Transcendence Theatre to Host 'Fantastical Family Night,' 7/25

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.

Last year's "Fantastical Family Night" won the Broadway World San Francisco award for "Best Performance For Youth," and this year's show is not to be missed.

Co-directors Eric Jackson and Scott Barnhardt have a clear vision for the show that is based on the theme of the 2014 Transcendence Season "Paint the Universe." This overall theme reminds us all that the power to change the world lives in each and every one of us - and our children will shape the future.

Both director/artists came to Transcendence from the same show - "Book of Mormon." Eric was featured in the National Tour and Scott was featured in the Original Cast on Broadway. When asked about the vision for the show Eric commented, "For our vision, we wanted to explore what does it really mean to paint the universe and how does it relate to our children's future? The show also showcases the amazing talents of the Transcendence artists so don't be surprised if you see old familiar songs re-purposed in a brand new way."

We caught Scott between rehearsals and asked him what he finds exciting about co-directing this family show, he replied, "There are many well-known children's songs that have beautiful moral lessons, and by changing the way we present these songs we will be able to transcend our adult audience as well."

Fantastical Family Night will include performers who have been featured on Broadway in Mary Poppins, The Book of Mormon, Wicked, 42nd Street, Mamma Mia, Thoroughly Modern Millie and more.

This show traditionally is very popular, and if you get lucky and can score some tickets, you'll see a special performance by the Broadway Kids Camp campers as the team plays a" transcendent tribute" to the end of camp. The Kids Camp is a week-long fun experience with our staff of professionals mentor children through a series of musical theatre workshops designed to build confidence, inspire creativity, and instill well-being in a non-competitive and nurturing environment.

The 2014 Broadway Under the Stars summer concert series continues, with eight additional performances, in August through September. All events begin with a pre-show picnic at 5:00 p.m., with food and wine for sale from various vendors on site, with a 7:30 p.m. show time.

The summer season includes "The Music of the Night," August 14, 15, 16, 22, 23, 24, featuring world class singers and dancers sharing beautiful music that will inspire and ignite the audience.

And to close the season, the "Gala Celebration Concert," September 5, 6 which is a pastiche of the best from the 2014 season with a few surprises thrown in.

In addition to the "Broadway Under the Stars" Concert Series, Transcendence also produces the 2014 Transcendence Artist Series which includes "Carrie Manolakos and Moran Karr in Concert", "Steppin' Out Live, with Ben Vereen", "Witness Uganda", by Matt Gould and Griffin Matthews, and "Oh What a Beautiful Mashup!" starring Leah Sprecher and Stephan Stubbins. This series will be presented at intimate and breathtaking locations throughout Sonoma County.

Transcendence Theatre was named Broadway World San Francisco's 2013 "Theater of the Year." Over the last two seasons the company has given over $72,000 to Jack London State Historic Park, while winning the Broadway World San Francisco award for Best Special Theater Event in both of its first two seasons.

Transcendence has an ever-growing list of sponsors and partners for the 2014 season including Nelson, Benziger Family Winery, Sonoma Index Tribune, California Sate Parks, Valley Of The Moon Natural History Association, Chateau St. Jean, Sotheby's International Realty, Beau Wine Tours, KZST, Fairmont Sonoma Mission Inn & Spa, Whole Foods Sonoma, The Girl & The Fig, El Pueblo Inn, Classic Party Rentals, JDH Wealth Management LLC, Parkpoint Health Clubs, SomethingAboutSonoma.com, Sonoma Valley Vintners & Growers Alliance, Julie Atwood Events, The Dance Center Santa Rosa, Rotary Club of Sonoma Valley, Friedman's Home Improvements, Jack London State Park, Magical Massage, Olive and Vine, The Glen Ellen Star, Kid Scoop News, the County of Sonoma, Sonoma Market, The Preiser Key, and Glen Ellen Family Dentistry as well as 7 sparkling wine sponsors, 15 nightly wine sponsors, and over 23 pouring partner wineries.

Tickets are selling well so be sure to purchase yours early. Prices range from $42 to $125 for the concert series and $29 to $125 for the Special Artist Series. To purchase tickets visit www.TTCsonoma.org or call (877) 424-1414.