) that will mesmerize your children as soon as the curtains lifts. I say children, but I'm just as amazed each time I see it because each year the sets are more elaborate and there is always something new to enjoy from each performance. The set and actors are professional and there are aspects of this production that will blow you away (I'm not going to spoil the surprise). If you ever imagined the story book coming to life, this is as close as you'll ever get- and it's pretty darn close!!
Today's economic situation is causing a lot of people to watch their pennies when it comes to entertainment (me included). Although this performance is not outrageously expensive, it does impact my holiday budget slightly. When I gave my children a choice of things to do this holiday season, this was at the top of the list. Cut out the golf, coffee shop, new outfit for the next couple of months and take your family to see this production. These things will only make you feel good for a little while, but I gurantee your children will remember this production when they're your age. Enjoy !!!
Written September 29, 2008
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.
mlund1
San Diego, California
Has anyone ever experienced stage seating at the old globe? It seems like it might be too close to fully experience the show?
Written May 10, 2024
Hola! quisiera saber cuanto cuestan las entradas para Almost Famous 2019 en el Old Globe y en que pagina puedo comprarlas, ya que no pude hacerme el usuario porque me indica que el numero de telefono no es el formato... agradecere ayuda!
Written May 24, 2019
Where is the best place to park?
Written September 29, 2018
There are several places to park near the theatre. Most people party in the Organ Theatre parking lot. During the summer there is a shuttle that operates though it is an easy walk as well. There are a couple of other parking areas on the other side of the Park *near the Carosel or also by the Natural History Museum on Park Boulevard.
Written January 10, 2019
bigbaldhead01
San Diego, California
What is the dress code for a sunday evening show?
Written August 30, 2017
I agree with db7477- I dress in business casual attire, as do most other patrons, but some will come in shorts and sandals.
Written September 2, 2017
There is an elevator in the Old Globe itself. However, the Old Globe is a 'theatre complex which included a small intimate theatre in the round as well as an outdoor venue which operates in the summer time. Neither of those have elevators but seating can be arranged for wheelchairs if you notify the staff.
Written January 10, 2019
What is dress code/recommendation? San Diego is pretty casual, but how casual for a mid-week play at the Globe?
Written June 4, 2017
Suggest business casual. Some men wear sport coats but without ties. It's really personal preference.
Wouldn't recommend shorts for either men or women.
Written June 4, 2017
Michael P
Tahoe City, California
How are the front row seats at the old globe Donald and Darlene Shiley Stage?
Written January 17, 2017
ehofmeister
San Diego, California
Thanks for the question, Michael! The front row seats are wonderful, but of course some people prefer sitting farther back to have more perspective. There are always plenty of people who love to be as close to the action as possible, and the front row is perfect for them. Be aware that Row A is not always the front row. If the stage does not extend out (something that varies from production to production), there are rows that will be added in in front of Row A. They usually begin with a P. You will see them indicated on the website map when you are selecting your seats, but if you purchase by phone and the ticket representative says your seats are in Row A, it's good not to assume that you're in the front row. Hope that helps!
Written January 17, 2017
Where ti sit if cant afford highest tier price balcony or further back orchestra
we are all shorties
thanks
Written October 23, 2015
Jeffrey B
San Diego, California
I can't get a reservation for a tour for the time I will be in DC is there anything like a standby possibility for no-shows?
Written July 25, 2015
Are the Section B seats acceptable for children? Will they see enough of what's going on to follow the story?
Written April 10, 2015
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