Show tune nirvana: Transcendence under the stars
Transcendence Theatre Company has a lock on the show tune market. Sure, other companies might be doing musicals, but only Transcendence offers multiple musical revues each summer performed in a spectacular outdoor setting amid a festival-like setting of food, wine and abundant merriment. Now in its sixth season at Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen (Sonoma County), Transcendence more often than not lives up to its name with expertly assembled revues performed under the stars (at least by Act 2 when the sun has set and the first stars begin to appear) in the ruins of an old winery, with vines creeping up the hills in the background.
Natural beauty, talent and...disappointment at Transcendence
Heading back to Transcendence Theatre Company for opening weekend of the fifth season, much of what makes this such a special experience was in place. The amount of talent within the 25-member company is, as expected, at an astronomical level, but the opening show itself, dubbed This Magic Moment (running through July 3), is disappointing.
Transcendence (and show tunes!) under Sonoma stars
Jack London's words take on special meaning when uttered at the start of One Singular Sensation, the first of this summer's three Broadway Under the Stars shows from Transcendence Theatre Company in residence for a third summer at Jack London State Park.
The setting for the shows couldn't be more beautiful. The audience is seated in the ruins of a winery, and behind the stage, just beyond the crumbling stone wall, are rolling Sonoma hills, trees toward the top and grapevines climbing in orderly rows along the sides.
Fans of Broadway musicals and show music take note: you do not want to miss the work of Transcendence Theatre Company.