Leah Sprecher News

Transcendence Theatre Company, producers of 'Broadway Under the Stars in Jack London State Park,' is well-known to Bay Area audiences for its unique programming of concerts throughout Sonoma County. In fact Transcendence has won numerous awards from Broadway World San Francisco, including top prizes 'Theater of the Year' in 2013 & 2014 and 'Best Special Theater Event' for the last three consecutive years.

As usual, this past week with the Transcendence Theatre Company has been yet another vivaciously exuberant one. Once again, we connected with tremendous sold out and full of life, audiences...but our final performance of "Music of the Night" was unlike any performance I've ever been a part of. Here in Sonoma, California, we had an intense earthquake (6.2 rating) at 3:23 A.M. on August 24th (the early morning of that show).This was the first earthquake I've ever experienced and it truly shook me to the core. In fact, I've never been so deeply terrified in my twenty some years of life. Our entire house was rocking back and forth, paintings were falling off the walls, large bookshelves were tipping over and of course the power went out. The only light I could see came from the terrifying explosions of electrical boxes bursting outside my bedroom windows. I could feel my heart racing and literally thumping out of my chest. The earthquake only lasted about 45 seconds but felt like 45 hours to me. In that short amount of time, I actually saw my entire life flash before me. In tears, I sat trembling and adrenalized, clutching my dog child, Pearl and boyfriend Stephan Stubbins and I realized how we cannot take a single moment on this Earth for granted. Life is so precious.

After Ben Vereen's legendary show here at Transcendence Theatre Company, we TTC artists are continuously reflecting on the cherished wisdom and inspiration that Ben has left deeply rooted into our hearts. One moment in particular that I continue to think about is when I asked Ben if he was excited for his show and he replied with a gigantic grin and both hands in the air, 'I wake up excited! Everyday!' I also surrendered my hands into the air and said 'Me too!' And then I realized that I was standing outside a vineyard of grapes, giggling with Ben Vereen about how we must live each day to the fullest... Later he also shared with our company, 'Don't knock em' dead. They're already dead, knock em' into life!' Those epic words will stick with me forever. Basically, when I grow up, I want to be like Ben Vereen!

Tonight, August 14th, Transcendence Theatre Company opens its newest Broadway Under the Stars concert, entitled 'The Music of the Night.'

Sonoma, CA (August 12, 2014) The Transcendence Theatre Company will present the Broadway bound musical "Witness Uganda" in concert as the third offering in the Transcendence Artist Series. The concert will take place on August 19th at the Atwood Ranch in Sonoma Valley and will feature a special post-show discussion with the artists.

On Thursday, August 14th, Transcendence Theatre Company opens its newest Broadway Under the Stars concert, entitled "The Music of the Night."

Another Openin, another show….or another 6 shows, rather!

'I would rather be ashes than dust! I would rather that my spark should burn out in a brilliant blaze than it should be stifled by dry-rot. I would rather be a superb meteor, every atom of me in magnificent glow, than a sleepy and permanent planet. The function of man is to live, not to exist. I shall not waste my days trying to prolong them. I shall use my time.' - Jack London

As Transcendence Theatre Company prepares to open "Fantastical Family Night" of the Broadway Under the Stars concert series, I wanted to let you in on some of the fun that we've been having. Along with leading an incredibly special Broadway Kids Camp that was more inspiring than I could ever have imagined (see previous blog), I've loved every second of making magic with this uniquely amazing group of TTC artists.

The Transcendence Theatre Company will present Carrie Manolakos and Morgan Karr in concert at Landmark Vineyards as the second offering from the Transcendence Artist Series on August 1st and 2nd.

Transcendence Theatre's "Fantastical Family Night" on July 25 and 26 at Jack London Historic Sate Park is a fun family evening with lots of surprises. It is the second of four separate themed Broadway Under The Stars concerts in Jack London State Historic Park this summer. The music is all familiar material that everyone knows and loves, and your family will be able to sing along and become a part of the magic.

The Transcendence Theatre Company announces Lexy Fridell's one-woman show 'Brace Yourself! Tales of Braces, Broadway, Dating & Drool,' as the first concert in the 2014 Transcendence Artist Series this summer. This series of concerts is a collection of transcendent performers presented in intimate and breathtaking locations throughout Sonoma County.

The Transcendence Theatre Company announces Lexy Fridell's one-woman show "Brace Yourself! Tales of Braces, Broadway, Dating & Drool," as the first concert in the 2014 Transcendence Artist Series this summer. This series of concerts is a collection of transcendent performers presented in intimate and breathtaking locations throughout Sonoma County.

Transcendence Theatre's first offering of their concert series is 'One Singular Sensation' which debuts tonight, June 27, 2014 at Jack London Historic State Park.

Transcendence Theatre's first offering of their concert series is 'One Singular Sensation' which debuts on June 27, 2014 at Jack London Historic State Park.

Transcendence Theatre's Broadway Under The Stars in Jack London State Park 2013 season completes on August 30th and 31st with the Gala Celebration.

The Transcendence Artist Series, is a collection of one night concerts with individual artists in a variety of remarkable settings throughout Wine Country. From wine caves and vineyards back to the Jack London Park ruins, these performances will each create an intimate atmosphere for inspiration and transcendence.

Transcendence Theatre Company (TTC), producing company of the award-winning Broadway Under the Stars concerts in Sonoma's Jack London State Park, introduces the Transcendence Artist Series, featuring Tony winner Sutton Foster.

Transcendence Theatre's Broadway Under The Stars in Jack London State Park opens tonight, June 28th with the first concert of the summer season entitled Fly Me To The Moon.