Transcendence Theatre Company to Host Evening of New Works

Transcendence Theatre Company, now in its 4th season presenting summer concerts in Sonoma Wine Country, is perhaps best known for "Broadway Under the Stars," an award-winning series of Broadway-inspired concerts featuring performers from Los Angeles and New York - artists who come to the Sonoma stage directly from recent Broadway appearances. More than a standard musical revue, each show weaves popular Broadway songs into a spectacular themed performance presented in the open-air 150-year-old Winery Ruins at Jack London State Historic Park.

Transcendence Theatre's 2015 season introduces audiences to a new and important aspect of the Company's vision for the work they do in the Bay Area: the development of new works. This concept was initially presented last year with a workshop concert of the off-Broadway bound musical, "Witness to Uganda," which followed its sold-out run at the American Repertory Theater, directed by Tony Award-winner Diane Paulus. Building on that for this summer's Transcendence Artist Series, Transcendence Theatre Company presents Imagine, a groundbreaking event showcasing new and re-imagined music by songwriter members of the company.

Imagine plays Sept. 2nd and 3rd at Paradise Ridge Winery (4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive in Santa Rosa).

Imagine promises to be a dynamic, moving and powerful experience for the audience and the artists performing. While all live theater depends on the palpable bond and interaction that occurs between audience and performers, this show in particular will be an intimate and personal exchange. This behind the scenes glimpse into the song writing and storytelling process for both musical theater and individual songs will offer audiences an exciting insight into the inspiration, passion and imagination that goes into bringing a song from concept to creation. Some of the music will be heard for the first time, marking the world premiere of a new song or the germination of a new musical; other pieces presented will be the next step in the evolution of the musical workshop process as the composer/songwriter works with the performers as part of their creative development. In addition, audiences will be treated to music they do know, but will experience it in different ways created exclusively for Imagine. Through conversations with the songwriters and musical numbers created to explain the process, as well as full production numbers, audiences will land in the world of the creative process alongside the artists who invent the work.

"Imagine offers us a platform on which to take active steps toward what has been a primary vision since the beginning of Transcendence programming: the support and development of new work," says Artistic Director Amy Miller. She continues, "We are so lucky to have an enthusiastic and encouraging family of patrons whom we believe are hungry for the opportunity to see and celebrate new pieces of theatrical art from the ground up. Imagine signals our first step into making Sonoma a hotspot for this type of development as we continue to find our voice in the national theatrical arena."

Transcendence artists performing include David R. Gordon, Lexy Fridell, Carrie Manolakos, Divya Maus, Matt Moisey, Will Reynolds, Sheri Sanders, James D. Sasser, Leah Sprecher, Stephan Stubbins and Daniel Zaitchik. Musical direction is by Daniel Weidlein and the show is directed by Robert Petrarca.

Imagine: A Ground Breaking Night of New and Re-Imagined Music by Transcendence Writers
September 2nd and 3rd at Paradise Ridge Winery (4545 Thomas Lake Harris Drive in Santa Rosa)
Pre-show picnics begin at 5:30 pm; Show commences at 8:00 pm

Tickets: $75 VIP Table Terrace Seating, $50 Premium Terrace Seating and $35 Upper Terrace Seating

Group tickets for all shows are available at a special discount for individuals and organizations.
For more information about all shows in the Transcendence Theatre Company's 2015 season and to purchase tickets, please visit the website at www.transcendencetheatre.org or call the box office at 877-424-1414, extension 1.

About Transcendence Theatre Company
Transcendence Theatre Company is an award-winning nonprofit arts organization comprised of artists with professional experience from Broadway, movies, and television. The company's featured performers have appeared on Broadway in shows such as The Book of Mormon, Mamma Mia, Les Miserables, Chicago, La Cage Aux Follies, Gypsy, Hairspray, Follies, 42nd Street, White Christmas, Million-Dollar Quartet, and Mary Poppins among others. Transcendence Theatre Company specializes in producing high caliber Broadway concerts in distinctive Sonoma County locations-from their primary home within the majestic open-air ruins of the historic winery in Jack London State Historic Park to other remarkable and stunning settings throughout wine country and the community. Since their inception in 2011, Transcendence Theatre Company shows have been experienced by over 36,000 patrons and raised over $150,000 for Jack London State Historic Park.

The presenting sponsor for Transcendence Theatre Company's 2015 season is Nelson Family of Companies. Additional sponsors include Signature Season Wine Sponsor: Benziger Family Winery; Media Sponsor: Sonoma Index-Tribune; Premier Season Wine Sponsor: Chateau St. Jean; and business sponsors including Sotheby's International Realty, KZST radio, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, Sonoma Market, Glen Ellen Market, Whole Foods Sonoma, The Engine Is Red, the girl & the fig, El Pueblo Inn, Classic Party Rentals, Parkpoint Health Clubs, Rabobank, Atwood Ranch, Aventine Restaurant, Friedman's Home Improvement, Beau Wine Tours, Sonoma Valley Inn, Casa Bella Inn, Redwood Empire Disposal, Something About Sonoma, Glen Ellen Dentistry, Glen Ellen Star, JDH Wealth Management, The Dance Center Santa Rosa, Kid Scoop News, Christa Granton Insurance, California State Parks, Jack London Park Partners, Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley, Sonoma Valley Vintners and Growers, Olive and the Vine, and over 17 nightly wine sponsors and more than 30 pouring-partner wineries.

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