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The Starlight Bowl, home of the San Diego Civic Light Opera, is San Diego’s very own outdoor amphitheater. Situated in the south end of Balboa Park between the Hall of Champions and the San Diego Air and Space Museum, the Starlight Bowl keeps up to 4,300 musical theater fans riveted with four Broadway shows each summer.

What makes the Starlight Bowl unique is its location—directly under the landing path for Lindbergh Field (San Diego International Airport). Since flights can’t be diverted during performances, the on-stage artists are forced to make the best of it. At the height of the roar of the planes, the show sound becomes drowned out, necessitating a pause in the action. The pause is dictated by the conductor. If you have the right conductor on duty, this can lead to awkward and sometimes hilarious situations. It seems he takes the opportunity to “mess” with the cast—dancers forced to hold uncomfortable poses, singers stopped in the middle of solos, and gaps in dialogue have a humorous effect when they continue as if nothing happened.

At the Starlight, interruptions are just a fact of life. If you’re a serious musical theater fan, just try to ignore it. But if you happen to find it hilarious, please try to stifle your laughter in consideration of your neighbors.

Insider Tips:

Keep an eye out for the Starlight Lady: the kindly woman with a love of Musical Theater and the Starlight, who opens most shows.

Watch for the Box! It’s a tradition that a little red box be used in all shows. It may be just a part of the set. Other times, it can be worked into the choreography.

Bring a blanket! Even during summer nights, the bowl can get chilly. Hot chocolate and coffee are available at the concessions stand, as well as your usual movie-going fare.

The 2007 season includes:

"Aida" June 14-24, 2007

"Oklahoma!" July 12-22, 2007
"Beauty and the Beast" Aug. 9-26, 2007
"Ragtime" Sept. 13-23, 2007

Shows run Thursday through Sunday.

Doors open at 7:30pm with the show starting at 8pm.

Prices Vary