The San Diego Civic Light Opera Association (Starlight Musical Theatre) is one of the oldest continuously producing musical theatre companies in the Unites states.  Founded in 1945, the Theatre presented its first season in 1946 with Gilbert & Sullivan’s The Mikado, presented in the San Diego Zoo’s Wegeforth Bowl.  It was followed by productions of the Chocolate Soldier, H.M.S. Pinafore, Naughty Marietta, The Barber of Seville and Hansel and Gretel.

Since its inception, Starlight has presented 64 seasons of musical theatre productions for the entertainment of more than four million San Diegans and visitors.  These seasons have encompassed nearly 1200 productions of 133 different musicals.

One of the most artistic innovations of productions at the Starlight Bowl is the “freeze frame action” to airplane traffic.  The 4,200 seat outdoor amphitheater is in the final approach to Lindburgh Field.  When the plane is nearing the theatre, a spotter alerts the conductor by pressing a yellow button corresponding to a yellow light in the pit warning the actors of a potential freeze.  When the plane is overhead a red button corresponding to a red light indicates that a plane is over the stage house and if necessary the conductor alerts the actors to freeze.  A green button corresponds to a green light, when the plane has passed.  Then the actors resume action in unison without skipping a beat.  Sometimes the action freezes during an exciting moment such as a fight scene or even a kiss and the audience will applaud.  It is an amazing thing to see.  It is one aspect that truly sets Starlight apart from other theatrical productions and has made Starlight Musical Theatre an international tourist attraction.

Starlight is proud of its 64 year evolution and continues to ignite the creative spark that touches the spirit of children and adults enabling them to experience the excitement of live musical theatre.

NOW PLAYING

SUDS:  The Rocking 60’s Musical

A Hilarious, Heartwarming Story Intertwined with your Favorites from the 60’s.

June 17^th – July 4^th ~ Thursday through Sunday, 8 p.m.

After breaking box office records across the country, “Suds” is the delightful story of a young teenage girl and the two guardian angels that come to teach her about finding true love.  The hilarious action takes place in a Laundromat during the sensational 60’s and “Suds” is loaded with good clean fun and bubbling energy.

Over 50 favorites from the 60’s including:  “Where the Boys Are,” “These Boots Are Made for Walkin’,” “Respect,” “Do You Want to Know a Secret” make this a show you won’t want to miss!

Created by Melinda Gilb, Steve Gunderson and Bryan Scott.
Musical Arragements by Steve Gunderson.