Summer Solstice at the Field of Dreams

Transcendence Theatre Company celebrates summer

Photo by Rob Martel

Review by Judith M. Wilson

The first day of summer was a game-changer for Transcendence Theatre Company. As the sun began to set, and Creative Vision Director Amy Miller and Executive Director Brad Surosky welcomed the audience to the Field of Dreams at Fazio Field baseball park in downtown Sonoma, the company marked the first time its summer shows have taken place in an urban environment. Transcendence had been performing in Jack London State Historic Park since 2011 and considered it home, when in late in 2019, the California State Park Rangers Association sued California State Parks, charging that the park was out of compliance with environmental regulations and its own general plan by allowing Transcendence to put on shows there. The company has been on the road ever since, adapting to different venues while the park undergoes a California Environmental Quality Act (CEQA) review.

The Field of Dreams on 1st St West in the City of Sonoma is the newest venue, and opening night festivities made it clear that Transcendence is welcome in Sonoma. After greeting the audience, Miller and Surosky invited officials from the city and the Field of Dreams committee on stage and thanked them for making the new venue possible. In response, John Gurney, Mayor of Sonoma, revealed that he’s been a supporter for years and said, “I think you need someone who wants you.” Then, after a tribute to the late Willie Mays and a Take Me Out to the Ballgame singalong, the show began.

Photo by Ray Mabry

Summer is a season synonymous with music, dancing and good times, and the ensemble got the action off to a lively start with an energetic performance of theme-based songs including Here Comes the Sun and a medley of summer favorites such as Summer Nights from Grease and Let the Sunshine In from Hair. An enthusiastic cast and Monica Kapoor’s choreography added energy to the show, and scenes with warm-weather activities such as picnics and football tosses added a nostalgic touch. SONOMOSAIC came next and featured songs that saluted Sonoma County. Among them, Aaron Lavigne delivered an uplifting interpretation of Bob Marley’s One Love, and Andy Saekahn Shin got attention with his rendition of I Can See Clearly Now by Johnny Nash. Novelty instruments, such as a washboard, were a highlight of Free Ride, a hit by the Edgar Winter Group. The seven-piece band under the direction of Matt Smart was in residence at the back of the stage throughout the show, adding to the summer vibe.

Photo by Rob Martel

The salute to Sonoma, with well-coordinated direction by Artistic Director Tony Gonzalez, continued in Act II, beginning with a clever reimagining of Be Our Guest from Disney’s Beauty and the Beast. A funny version of Neil Diamond’s Red Red Wine followed. And another highlight of the second set had Brad Surosky as MC and two volunteers from the audience in a takeoff of The Match Game.

The show concluded just as the moon was rising over the trees, creating a scene that was fitting for the quote by Vincent Van Gogh that the artistic team has chosen to capture the spirit of the 2024 season: “I know nothing with any certainty, but the sight of the stars makes me dream.”

Summertime! is a feel-good show, and the performers make it special with their talent and engagement with the audience. It also shows the Transcendence team’s versality and tenacity in the face of uncertainly, as it strives to overcome obstacles and give audiences one of their best nights ever. It’s summer fun at its best and continues with Don’t Stop Us Now at the end of July.

Photo by Rob Martel

Find out more about Transcendence Theatre Company’s 2024 season at bestnightever.org.

Coming up

July 25-28                  Don’t Stop Us Now
                                   MidAtlantic Men Meet Queenz of Rock

 August 15-18             Dancing in the Street
                                   A sizzling summer block party

September 19-22      The Gala: A Sentimental Journey
                                  A tribute to classic Broadway and more 

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