By Cari Lynn Pace
Transcendence Theatre Company, searching for an outdoor venue, has risen like the Phoenix from the ashes since losing its home base at Jack London State Historic Park. Using energy, persistence, and hard work, they’ve created a temporary weekend showcase of dazzling entertainers on a grassy field in Sonoma. On a ball field just a few blocks north of the famed Sonoma Historic Square, TTC set up a first-class stage and sound system with hundreds of comfortable chairs.
Through Sunday, June 23, Summertime is the lead-off production of four unique song-and-dance shows this summer. On these special evenings, you’ll find a live 7-piece band, spotlights, and singers and dancers twirling and leaping underneath the stars above.
” … the packed audience was jumpin’ …”
Opening night, the packed audience was jumpin’ for a mélange of sweet and sassy songs directed by Tony Gonsalez. The pace of the performances balanced sentimental solos with rock-out dance numbers. Many TTC performers are taking a break from Broadway shows to summer in Sonoma. The amazing talent of these versatile stars shone all night long.
Choreographer Monica Kapoor filled in beautifully for an injured performer despite confiding, “I’m a dancer, not a singer…” Amidst the heavyweight credentials of nine performing veterans of stage and film was TTC newcomer Andy Saehan Shin, lending his superb baritone voice to many luscious harmonies. When tall and lanky Aaron Lavigne grabbed a guitar to belt out songs, more than a few gals sighed. Indeed…
The new venue on the field is a park during the week. This gives TTC a ton of work setting up and tearing down for each weekend’s show. They don’t seem to mind — this is a very happy cadre of professionals. Patrons are also happy, many having dined in one of the eateries surrounding nearby Sonoma Square before the performance. Picnics and dinner boxes are welcomed to the shows, but no alcohol unless purchased on the premises.
Free parking is ample with reservations in nearby parking lots, all well-organized and a short walk to the stage area. When you go, wear sensible shoes and plan a cover-up. The warm Sonoma temperature usually drops a bit each evening.
If you missed opening weekend, catch one of TTC’s summer shows: Don’t Stop Us Now, July 25-28, Dancing in the Street, August 15-18, or the Gala A Sentimental Journey, September 19-22.
For tickets for Thursday through Sunday evenings: [email protected] or call 877.424.1414, ext.1.
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ASR Writer & Editor Cari Lynn Pace is a voting member of SF Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle and writes theatre and lifestyle reviews for the Marinscope Community Newspapers throughout Marin County. Contact: [email protected]