Broadway San Diego made its original debut as the "San Diego Playgoers" in 1976, after presenting Equus at the Spreckels Theatre in Downtown San Diego. For several years, San Diego Playgoers presented shows at the Fox Theatre (now Copley Symphony Hall) and the Spreckels, before establishing a permanent home at the San Diego Civic Theatre in 1986, with occasional presentations at the other venues including the Historic Balboa Theatre

In 2001, San Diego Playgoers celebrated 25 years of presenting the Best of Broadway by becoming Broadway San Diego, and announced its largest season to date.

Now celebrating its 40th anniversary season, Broadway San Diego has presented over 375 shows and events, including the record-setting blockbusters The Phantom of the Opera, Miss Saigon, The Producers, Les Misérables, Disney's The Lion King, The Book of Mormon and Wicked.

Founded by David T. Nederlander in 1912, the Nederlander Organization is currently in its third generation of theatre development, ownership, management and production under the guidance of James M. Nederlander.

The Nederlander family owns, operates and presents in theaters across the globe and is responsible for producing, co-producing, booking and investing in some of the world's most successful musicals, revivals and touring productions.