San Francisco Playhouse

San Francisco Playhouse

San Francisco Playhouse
5
1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Monday
Closed
Tuesday
1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Wednesday
1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Thursday
1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Friday
1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Saturday
1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Sunday
1:00 PM - 7:00 PM
About
San Francisco Playhouse is a nonprofit theatre company located on San Francisco's Union Square. Plays are staged daily, with performances Tuesday through Thursday at 7pm, Friday at 8pm, Saturday at 2pm and 8pm, and Sunday at 3pm and 8pm.
Duration: 2-3 hours
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The area
Address
Neighbourhood: Downtown San Francisco
How to get there
  • Powell St • 6 min walk
  • Powell St • 6 min walk
Reach out directly
See what travellers are saying
  • PJKtoo
    San Francisco, California135 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    39 Steps, Very cleverly done and funny show.
    We saw the 39 Steps. The show was very cleverly done. It was funny and we enjoyed it. We were in the 4th row, so nice to be up close to the actors. But the theatre is not large, so any seat is a good seat. We have seen several shows at SF Playhouse and have enjoyed them. They do a nice job with the sets.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written March 22, 2024
  • Dylan S
    10 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Enjoy the magic of San Francisco at SF Playhouse!
    I became a subscriber at SF Playhouse in 2023 and every single show I have seen was delightfully unexpected, superb acting and a great way to be immersed in the arts of San Francisco. If you live here, subscribe! If you are visiting, take in a show - support the arts and get a taste of the magic of the city. I’ve gone to shows solo, with my partner and with friends - all great experiences in their own way. We just saw 39 Steps and have not laughed out loud that hard in a long time. Bravo SF Playhouse, can’t wait to renew my subscription!
    Visited April 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written April 11, 2024
  • Escape05168459430
    2 contributions
    4.0 of 5 bubbles
    Good Performance
    Glass Menagerie is a play I've seen many times before. This performance had excellent ensemble acting and was quite enjoyable, staying true to the playwright's intentions. It does not seem dated at all, in spite of its dated theme. I found the turntable staging a little distracting. Could've done without.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written May 8, 2024
  • Lily C
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Outstanding experience every time we go
    We are a group of 6-8 seniors who love theater. The SF Playhouse is our favorite amongst Berkeley Rep, ACT, Marin Theater Co., & the San Jose Rep. SF Playhouse’s choice of plays, quality of actors, great location with easy parking & reasonable ticket prices make it 5-star experience for all ages snd incomes. We love you!
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written May 20, 2024
  • S V
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Life-changing, top quality acting
    We saw Tennessee Williams' Glass Menagerie. It was an epic experience!! The theater is located in an old hotel with authentic ambience, the theater staff was over the top connecting and loveable, the lighting, sound, and stage settings were perfectly fluid, and the acting was top notch. We left feeling that we had been part of a life-changing experience. Go see a play at the Playhouse!! You'll get what my words can't quite express.
    Visited May 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written May 20, 2024
  • ElvisAndrus
    Arlington, Texas978 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Fun
    We saw a send up of 39 Steps and it was fun and funny. And implicitly if not explicitly local. But the venue is stately, historic and a bit like being on a movie set. Right in the Tenderloin, or near, so if that is an issue, take a ride.
    Visited March 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written May 21, 2024
  • Amy S
    Chino Valley, Arizona1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great theater & production quality
    Love this theater! It is a great mid-priced alternative to the very expensive theaters like Orpheum, and some tiny community theaters that don't offer as high a level of quality and experience. The productions, especially musicals, are of such a high caliber with the most talented casts of singers and dancers. Seats are comfortable with a decent amount of leg room. Productions start on time and snacks are fairly priced compared to other theaters.
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled with friends
    Written August 13, 2024
  • J&B, California
    2 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Theater at its most creative
    Consistently the best theater in the Bay Area and maybe in the country (I started going to theater in New York when I was kid). SFPlayhouse consistently has beautifully staged and well-cast productions of unmatched energy, intelligence and empathy. And the small (200 seat) auditorium makes for impact and intimacy. Not just an evening's entertainment but an experience that resonantes for a long time.
    Visited August 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written August 17, 2024
  • kenO8207YC
    9 contributions
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    Great Bargain
    The SF Playhouse is a great bargain and so much fun. All seats are good - but the first roll of the balcony is the best. Most of the shows are light-hearted, and as a subscriber, I've seen many plays I'd never heard of (Nollywood Dreams, My Home on the Moon) and standards (Guys & Dolls). I have box seats to the SF Opera (which I love), but this is just fun, and I'd rather spend my time here! Go.
    Visited September 2024
    Travelled with family
    Written October 2, 2024
  • Sabrina C
    1 contribution
    5.0 of 5 bubbles
    A hidden gem in the theater district!
    The play we saw "The Play that Goes Wrong", was fantastic. Better than the Broadway version my husband and I saw, for much less cost. The theater is small, so it there's not a bad seat in the house, and it feels more intimate. The stage is closer to you, which makes it more enjoyable and a fun experience. They have a bar area where you can get wine, tea, and snacks, with counter tables and chairs to enjoy connecting with others, including the actors, who happily come out and connect with people after the performances. My only complaint is that they sometimes don't mic their actors properly, making it hard to hear, however, they seem to be better at that now. Parking is a breeze at the Union Square, O'Farrel, or the Sutter Stockton garage. I highly recommend becoming a subscriber to SF Playhouse. My husband and I are subscribers and you get a great price for all the season plays, and if you invite others (making it a party of 10), the playhouse throws you a FREE wine/cheese party in the lobby. And the chacuterie board, snacks, fruit platter and choice of wines makes it a real fun event.
    Visited October 2024
    Travelled as a couple
    Written October 11, 2024
These reviews are the subjective opinion of Tripadvisor members and not of TripAdvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews.

