More than a building, the Mission Playhouse is a vessel for the creation of memories. For so many in the San Gabriel community, the Mission Playhouse has become an integral part of their lives. From childhood recitals, graduations, holiday shows, weddings and multi-cultural spectaculars; the Mission Playhouse is dedicated to not only engaging but inspiring our vibrant community and beyond.

More than a building, the Mission Playhouse is a vessel for the creation of memories. For so many in the San Gabriel community the Mission Playhouse has become an integral part of their lives. From childhood recitals, high school graduations, holiday shows, weddings and multi-cultural spectaculars; the Mission Playhouse is dedicated to not only engaging but inspiring our vibrant community and beyond.

The San Gabriel Mission Playhouse celebrates diverse artistic voices by connecting artists, audiences, and our community through shared experiences in a historic cultural landmark.

  • Who we serve: Artists, audiences, community
  • How we serve: Connecting them (via providing the space)
  • Why they benefit: Celebrates their voices, shared experiences

San Gabriel thrives as a cultural destination where our historic landmark unites generations and inspires civic pride.

“How will the world be different when we succeed?”

  • San Gabriel will be a cultural destination
  • People will feel community pride
  • Diverse voices will be celebrated
  • Generations will be connected

Community Connection and Engagement: Fostering meaningful connections through diverse programming that brings people together and strengthens the cultural fabric of our community.

Arts and Culture Appreciation: Celebrating diverse artistic voices and cultural expressions by creating welcoming spaces where all artists and audiences can participate, perform, and connect.

Historic Preservation and Storytelling: Honoring the building’s legacy by preserving its historic character and sharing its story to inspire others.

The San Gabriel Mission Playhouse celebrates diverse artistic voices by connecting artists, audiences, and our community through shared experiences in a historic cultural landmark.

  • Who we serve: Artists, audiences, community
  • How we serve: Connecting them (via providing the space)
  • Why they benefit: Celebrates their voices, shared experiences

San Gabriel thrives as a cultural destination where our historic landmark unites  generations and inspires civic pride.

“How will the world be different when we succeed?”

  • San Gabriel will be a cultural destination
  • People will feel community pride
  • Diverse voices will be celebrated
  • Generations will be connected 

Community Connection and Engagement: Fostering meaningful connections through diverse programming that brings people together and strengthens the cultural fabric of our community.

Arts and Culture Appreciation: Celebrating diverse artistic voices and cultural expressions by creating welcoming spaces where all artists and audiences can participate, perform, and connect.

Historic Preservation and Storytelling: Honoring the building’s legacy by preserving its historic character and sharing its story to inspire others.

The San Gabriel Mission Playhouse is an opulent theater steeped in history. Dedicated on March 5th 1927, this lavish facility was built by John Steven McGroarty to house 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 guidance of Father Junipero Serra. It ran for an astounding 6 years and 3,198 performances.

The theatre was designed to resemble McGroarty’s favorite mission, the San Antonio de Padua in Monterey County. The architectural style is Spanish with Mexican and Native American influences. The stunning interior features a beautifully hand-carved, muraled ceiling, original tapestries presented by the King of Spain, ornate chandeliers that replicate the lanterns used on Spanish galleons that once ruled the seas and fully operational 1927 Wurlitzer Theatre Organ.

Throughout its illustrious history the theatre has served as a home to iconic performers such as: Tony Bennett, BB King, Lilly Tomlin and Tippi Hedron, just to name a few. It has also served as a backdrop to several fan-favorite feature films, commercials and television shows throughout the decades.

Today, thanks to ongoing restoration, the theater looks much as it did when the Mission Play was in production.

The San Gabriel Mission Playhouse is an opulent theater steeped in history. Dedicated on March 5th 1927, this lavish facility was built by John Steven McGroarty to house 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 guidance of Father Junipero Serra. It ran for an astounding 6 years and 3,198 performances.

The theatre was designed to resemble McGroarty’s favorite mission, the San Antonio de Padua in Monterey County. The architectural style is Spanish with Mexican and Native American influences. The stunning interior features a beautifully hand-carved, muraled ceiling, original tapestries presented by the King of Spain, ornate chandeliers that replicate the lanterns used on Spanish galleons that once ruled the seas and fully operational 1927 Wurlitzer Theatre Organ.

Throughout its illustrious history the theatre has served as a home to iconic performers such as: Tony Bennett, BB King, Lilly Tomlin and Tippi Hedron, just to name a few. It has also served as a backdrop to several fan-favorite feature films, commercials and television shows throughout the decades.

Today, thanks to ongoing restoration, the theater looks much as it did when the Mission Play was in production.

The Mission Playhouse is committed to making theatre accessible to all patrons. For more information regarding accommodations and services, please contact us by phone or email.
info@missionplayhouse.org
626.308.2865

The Mission Playhouse can arrange accommodations for persons in wheelchairs or persons with disabilities and their attendants or companions. If your wheelchair status changes after you have purchased your ticket, please contact us before the show. Ushers cannot physically assist patrons into or out of theatre seats, wheelchairs, or vehicles. Accessible seating is available on the orchestra and box seat levels only. Documented service animals are welcome at The Mission Playhouse.

We have seats available in our theatre to accommodate patrons in need of extra seat space. For more information, please contact us by phone or email.
info@missionplayhouse.org
626.308.2868

The Mission Playhouse does not set any formal attendance policies at this time. Individual performances or events may have age or seating restrictions. Please contact us prior to an event with any questions.
info@missionplayhouse.org
626.308.2865

Please contact the Mission Playhouse to be notified about productions with content including herbal cigarettes, theatrical fog, strobe lights, gunshots, strong language, nudity or sexual content, violence, or any other items to which patrons may have sensitivity.

As a courtesy to the artists and fellow patrons, please turn off cell phones and all other electronic devices prior to the performance. Please refrain from talking and any disruptive noise-making during the performance. Photography or the use of any electronic devices may be limited or restricted at consent of the production.

Restrooms, including accessible facilities, are available in the Mission Playhouse starting 30 minutes before each performance. Public restrooms are not available prior to a performance.

The Mission Playhouse is committed to making theatre accessible to all patrons. For more information regarding accommodations and services, please contact us by phone or email.
info@missionplayhouse.org
626.308.2865

The Mission Playhouse can arrange accommodations for persons in wheelchairs or persons with disabilities and their attendants or companions. If your wheelchair status changes after you have purchased your ticket, please contact us before the show. Ushers cannot physically assist patrons into or out of theatre seats, wheelchairs, or vehicles. Accessible seating is available on the orchestra and box seat levels only. Documented service animals are welcome at The Mission Playhouse.

We have seats available in our theatre to accommodate patrons in need of extra seat space. For more information, please contact us by phone or email.
info@missionplayhouse.org
626.308.2868

The Mission Playhouse does not set any formal attendance policies at this time. Individual performances or events may have age or seating restrictions. Please contact us prior to an event with any questions.
info@missionplayhouse.org
626.308.2865

Please contact the Mission Playhouse to be notified about productions with content including herbal cigarettes, theatrical fog, strobe lights, gunshots, strong language, nudity or sexual content, violence, or any other items to which patrons may have sensitivity.

As a courtesy to the artists and fellow patrons, please turn off cell phones and all other electronic devices prior to the performance. Please refrain from talking and any disruptive noise-making during the performance. Photography or the use of any electronic devices may be limited or restricted at consent of the production.

Restrooms, including accessible facilities, are available in the Mission Playhouse starting 30 minutes before each performance. Public restrooms are not available prior to a performance.