LOS ANGELES -- Los Angeles isn't just the land of film and television—it's also home to world-class theatre and comedy venues that bring Broadway to the West Coast and elevate stand-up to an art form. Students, locals, and visitors near Cal State LA can enjoy an exhilarating array of stage productions and side-splitting comedic performances any night of the week. Whether you're a Golden Eagle undergrad or just passing through East LA, this guide will unveil a curated lineup of must-see musicals, crowd-favorite comedians, and fantastic theatre venues close to campus. Let the lights dim and the drama begin!
"Wicked" soared onto Broadway in 2003 and has enchanted audiences ever since. With music and lyrics by Stephen Schwartz and a book by Winnie Holzman, it explores the untold story of the witches of Oz before Dorothy dropped in. Songs like "Defying Gravity" and "Popular" have become iconic in musical theatre history. The production has earned over $1 billion in Broadway box office sales and has won three Tony Awards, including Best Scenic Design.
Lin-Manuel Miranda's "Hamilton" flipped the script on Broadway in 2015 by fusing hip-hop, R&B, and traditional show tunes to tell the story of Alexander Hamilton. With 11 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and a Pulitzer Prize for Drama, it's one of the most influential musicals of its generation. Hit songs like "My Shot" and "Wait For It" resonate with diverse audiences and make American history compelling. Its Broadway run has grossed over $650 million and continues to dominate touring circuits across the U.S.
Based on Tim Burton's 1988 cult classic, "Beetlejuice – The Musical" debuted on Broadway in 2019. Known for its irreverent humor, gothic aesthetic, and breakout numbers like "Dead Mom" and "Say My Name," the show is a fan favorite among younger theatre crowds. The book was written by Scott Brown and Anthony King, with music and lyrics by Eddie Perfect. Although it didn't win Tonys, its passionate fan base and box office appeal led to a successful revival in 2022.
Since its Broadway debut in 1997, "The Lion King" has been a visual marvel with Julie Taymor's groundbreaking puppetry and staging. With music by Elton John and lyrics by Tim Rice, the show features beloved hits like "Circle of Life" and "Can You Feel the Love Tonight." It has grossed over $1.8 billion in New York alone and won six Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Direction. Its universal themes and dynamic choreography make it a family-friendly favorite.
A jazz-infused tale of fame, scandal, and showbiz, "Chicago" first dazzled Broadway audiences in 1975. The current revival, which began in 1996, is the longest-running American musical in Broadway history. Iconic songs like "All That Jazz" and "Cell Block Tango" capture the sultry and satirical tone of the Prohibition-era story. The musical has won six Tony Awards and has been performed in more than 30 countries worldwide.
Victor Hugo's epic novel comes to life in "Les Misérables," which first premiered in Paris in 1980 before hitting Broadway in 1987. The English version, created by Claude-Michel Schönberg and Alain Boublil, features timeless songs like "I Dreamed a Dream" and "Do You Hear the People Sing?" The show won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Score, and has grossed more than $500 million globally. Its themes of redemption and revolution remain powerfully resonant.
"SIX" reimagines the six wives of Henry VIII as pop icons competing for center stage in a high-energy concert-style showdown. Created by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, it premiered on Broadway in 2020 after a successful UK run. With songs like "Don't Lose Ur Head" and "All You Wanna Do," it delivers history with a cheeky modern twist. The musical won two Tony Awards in 2022, including Best Original Score.
A haunting blend of Greek mythology and Americana, "Hadestown" tells the story of Orpheus and Eurydice in a dystopian underworld. Created by Anaïs Mitchell and directed by Rachel Chavkin, it premiered on Broadway in 2019. The show won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Direction, and features standout songs like "Wait for Me" and "Way Down Hadestown." Its rich visuals and poetic lyrics captivate both theatre newcomers and seasoned fans.
Set in 1960s Baltimore, "Hairspray" is a buoyant celebration of individuality and integration. The show premiered on Broadway in 2002 and won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical and Best Score. Songs like "You Can't Stop the Beat" and "Good Morning Baltimore" are catchy anthems for change. With a message of body positivity and racial equality, "Hairspray" continues to resonate with modern audiences.
Wickedly funny and musically magical—here's another fan-favorite!
Created by "South Park" creators Trey Parker and Matt Stone alongside Robert Lopez, "The Book of Mormon" debuted on Broadway in 2011. The show satirizes religious missionary culture through the story of two Mormon boys sent to Uganda. Known for its sharp wit and outrageous humor, it won nine Tony Awards, including Best Musical. Its box office success has surpassed $500 million worldwide, cementing its place as a modern classic.
Inspired by the 2001 Baz Luhrmann film, "Moulin Rouge! The Musical" made its Broadway debut in 2019. The jukebox musical features over 70 pop songs from the past five decades, including "Come What May" and "Your Song." The lavish production won 10 Tony Awards in 2021, including Best Musical and Best Scenic Design. With its decadent costumes and dazzling visuals, it offers a spectacle like no other.
Kevin Hart is one of comedy's biggest superstars, known for his high-energy routines and candid takes on family, fame, and failure. He rose to prominence with comedy specials like
Seriously Funny and
Laugh at My Pain and has sold out arenas, including Madison Square Garden. Hart has also headlined blockbuster films and received several NAACP Image Awards. His self-deprecating humor and tireless work ethic continue to resonate with fans around the globe.
Taylor Tomlinson began her comedy career in her teens and quickly built a loyal following with her dry wit and introspective humor. Her Netflix specials "Quarter-Life Crisis" and "Look At You" showcase her sharp observations about mental health, relationships, and adulthood. She has performed on "The Tonight Show" and was named one of Variety's "10 Comics to Watch." Tomlinson's voice bridges generational gaps with intelligence and relatability.
Better known as "Fluffy," Gabriel Iglesias is a comedy titan celebrated for his sound effects, animated storytelling, and heartwarming themes. Starting out in local clubs, he gained national fame through shows like "Hot & Fluffy" and Netflix's "One Show Fits All." Iglesias has sold out stadiums like Dodger Stadium and was one of the first comedians to do so. His fan base spans all ages and cultures thanks to his family-friendly yet hilarious approach.
Dubbed the "nicest guy in stand-up," Nate Bargatze is beloved for his clean, observational humor. His specials, "The Tennessee Kid" and "The Greatest Average American," have earned praise for their understated brilliance. He's performed at the Grand Ole Opry and regularly headlines major comedy festivals. Bargatze's Southern charm and dry delivery offer a refreshing alternative to edgier acts.
Local Theatre Venues Near Cal State LA
Ahmanson Theatre – Built in 1967 as part of the Los Angeles Music Center, the Ahmanson Theatre seats over 2,000 and has hosted national tours of "The Phantom of the Opera" and "The Book of Mormon." Its revolving stage and intimate acoustics make it ideal for large-scale productions.
Mark Taper Forum – Also located at the Music Center, this smaller venue opened in 1967 and seats about 750. It specializes in new works and revivals and has nurtured many Pulitzer-winning playwrights.
Pasadena Playhouse – Just 20 minutes from Cal State LA, the Pasadena Playhouse opened in 1925 and was named the State Theatre of California in 1937. With a seating capacity of 686, it's known for developing original works and hosting classic revivals.
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From Broadway brilliance to laughter-filled nights, East LA's entertainment scene is thriving—and there's no better time to explore it.
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