Review: Transcendence Theatre’s RADIO RECALL Uncorks Timeless Hits Under the Sonoma Stars

Celebrating its 15th season, Transcendence Theatre Company continues its mission to create extraordinary experiences that inspire all to live life to the fullest. Radio Recall, the second production in its summer series, accomplishes just that.  

Powerhouse duo Aaron LaVigne and Jenna Rubaii teamed up for a one-of-a-kind electrifying night of music, celebrating 60 years of hits under the moonlit sky in Sonoma’s magical Field of Dreams.  From Queen to Coldplay, The Beatles to Tina Turner, Aaron and Jenna represented music that shaped our lives and defined generations. Rock anthems explode with exhilarating energy, while acoustic moments reveal surprising emotional depth.

Radio Recall at Transcendence Theatre transforms a collection of timeless songs into a deeply personal theatrical experience, reminding audiences not only why these classics have endured, but why live performance remains one of the most powerful forms of storytelling.

From the opening number, Aaron LaVigne and Jenna Rubaii establish an immediate connection with the audience that feels effortless and genuine. Rather than simply performing familiar hits, they invite the audience into the emotional landscapes those songs represent—the first concert, the first love, the road trip, the heartbreak, the triumph. Every selection becomes another chapter in a shared musical history, making the evening feel less like a concert and more like a conversation between performers and audience.

Aaron LaVigne is a commanding presence from the moment he steps on stage. He was most recently seen on Season 29 of NBC’s The Voice, but is also a Broadway veteran whose credits include Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark, Rent, and the acclaimed 50th Anniversary Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar where he met partner and co-creator, Jenna Rubaii. LaVigne possesses the rare ability to combine arena-rock power with remarkable emotional intimacy.  His voice is simply extraordinary.

Whether soaring effortlessly into powerful rock anthems (“Gethsemane”, “Somebody to Love”) or stripping everything back for a vulnerable ballad (“Thinking Out Loud”, “Fix You”), LaVigne sings with remarkable freedom and confidence. He never sacrifices storytelling for vocal fireworks; every note serves the emotion of the lyric.  And he does so with compelling authenticity, delivering honest, deeply personal emotion into each note. Years of performing on Broadway and in concert halls around the world have clearly refined not only his vocal technique but also his instinctive understanding of how to connect with an audience.

Jenna Rubaii proves herself every bit his equal.  Best known for her portrayal of Mary Magdalene in the Olivier Award-winning 50th Anniversary Tour of Jesus Christ Superstar, Rubaii brings breathtaking vocal versatility to the stage. Her voice possesses incredible flexibility—equally capable of crystalline delicacy (“I don’t Know How to Love Him”) and explosive power (“Somebody to Love”, “You’re No Good”). Beyond her exceptional technique lies an emotional honesty. Her expressive face, natural warmth, and magnetic stage presence create an immediate sense of intimacy, even in a large outdoor venue like Sonoma’s Field of Dreams. Whether delivering an emotionally charged ballad or an exuberant rock anthem, she radiates confidence while remaining completely approachable.

Together, LaVigne and Rubaii share the kind of chemistry that cannot be manufactured. Having first performed together as Jesus and Mary Magdalene in Jesus Christ Superstar, their artistic partnership has evolved into something truly magical. Their voices intertwine beautifully, creating lush, emotionally resonant textures that elevate every duet. Standout emotional duets were “Shallow,” “Make You Feel My Love,” and “Fix You.”  Their voices are individually magnificent, but together they become a partnership built on mutual respect, artistic generosity, and a shared commitment to authentic musical storytelling.

Both artists also possess the rare gift of making a large audience feel personally acknowledged. They allow the audience to feel as though they are spending an evening with close friends who happen to possess Broadway-caliber voices. Their natural charisma creates an atmosphere that encourages laughter, nostalgia, and heartfelt reflection.

The venue at Transcendence Theatre Company's Field of Dreams only heightens the experience. Under the Sonoma evening sky, surrounded by wine country beauty, the music takes on an almost cinematic quality. The intimacy of the venue allows every smile, glance, and emotional nuance to resonate, creating an atmosphere where Broadway artistry feels incredibly close and personal.  Lighting by Paul Hudson amplifies the magical night by creating a visually stunning stage to highlight the performers against the dreamy setting of wine country.  And the small but mighty 4-piece band under the direction of Matt Smart fills the sky with dynamic sound without drowning out the artists.

Attendees from Friday night’s show were treated to a special performance by Transcendence’s Kids Camp, featuring kids ages 8-17 who performed three numbers with LaVigne and Rubaii after a week-long camp of rehearsals. What an incredible experience for kids who can work with Broadway stars to build confidence, inspire creativity, and share their love of music.  For more information on the Kids Camp, visit: https://transcendencetheatre.org/community/arts-education/kids-camp/.  

Transcendence Theatre’s Radio Recall is more than a concert.  It’s an exhilarating celebration of music’s extraordinary ability to transport us through time, reconnect us with cherished memories, and remind us that the soundtrack of our lives is ultimately about the people, places, and moments those songs continue to represent. Thanks to the remarkable artistry of Aaron LaVigne and Jenna Rubaii, that soundtrack has rarely sounded more vibrant, more heartfelt, or more unforgettable.

Productions like Radio Recall and the first show Ain't Too Proud are exactly why Transcendence Theatre Company continues to set the gold standard for outdoor theatre. While many companies simply stage musical revues, Transcendence consistently and passionately creates immersive celebrations that blend Broadway artistry with the warmth, hospitality, and natural beauty of Sonoma Wine Country. Every detail—from the welcoming atmosphere and picturesque setting to the extraordinary talent of its performers—reflects a company committed to creating what it proudly calls the "Best Night Ever." 

Radio Recall is second in Transcendence Theatre Company’s star-studded summer season of world-class talent direct from New York to Hollywood and beyond. The final production, Mamma Mia!, takes place August 13-30.  Pre-show picnicking begins at 5pm, featuring pre-order food options, food vendors on site, wine pouring from local winemakers, and tastings from local Sonoma purveyors. 

For tickets and more information, visit: https://transcendencetheatre.org/.  A portion of every ticket sold will be donated to the Field of Dreams to help upkeep the fields and support youth sports and recreation.  

 If you missed the show, or want to revisit the magic, check out the video highlights below:

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