BROADWAY ON A BASEBALL FIELD:
TRANSCENDENCE THEATRE HITS IT OUTTA THE PARK
Transcendence Theatre Company has opened a triple-hitter “stars under the stars” summer season with their song-and-dance revue spectacular Broadway’s Best Night Ever. This veteran production company has been inviting the best and the beautiful talents from Broadway and international touring companies to perform on Sonoma’s stages since 2019.
By day, Fazio Field just north of Sonoma Square is a youth sports field. TTC built a stage and brought in hundreds of comfortable chairs and klieg lighting to transform it into a Field of Dreams for spectacular productions under the stars. Familiar faces and a crop of newcomers keep the spotlights shining on this cast of fifteen. They sing, leap, kick, tap and harmonize across more than two dozen hits from stage and screen. Their energy and obvious talent scored a home run before a cheering, enthusiastic throng.
Fans of classic hits were delighted at the opening from A Chorus Line, which soon changed to a soaring Wicked medley. The audience tapped along to All That Jazz and Cabaret, complete with Bob Fosse’s inimitable signature moves. Carousel, Phantom, West Side Story, Hamilton, Les Misérables, Mamma Mia!, Flashdance, Jersey Boys and many more musical winners rocked the field. One after another, from decade after decade, the songs and dances were hits, or rather, hit out of the park. Executive Director Brad Surosky and Artistic Director Tony Gonzalez are to credit for such crowd-pleasing choices.
The show began a bit late at 7:45, allowing the sun to set low enough to shield the audience’s eyes. Patrons arrived early starting at 5 p.m. for picnics at tables and umbrellas already set up in view of the pre-show entertainment. VIP ticket holders have a lovely tree-shaded area with lounging couches. Wine and beer are available for purchase, but cannot be brought in.
Creative Vision Director and TTC Co-Founder Amy Miller isn’t exaggerating when she takes the stage to ask, “Are you ready for the best night ever?” Boy, do they deliver. Next up in TTC’s Broadway Under the Stars: Beautiful, The Carole King Musical August 7 to 17, and Ladies of Broadway September 4-14.
photos courtesy of TTC
Broadway’s Best Night Ever
Transcendence Theatre Company
Fazio Field, one block north of historic Sonoma Square
Thurs-Sun at 7:30
ends on June 22, 2025
for tickets ($35 – $175), visit at TTC
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Cari Lynn Pace is a voting member of the San Francisco Bay Area Theatre Critics Circle.
