Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles: Why You Should Go!

The Ahmanson Theatre in downtown Los Angeles offers a string of first-rate productions from touring Broadway musicals to award-winning drama. The inviting plaza and fountain draw theater lovers to relax and enjoy.

STORY By CHRISTENE MEYERS

PHOTOS By BRUCE KELLER and courtesy Ahmanson Theatre

"The Carpe Diem Kids"

Editor's Note: This piece was updated with the 2026-27 season highlights.

Elliott Andrews leads the cast as Professor Harold Hill, with Elizabeth D'Aiuto starring as Marian Paroo, the librarian who eventually falls for Hill. The production plays Los Angeles in fall, part of the theater's 2026-27 season line-up.

Discover why the Ahmanson Theatre in downtown Los Angeles is a must-visit destination for Broadway musicals, spectacular live performances, and unforgettable entertainment.

The Ahmanson is known for its fine touring shows. Here Carmen Cusack's leading lady role makes the audience laugh and cry in "Bright Star." As with many Ahmanson productions, the actors from the original Broadway cast are featured. Cusack first played the role of Alice on Broadway.

Cookie and Keller enjoy opening weekend at the Ahmanson for "Bright Star."

The Ahmanson Theater in Los Angeles is the perfect venue for beautifully staged musicals. No expense is spared for set design. Here's a scene from "Bright Star," one of many award winning musicals touring the Ahmanson. The theater can accommodate a full pit orchestra and is known for its spectacular staging and elaborate sets.

Lights, music, laughter, and a little theatrical magic! If you're visiting Los Angeles and love live entertainment, make room in your itinerary for the fabulous Ahmanson Theatre. Located in the heart of downtown LA at the Music Center, this celebrated theater is one of our favorites and a wonderful destination for anyone who enjoys a memorable time at the theater. We've seen dazzling Broadway musicals and thought-provoking plays. We've watched Sting, Cicely Tyson, Angela Lansbury and other luminaries at the Ahmanson. The excitement of top quality live theater is hard to beat, and the Ahmanson offers a terrific playbill of treats.

The 2026-27 season begins with a Jerome Robbins ballet festival, then "The Music Man," with the Broadway touring company, "Oh, Mary," a fresh funny take on "A Christmas Carol," a Yiddish"Fiddler on the Roof" and more.

The season unfolds in one of the major venues operated by Center Theatre Group, which also features the Kirk Douglas Theatre and Mark Taper Forum.

Besides touring shows from New York and London, we've enjoyed new works and premieres in this beautiful theater. We've booked orchestra seats, mezzanine and balcony, all with decent views.

We've enjoyed every work -- from "A Trip to Bountiful" to Steve Martin's "Bright Star," and many Tony winning shows such as "Come from Away," "Rent" and "Dear Evan Hansen."

Top Shows, Dining, Hotels, Museums

 Whether we're tapping our toes to a favorite musical or enjoying a gripping story, we love seeing talented performers bring a production to life. But there's more than theater in Los Angeles. We usually make a day of it when we drive from San Diego; we often stay overnight. The Ahmanson's location makes it easy to explore the surrounding Music Center, enjoy a meal, the show and stay nearby. The Omni is a favorite, and Westiin is also nearby. The Hollywood bus tour is great fun, and two museums draw us at least once a year: the Broad and Museum of Contemporary Art.

Link to events and tickets

https://www.eventticketscenter.com/venues-in-los-angeles-ca/708562/e

Ahmanson Theatre goers enjoy a beverage and snacks before the play and at intermission in the theater's open and welcoming lobby area.

Travel is about more than visiting famous landmarks and taking pictures. It's about discovering new experiences, making memories, and finding special places that make a trip unforgettable. The Ahmanson Theatre offers all of that, with a helping of music, laughter, drama, and entertainment. Whether you're spending a weekend in Los Angeles or making it part of a longer California adventure, consider adding a performance to your itinerary.

And when you're ready to plan your next getaway, be sure to visit WhereIsCookie.com! We share travel stories, fun destinations, cruise adventures, helpful travel tips and places worth exploring.

Lake Sioux Charley in summer glory on a hike before the leaves began to turn this past summer

UP NEXT:  We take you to Sioux Charley in Montana for splendors on the Stillwater in Montana's Beartooth Mountains. Come visit, near our home on the range, as we climb a spectacular gorge by the source of the Stillwater River, near Nye, Montana. Here, the skies are (almost) not cloudy all day. Remember to explore, learn and live and catch us weekly for a fresh look at nature, the arts, travel and family.