When Broadway actress Amy Miller saw the winery ruins at Sonoma's Jack London State Park, she knew she had found the perfect place for a theater company.
“The first time we walked into the gorgeous venue,” said Miller, “we knew it was the most remarkable space for theatre.”
The visit turned into a dream. "We’re hoping to produce a season of musicals starting the summer of 2012,” she said at the time. Now that dream is coming true.
The locally-based Transcendence Theatre Company returns to the park this summer to produce their first full season of summer concerts with four themed concerts for a total of 14 nights of performances. and will feature pre-show picnicking and wine. First show: "Dream the Impossible Dream," starting July 14.
The "Broadway Under The Stars 2012 Summer Season" will run July 14th to September 1st, held in the open-air winery ruins of Jack London State Park. It's the same concept and venue as last October's "Broadway Under the Stars in Jack London State Park" to raise money for the . That show was sold out.
Once again, a portion of the proceeds from each concert this season will benefit the Valley of the Moon Natural History Association, which took over full operation of the park on May 1st. "The success of these concerts will play a vital role in the sustaining of the threatened park for generations to come," says actor Stephan Stubbins, one of the co-founders of Transcendence Theater Company.
"Dream The Impossible Dream" will be a celebration of song, dance, and inspiration to commemorate the significance of the saving of the park and the launch of Transcendence Theatre’s Inaugural Season. The show will feature songs from "Wicked," "Crazy for You" and "A Chorus Line," as well as the Great American Songbook.
"We are very excited that our inaugural season will also include community service and engagement programs throughout the Sonoma Valley,” says Miller, now Artistic Director of Transcendence Theatre Company.
One of those programs will be the company's Jack London Broadway Kids Camp this summer, staring July 30 for ages 8 - 18.
Other shows scheduled for summer are "Fantastical Family Night," with songs from Disney and Broadway musicals, featuring a special performance by the local youth who participate in the company's kids camp; and "What a Wonderful World," a night of song from classic stage musicals.
General admission runs from $20 to $50, depending on the show and how close to the event you purchase tickets. A season "flex pass" is also available. VIP tickets cost $115- $150, and include special seating, a sparkling wine bar and more benefits.
Complete schedule and ticket information is available at www.BroadwayJackLondon.com or call (877) 424-1414.
