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Street, Private Lot | |
Yes | |
Yes | |
Yes | |
Yes | |
Casual | |
Average | |
Live |
Yes | |
Beer & Wine Only | |
No | |
Fri, Sat, Sun | |
No | |
Outdoor Area/ Patio Only | |
No | |
No |
Specialties
The Mission Playhouse is a great venue for performing arts events, fulll of atmosphere and charm. We are very happy to host a wide range of events from performing arts companies that come back again and again. Mariachi, Tango, Chinese dance, silent film (accompanied by the sounds of our wonderful Wuritzer theater organ), ballet and theatre shows for children are all part of our diverse program. In addition, we are host to a range of film, TV and commercial shoots. Visit our website for details.
History
Established in 1927.
Dedicated on March 5th, 1927, this lavish facility was built by John Steven McGroarty for his famed «Mission Play.» The world-renowned production told the dramatic story of the founding of the California missions by the Franciscan Fathers under the leadership of Father Junipero Serra. After the end of the 1932 season and an astounding 3,198 performances, the effects of the depression plus an attempt to produce it on Broadway ended the long run of the play that told the story of the romance of early California. This landmark structure was soon returned to the holders of the mortgage where its future was in doubt. During the ensuing decade, the Mission Playhouse, as it was known then, served as a movie theatre. In August 1945 the City purchased the Mission Playhouse and renamed it the San Gabriel Civic Auditorium and on September 26, 2007 the City renamed the Theatre again back to the original name. Today the Auditorium looks much as it did while «The Mission Play» was in production.
Meet the Manager
Anna C.
Manager
Anna has 15 years of theater management experience. She was the Theater Rental Manager and a Public Event Manager for UCLA Performing Arts where she managed up to 50 rental events per year in venues such as Royce Hall and Pauley Pavilion. Since 2006, Anna has been the Director of the Mission Playhouse where she oversees management of all Playhouse operations.