San Diego's passion for football is fierce, and the Strike Force energizes Frontwave Arena with every game. But when the crowd settles and helmets are hung up, another side of the city calls—a world of curtain calls, show tunes, and big laughs. Whether you're a gridiron warrior, an arts enthusiast, or someone simply looking for a night out, the theatre and comedy scenes around San Diego are just as electrifying as a touchdown return. This guide delivers a full breakdown of the must-see musicals, top-tier comedians, and the region's most revered venues for San Diego Strike Force fans who want to make their nights off the field as thrilling as the ones on it.
Curtain Call Hotspots in San Diego
San Diego Civic Theatre – Downtown San Diego
Built: 1965
Capacity: 2,967 seats
The largest performing arts venue in the city, the San Diego Civic Theatre is a hub for Broadway tours, operas, and ballets. Located next to City Hall, it's hosted top productions like
The Lion King,
Hamilton, and
Les Misérables.
Balboa Theatre – Gaslamp Quarter
Built: 1924
Capacity: 1,339 seats
This historic Spanish Revival gem was originally a vaudeville and movie palace. After a multi-million dollar renovation in 2008, it now presents comedy acts, intimate concerts, and select Broadway musicals.
La Jolla Playhouse – La Jolla, CA
Founded: 1947 (by Gregory Peck, among others)
Capacity: Ranges from 400 to 600 depending on the performance space
Many Tony-winning musicals (
Jersey Boys,
Come From Away) had their pre-Broadway debuts here. It's one of the most innovative and experimental stages in the country.
Smash-Hit Musicals for San Diego Strike Force Fans
Anaïs Mitchell's
Hadestown blends ancient mythology with New Orleans-inspired jazz and folk. Opening on Broadway in 2019, it reimagines the tragic tale of Orpheus and Eurydice. The show won eight Tony Awards including Best Musical, praised for its poetic lyrics and layered, haunting score.
A visual feast,
The Lion King premiered on Broadway in 1997 and brought Julie Taymor's groundbreaking puppetry to global audiences. With iconic music by Elton John and Tim Rice—"Circle of Life," "Can You Feel the Love Tonight"—the show became Broadway's highest-grossing production, earning six Tony Awards.
What if Juliet didn't die at the end of Shakespeare's classic?
&Juliet answers this question with bold choreography and a soundtrack of Max Martin's chart-toppers like "Roar" and "Since U Been Gone." It opened on Broadway in 2022 and won a Tony for Best Costume Design.
Mini Musical Round-Up
Chicago - The Musical Tickets
- Debut: 1975, revival in 1996
- Iconic Tracks: "All That Jazz," "Razzle Dazzle"
- Awards: Six Tony Awards
- What to Expect: Murder, media, and razzle-dazzle in roaring 1920s Chicago.
Mamma Mia Tickets
- Debut: 2001 (Broadway)
- Songs: "Dancing Queen," "Super Trouper," "Waterloo"
- Impact: One of the top 10 highest-grossing Broadway shows globally.
Dear Evan Hansen Tickets
- Debut: 2016
- Awards: Six Tony Awards including Best Musical
- Themes: Mental health, belonging, and social media's role in identity.
This wild and whimsical stage adaptation of Tim Burton's 1988 film debuted on Broadway in 2019. Known for its eccentric set design and dark humor,
Beetlejuice features songs like "Dead Mom" and "Say My Name." It was nominated for eight Tony Awards and continues to be a fan-favorite with cult appeal.
Lin-Manuel Miranda's
Hamilton rocked the theatre world when it opened in 2015. Combining hip-hop, R&B, and traditional show tunes, it tells the story of founding father Alexander Hamilton. The musical won 11 Tony Awards and a Pulitzer Prize, becoming a pop culture phenomenon.
Turning the six wives of Henry VIII into a pop concert extravaganza,
Six first premiered in the UK in 2017 and landed on Broadway in 2020. The musical is structured like a live competition show, with each queen belting out her grievances and hits like "Ex-Wives" and "Don't Lose Ur Head." It won two Tony Awards including Best Original Score.
Great Scott! This time-traveling musical began on London's West End in 2021 and hit Broadway in 2023. Based on the beloved 1985 movie, it includes classic tunes like "The Power of Love" and a slew of new songs. It won the Olivier Award for Best New Musical and dazzles with cutting-edge stage effects.
A reimagining of the witches of Oz,
Wicked has thrilled audiences since 2003. With music by Stephen Schwartz and memorable numbers like "Defying Gravity" and "Popular," it explores themes of friendship, power, and perception. It won three Tony Awards and remains a staple of American musical theatre.
Bringing corny humor and heart to Broadway in 2023,
Shucked was an unexpected delight. With a score by country legends Brandy Clark and Shane McAnally and a book by Robert Horn, it offers songs like "Independently Owned." The musical won a Tony Award for Best Featured Actor and earned critical praise for its wit and charm.
Must-See Comedians in Southern California
Known for his food jokes and "Hot Pockets" bit, Jim Gaffigan has perfected clean comedy that still brings huge laughs. A Grammy-nominated performer with over a dozen specials, Gaffigan has played venues from Carnegie Hall to Dodger Stadium. His observational humor is perfect for family-friendly nights out.
With a Southern drawl and hilarious takes on motherhood, aging, and midlife, Leanne Morgan has become a breakout star. Her Netflix special
I'm Every Woman made her a household name, and she continues to sell out venues nationwide. Her self-deprecating humor connects especially well with multigenerational audiences.
Matt Rife's blend of flirtatious banter and raw honesty has won him a legion of younger fans. His crowd work is quick and engaging, often going viral on social media. With comedy roots in MTV's
Wild 'N Out, Rife now headlines major theatres across the country.
One of the freshest voices in stand-up today, Taylor Tomlinson's self-aware and emotionally intelligent humor is resonating deeply with millennials and Gen Z. Her Netflix specials
Quarter-Life Crisis and
Look at You have earned critical acclaim. She's been named one of Time Magazine's Next 100 Most Influential People.
Special Offer from TicketSmarter for San Diego Strike Force Fans
As a thank-you to San Diego Strike Force fans who know how to appreciate a good show—whether it's a goal-line stand or a tap-dancing finale—TicketSmarter is offering
5% off all the shows listed in this guide. Use promo code
STRIKEFORCE5 at checkout to enjoy major savings on your next musical or comedy night out.
The Final Bow
The San Diego Strike Force dominate the indoor football scene—but when game day's done, it's time for the curtain to rise. From the jaw-dropping theatrics of Hamilton to the relatable laughs of Jim Gaffigan and Taylor Tomlinson, San Diego's stages offer a world of escape and entertainment. With historic venues like the Balboa Theatre and star-studded shows just minutes from the arena, there's never been a better time to add a little Broadway and belly-laughs to your weekly playbook.