Most Recent: Reviews ordered by most recent publish date in descending order.

Detailed Reviews: Reviews ordered by recency and descriptiveness of user-identified themes such as waiting time, length of visit, general tips, and location information.

Popular mentions

5.0
5.0 of 5 bubbles382 reviews
Excellent
316
Very good
51
Average
10
Poor
3
Terrible
2

Tina M
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Friends
I love this theater! It's my favorite in the Bay Area. There's a warmth in the community of people who run it, perform in it, and attend it. It's reasonably priced, and the staff accommodates special needs like ours to have an aisle seat to allow more space for a problem leg.
Written December 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Claire R
14 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Family
What an incredible production! I saw the musical Guys and Dolls at the San Francisco Playhouse and was absolutely blown away by the performance. In such an intimate theater, I got an up close view of the actors doing what they do best. The singing, dancing, and acting were all outstanding, and I loved this rendition of the classic musical. It was laugh-out-loud funny and yet poignant too. I highly recommend you check out a show at the San Francisco Playhouse, they put on consistently amazing shows!
Written January 14, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Anderwell2
2 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Aug 2023 • Couples
This small, easily accessible theater presents old favorites and new with talented cast members and early curtain times so when the play is appropriate, it's a great destination for families.
We recently saw Chorus Line - it was still thrilling nearly 50 years after it originally opened. Precision dancing, high kicks and talented singers. Check out whatever's playing and consider adding it to your to enjoy list.
Written August 25, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jessie R
63 contributions
4.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2024 • Couples
I visited this playhouse for the first time last night for ‘The Play That Goes Wrong’. The cast was fantastic, such a funny play. We sat in the balcony in row L and was able to see *most* of the stage. I had to move my head constantly to see the action when the actors were up towards the front of the stage due to the heads in front of me. I enjoyed being higher up and being able to look down but think a better view may be the front row balcony.
Written October 13, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Manik A
1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Dec 2023 • Family
We have been visiting the San Francisco Playhouse for several years and have been season ticket holders. My wife and I both love watching plays and musicals and in this regard, SF Playhouse is one of the finest institutions in the United States! They feature thought provoking plays with superb actors, brilliant direction and exquisite sets with the finest attention to detail in every aspect. What makes them special also is their unique ability to adapt the finest classical productions to relevant contemporary issues and make us aware in an intimate way of the lives of the various players in the rich tapestry of life that is America. Its a very special treat to attend one of these productions and if you are visiting San Francisco do not miss!
Written December 4, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

