Moonlight Stage Productions

Enjoy an evening out watching Broadway-quality theater in Vista, as well as headlining artists and tribute bands in concert! Performances are held at Moonlight Amphitheatre in Brengle Terrace Park, a spectacular outdoor hilltop venue.

The venue features a Moonlight Concert Series with a March-October lineup sure to entertain. Shows kick off with tributes to famed rock band Aerosmith (March 21) and the multi-talented late musician Prince (March 22), as well as a performance by American alternative rockers, Gin Blossoms (March 23).

The April schedule includes tributes to legendary hit-makers the Eagles (April 4); genre-defying singer and showman Bruno Mars (April 5); and a Pop 2000 Tour hosted by Chris Kirkpatrick of N’ Snyc with OTown, BBMak, Ryan Cabrera and LFO (April 6). May and June concerts include favorites Mariachi Divas (May 23); “So Good: The Neil Diamond Experience” (May 24); The Sounds of the 60s Tour with The Drifters, The Platters and The Coasters (May 25); Abba Mania (June 27); Chicago Nights starring Jason Scheff (June 28); and The Midtown Men: a premier ’60s throwback vocal band from the original Broadway cast of “Jersey Boys” (June 29).

Summer and fall shows include José Feliciano & Tito Fuente Jr. (Aug. 1); “Yesterday and Today: The Interactive Beatles Experience” (Aug. 2); “Dream Like Taylor: A Live Band Journey through the Enchanted Eras of Taylor Swift (Oct.3); and “When Disco was King: Featuring members of the Village People” (Oct. 4). The open-air venue offers 908 permanent seats and lawn seating for 1,092. Buy tickets at moonlightstage.com.

Moonlight Stage Productions, which produces the highly popular summer season at the amphitheatre, presents five memorable musicals with moving stories and fantastic scores in 2024. The season springs forth with the Tony Award-winning adventure “Into the Woods” (May 1-18), about a childless baker and his wife who are tasked by a witch with procuring magical items from classic fairy tales to reverse the curse put on their family tree.

This storybook masterpiece will be followed by “Escape to Margaritaville” (June 5-22), the American jukebox musical by Greg Garcia and Mike O’Malley, based on the songs of Jimmy Buffett. The plot revolves around a part-time bartender and singer who falls for a career-minded tourist, and is intertwined with songs previously recorded by Buffett.

The spotlight then shines on “School of Rock,” (July 10-July 27), based on the 2003 film, which follows Dewey Finn, an out-of-work rock singer and guitarist who poses as a substitute music teacher at an elite private elementary school. Upon witnessing the musical talent in his students, Dewey forms a band of fifth-graders, in an attempt to win the upcoming Battle of the Bands contest.

The soundtrack of a generation and the woman who wrote it is the theme of Moonlight’s next show, “Beautiful: The Carole King Musical” (Aug. 14-31). Enjoy the inspiring true story of Carole King’s remarkable journey from a teenage songwriter to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, and hear her many hits, including “One Fine Day,” “Will You Love Me Tomorrow,” and “Natural Woman.”

The summer season closes with the musical comedy “Tootsie” (Sept. 11-28). Based on the 1982 film, the adaptation tells the story of a talented, but difficult-to-work-with actor who will do anything to land the role of a lifetime — including adopting a new persona as Dorothy Michaels.

Aside from talented casting, spectacular sets and costumes, all of Moonlight’s summer musicals are accompanied by a live orchestra. Audiences may reserve seats and have the option of dining at the venue’s food and drink concessionaire, Bread & Cheese Eatery, or enjoy casual lawn seating along with their own packed picnics.

During the holiday season, The City of Vista and the Moonlight Amphitheatre’s “Jingle Terrace Live” features holiday light shows and activities for all ages. Bring the family to enjoy holiday refreshments, festive displays, live entertainment, holiday activities, photo opportunities, and other special surprises. Admission and all activities are free.

Moonlight’s former winter venue, AVO Playhouse, is located in the heart of downtown Vista and is home to Moonlight Youth Theatre productions. The troupe will stage “Peter and the Starcatcher” March 8-10. The musical is a backstory for the characters of Peter Pan, Mrs. Darling, Tinker Bell and Hook, and serves as a prequel to J. M. Barrie’s Peter and Wendy. Tickets

Both the AVO Playhouse and Moonlight Amphitheatre are available for rentals throughout the year (outside of summer for the Amphitheatre), for any kind of event, including lectures, corporate meetings and school graduations. The AVO Playhouse’s name — including its lobby in the shape of an avocado — was inspired by the city’s many avocado groves. The AVO Playhouse is located at 303 Main Street in Vista.  Call (760) 724-2110 for show schedule and rental information or visit here

The Moonlight Amphitheatre is at 1250 Vale Terrace Drive in Vista. For a memorable theatrical experience, call the box office at (760) 724-2110 or visit moonlightstage.com.