Our Favorite Performing Arts Destinations on the East Coast

San Diego is a mecca of award–winning theatres and standout performing arts. Whether it be the opera, the symphony or the ballet, our beloved city has it all. It’s almost hard to imagine that any other US cities have a top–notch theatre scene to rival our own—but they absolutely do! Thriving east coast metropolitan areas often have thriving theatres to match, filled with overwhelming talent… if you know where to look. Not to worry; we have the inside scoop on some of the top theatres for your travels. On your next family vacation, lovers’ rendezvous or harried business trip to one of these cities in the eastern half of the nation, be sure to sneak away and check out the five star performances from these fantastic theatres!

If You Like The Old Globe, Try Broadway!

It’s a theatre classic for a reason! Every theatre actor, writer and director dreams of one day performing on Broadway because this famed theatre district features the creme de la creme of United States performing arts. Broadway collects and cultivates amazing theatre productions from all over the country—some of which even originated at San Diego’s The Old Globe! Known for producing quality world premieres, The Old Globe has created a number of interesting productions that were eventually picked up by Broadway, including Steve Martin’s Bright Star, which just opened at The Cort Theatre in March. Broadway in New York City provides big–budget, bold shows—raucous musicals with giant production numbers, lavish bejeweled costumes and intricate, hand–crafted sets. The actors and actresses who perform on Broadway are the most talented of our generation. If you’re in New York City, visiting Broadway is a must! New shows filter onto Broadway each year, such as the critically–acclaimed Hamilton. Looking for a long–running production? Shows like The Lion King and Wicked are a safe bet.

If You Like Broadway San Diego, Try The Kimmel Center!

Want a Broadway–quality production without having to travel to crowded and overpriced New York? Then check out the extravagant Kimmel Center for the Performing Arts in Philadelphia! Known for housing the esteemed touring Broadway shows, the Kimmel Center already has a high–end lineup for their 2016/2017 season, including The Curious Incident of the Dog in the Night–Time, The King and I and Cabaret. The Kimmel Center is a breathtaking building encased in a complex glass archway. With plush red seats in their cavernous theatre, the Kimmel Center presents live shows in style! There’s something for everyone, whether it be the Pennsylvania Ballet, the Philadelphia Orchestra or the Philadelphia Chamber Music Society. This Philadelphia institution also offers free kid–friendly events, perfect for a fun family vacation! 

If You Like San Diego Opera, Try Boston Lyric Opera!

It’s well–documented that San Diegans love the opera; back in 2014, the San Diego Opera faced near certain closure due to budgetary constraints until public outcry and a massive fundraising effort kept the opera alive. If you’re looking to experience an out–of–state opera, the Boston Lyric Opera can’t be beat! Travel to a colonial city drenched in American history and experience one of the United State’s oldest art forms. The Boston Lyric Opera’s lavish productions are sure to pique the interest of theatre–goers everywhere. With their 40th season about to dawn, the Boston Lyric Opera will be performing four dynamic operas from September to May, including Carmen and The Marriage of Figaro. The Boston Lyric Opera generally performs on the mainstage of the Citi Performing Arts Center Shubert Theatre. Enjoy highly–trained, boisterous voices accompanied by lyrical live music in the heart of Boston.

If You Like City Ballet, Try Joffrey Ballet!

Bask in the beauty and grace of Chicago’s premiere ballet company: the Joffrey Ballet. Joffrey is one of the top professional dance companies in the country. Known for their flawless technique and rigorous training, Joffrey Ballet puts on a wide array of performances every year during their September to May season. Like City Ballet of San Diego, Joffrey Ballet has not only an abundance of raw talent, but it also has a deep history. Joffrey was originally a New York City touring company, founded sixty years ago. 1995 saw Joffrey establishing a permanent residence in Chicago, where they currently dwell. Joffrey is known for performing it all, from contemporary classics to modern dance pieces. Their 2016/2017 season includes Romeo and Juliet, The Nutcracker and Fool’s Paradise. Escape the icy tundra of a Chicago winter by watching Joffrey’s prima ballerinas pirouette, glissade and jete across the stage!

If You Like San Diego Symphony, Try The Kennedy Center!

Washington, D.C. is a melting pot of culture and fine arts, and a good portion of those arts can be observed at the John F. Kennedy Center for the Performing Arts. Located along the Potomac River, this iconic theatre has played host to some talented guests, from Grammy Award–winning artists to iconic stand–up comedians. Local D.C. companies that frequent the Kennedy Center include the Washington Ballet, Washington National Opera and the National Symphony Orchestra. For music lovers everywhere, the National Symphony Orchestra is a must–see staple of Washington D.C. Just like the San Diego Symphony, the National Symphony Orchestra offers an array of timeless and complex music throughout the year. For example, their 2016/2017 season will open with music composed by Tchaikovsky, Beethoven and Prokofiev. This prolific company offers beautiful live music in the deft hands of professional performers. Helmed by music director Christoph Eschenbach, the National Symphony Orchestra creates music that will soothe any savage beast—or even a restless child!