oaklandmomcat
Oakland, CA61 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jul 2023
This hidden gem continues to entertain locals and visitors alike with classics and world premieres in a speakeasy-esque location. (Walk through The Kensington Park Hotel lobby to the elevator. Get off at the second floor and turn right.) From classics to world premieres, all plays/musicals are chosen to "share stories that uplift spirits, deepen self-awareness, and nurture compassionate community." No small order in these troubled times. With only 199 seats everyone is up close and personal with the cast. There are no bad seats, but since the performers are unmiked those with unaided hearing loss would be better off with a seat closer to the stage.
If you arrive early and are so inclined there are top-notch bartenders ready to prepare (or invent) a craft cocktail to your liking. Inside tip: cocktail prices are lower if you arrive before the theatre doors open. Beer, wine, and soft drinks are also available. There is a small assortment of packaged snacks but no actual food.
Should you choose to drive, I suggest reserving a spot at the nearby Sutter Stockton Garage. You’ll save a bit and be sure of a spot. Choose this garage only if steep hills and inclines don’t bother you, since the street and entrance can be daunting. At least you won’t have to go very far as there is valet parking.
Written July 10, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Jakerson
Campbell, CA68 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Oct 2023 • Solo
I have been attending shows at the San Francisco Playhouse for 8 years. They have a 6 show season and after seeing 20+ shows, I can honestly say I have yet to see one I didn't really enjoy. The theater is on the second floor of a hotel, The Inn at Union Square. It is an intimate space of perhaps 200-250 seats but the level of quality of each show and the complexity of the shows they tackle at very reasonable ticket prices is well beyond what you'd expect of a local theater of this size. They employ a revolving stage that allows them to use 3 sets seamlessly. Shows like Follies and A Chorus Line from the last few seasons are challenging to stage for the big theaters. That SF Playhouse stages them, with large casts and puts out such high quality productions is to be commended. I just saw Nollywood Dreams by Jocelyn Bioh last night and it was thoroughly entertaining. Later this season, they are staging Guys and Dolls and their big summer musical is Evita. Do yourself a favor and catch a show here. You won't be disappointed.
Written October 14, 2023
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

holidaymom
Verwood, UK276 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Family
New Year theatre outing to see this fun production of Guys and Dolls. Having last seen this show in Richard Eyre’s London production in 1985 - it was alround a great evening. A first for my son going to the theatre inside a hotel. Strong lead roles, clear diction, animated singing and dancing with an appreciative audience - a happy feel good evening leaving you humming “sit down - you’re rocking the boat”.
Written January 4, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Kerry B
San Francisco, CA1 contribution
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2024 • Solo
Fantastic theater in the heart of Union Square. I've been toany shows here - productions are always top notch.

The theater is located upstairs within a hotel, and it can be a little confusing the first time. Walk thru the hotel lobby, hop in the elevator, and hit the button for 'theater' - then enjoy!!
Written February 1, 2024
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

Lynn L
Oakland, CA30 contributions
5.0 of 5 bubbles
Jan 2025 • Friends
This is our 4th year as subscribers to SF Playhouse and we greatly look forward to the entire season. They do a wide range of plays and musicals. Their actors, and staging are always excellent, and the theater is intimate and lovely.
With the great dinner choices near by, this is one of our favorite San Francisco outings!
Written January 19, 2025
This review is the subjective opinion of a Tripadvisor member and not of Tripadvisor LLC. Tripadvisor performs checks on reviews as part of our industry-leading trust & safety standards. Read our transparency report to learn more.

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SAN FRANCISCO PLAYHOUSE - All You MUST Know Before You Go (2025)

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