If you’ve ever taken in a live theater performance at an outdoor amphitheater, you know it’s an experience that’s hard to beat. Plenty of fresh air on a beautiful summer evening surrounded by friends or family, the swell of the live orchestra, and the rush of emotion as you follow the story on the stage all come together to form a memory you won’t soon forget.

Across the United States, a number of outdoor amphitheaters have become iconic destinations for Broadway musical enthusiasts. Read through the list below to find the ones you want to include in your summer holidays!

Tuacahn Amphitheatre

Approximately 2,500 seats

Ivins, Utah

Located one hour west of Zion National Park in southern Utah, Tuacahn Amphitheatre is a breathtaking venue that has become a haven for Broadway musical lovers. Since its opening in 1995, Tuacahn has brought a wide array of Broadway productions to life, including the 2024 lineup of Anastasia, Jersey Boys, and the regional premier of Disney’s Frozen. The professional Broadway talent, full orchestra, live animals, fireworks, and breathtaking special effects combine with a stunning backdrop of towering red rock cliffs to make Tuacahn a magical experience you don’t want to miss. Another unique feature of this venue is that the shows run from May through October in repertoire—meaning that you can see all three shows in a single weekend! Make a night of it with dinner at the Tuacahn Café and browse the work of local artisans during the weekly Saturday Market.

The Muny

Approximately 11,000 seats

St. Louis, Missouri

The Muny is the oldest and largest outdoor musical theater in the United States. Founded in 1918, this historic venue presents seven world-class musicals throughout the summer, each running for approximately one week. The theater’s mission is to make exceptional musical theater accessible to all, and to that end, the last nine rows of seating are offered for free on a first-come, first served basis. The remaining summer shows for 2024 are Fiddler on the Roof, Waitress, In the Heights, and Anything Goes.

Starlight Theatre

Approximately 8,000 seats

Kansas City, Missouri

Located in the heart of Kansas City, the spectacular Starlight Theatre has been offering a diverse lineup of Broadway shows, concerts, and special events for 74 years. Each summer this theater, with its state-of-the-art sound and lighting systems, features a series of five Broadway musicals, each running approximately one week. The remaining summer shows for 2024 are Shrek the Musical, Come From Away, West Side Story, and Peter Pan.

Engelstad Shakespeare Theatre

Approximately 900 seats

Cedar City, Utah

Part of the renowned Utah Shakespeare Festival, this open-air, Elizabethan-inspired venue with all the modern amenities brings the Bard’s masterpieces to life. This summer, have an authentic Shakespearean experience under the stars with performances of Henry VIII, The Winter’s Tale, and The Taming of the Shrew.

Lowell Davies Festival Theatre

Approximately 600 seats

San Diego, California

Set against a backdrop of spectacular Balboa Park and nestled among beautiful eucalyptus trees, the Lowell Davies Festival Theatre provides an enchanting setting for The Old Globe Shakespearean plays. This summer’s performances include Henry 6 One: Flowers and France and Henry 6 Two: Riot and Reckoning, both set against the picturesque backdrop of one of the nation’s most beautiful parks.

Crosby Theater

Approximately 2,100 seats

Santa Fe, New Mexico

This open-air venue commands a panoramic view of the Jemez Mountains to the west and the Sangre de Cristo Mountains to the east. With its exceptional acoustics and breathtaking views, the Crosby Theater is the place to go for world-class outdoor opera performances. The 2024 season features La Traviata, Don Giovanni, The Righteous, Der Rosenkavalier, and The Elixir of Love.

Allen Elizabethan Theatre

Approximately 1,200 seats

Ashland, Oregon

One of America’s oldest Elizabethan theatres, the Oregon Shakespeare Festival’s outdoor flagship stage is named for a queen and the glorious age in which Shakespeare wrote. Experience the sweep and majesty of those unforgettable stories of love, tragedy and spiritual transformation beneath a canopy of stars. Performances for summer 2024 include Much Ado About Nothing and Jane Eyre.

Hill Theatre

Approximately 1,000 seats

Spring Green, WI

American Players Theatre’s flagship outdoor theater, Hill Theatre, is located on top of – you guessed it – a hill, in a natural amphitheater with comfortable, cushioned seats. An optional part of the experience is to picnic before the show. Over half of audience patrons come early to take advantage of the gas grills and sheltered picnic areas on the grounds. With its beautifully crafted productions and serene natural setting, Hill Theatre offers an unparalleled experience. This summer, be captivated by Much Ado About Nothing, Ring Round the Moon, August Wilson’s Ma Rainey’s Black Bottom, Dancing at Lughnasa, and King Lear.

Sundance Summer Theatre

Approximately 1,000 seats

Sundance Mountain Resort, Utah

The Sundance Summer Theatre has been a tradition since 1970. Set beneath the shadow of Mount Timpanogos, this stunning amphitheater provides an enchanting experience unlike any other. Available seating includes assigned bench seating and general admission for lawn seating. This year, Disney’s Newsies the Musical will grace the stage from mid-July through mid-August. Delicious BBQ dinners are available for purchase before the show.

Cushing Memorial Amphitheatre

Approximately 4,000 seats

Mount Tamalpais State Park, California

Located atop Mount Tamalpais, this outdoor venue offers stunning panoramic views and a rich history of Broadway musical performances. Each year, in early summer, the Mountain Play presents a single musical production, drawing audiences to the mountaintop for a day of theater and natural beauty. The combination of fresh air, scenic vistas, and top-notch performances makes the Mountain Play a unique and cherished experience.

Redlands Bowl

Approximately 5,000 seats

Redlands, California

Celebrate the arts in Southern California! This charming outdoor venue fosters a sense of community and cultural enrichment with free performances at 8pm each summer night. While the majority of the performances are concerts, they do include one musical theater production in their programming as well. This summer, in late July, you can enjoy Mary Poppins at this unique venue. Be sure to arrive early as it is first come, first served.

Shakespeare & Company

Arthur S. Waldstein Amphitheatre, seats 540

The Roman Garden Theatre, seats 280

Rose Footprint Theatre, seats 250

Lenox, Massachusetts

Shakespeare & Company’s three outdoor theater venues are located in the lush surroundings of the beautiful Berkshires. The intimate atmosphere they provide make them the perfect place to enjoy a variety of Shakespeare and contemporary plays. Their 2024 season includes A Body of Water, The Winter’s Tale, and The Comedy of Errors.

The Delacorte 

Approximately 1,900 seats

NYC, NY

Nestled in Central Park, The Delacorte is home to the iconic Shakespeare in the Park series. This beloved New York City institution offers free performances of Shakespearean plays in a stunning outdoor setting. Tickets to the shows are free, for anyone who is prepared to wait in line on the morning of the performance to obtain them. This venue is currently closed for renovations but will reopen for the summer of 2025.

Conclusion

America’s outdoor theaters offer a unique experience, blending the magic of live performances with the beauty of nature. From the red rocks of Utah to the historic stages of Missouri, these venues provide an enchanting backdrop for Broadway productions. Whether you are a seasoned theatergoer or new to the world of musicals, exploring these outdoor theaters is a journey that promises unforgettable memories and a deeper appreciation for the arts.