Transcendence Theatre Company's "Broadway Under the Stars" concert series at Jack London State Historic Park, August 4-20 and September 8-10, 2017

Enjoy a picnic and an evening of al fresco theatre during "Broadway Under the Stars,” a series of concerts intermingling Broadway numbers and dance. Produced by the Transcendence Theatre Company, it all takes place in an idyllic, summer setting, amidst the remnants of the 150-year old Kohler and Frohling Winery at Jack London State Historic Park in the Sonoma County village of Glen Ellen.

The evening begins in the Beauty Ranch meadow with pre-show music, boxed picnic fare and platters containing epicurean delights from the girl & the fig, an array of gourmet offerings from food trucks, picnics brought from home and a variety of pourings by local wineries.

Photos by Rebecca Call

The concerts feature performing artists from Broadway productions, who travel from Los Angeles and New York. The series also benefits the park, which receives $5 of each ticket sold for “Broadway Under the Stars” performances.

The current summer season of “Broadway Under the Stars” 2017 runs through September 10 as follows:

“Fascinating Rhythm,” August 4-6, 11-13 and 17-20

A celebration of the variety of rhythm and life, “Fascinating Rhythm” includes Broadway numbers and contemporary songs by Leonard Bernstein, George Gershwin, Billy Joel, John Kander and Fred Ebb and Stephen Sondheim. Through performances of iconic music, the cast tells stories of the different paths people take in life. Performers include Amy Miller, Alexander “AJ” Ackleson, Brook Morrison, Brad Surosky, Colin Campbell McAdoo, Jessica Lee Coffman and more.

Pre-show picnicking begins at 5 p.m. and show time is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $45 to $149. Group tickets for all shows are available at a special discount for individuals and organizations. To purchase tickets, inquire about group sales or for more information call the box office at (877) 424-1414 or go to www.bestnightever.org

Gala celebration, September 8-10

Transcendence wraps up its summer season with a gala celebration. It’s another evening of high-energy performances, along with community tributes and more.

Pre-show picnicking begins at 5 p.m. and show time is at 7:30 p.m. Tickets: $45 to $150. To purchase tickets or for more information call the box office at (877) 424-1414 or go to www.bestnightever.org

VIP tickets include VIP parking, a VIP lounge, two glasses of wine and more. (See the "Buy Tickets" web pages for a complete list of VIP perks.)

A nonprofit organization with professional performing artists, who have worked on Broadway, in film and on television, the Transcendence Theatre Company has contributed more than $267,000 from its “Broadway Under the Stars” ticket sales to the Jack London State Historic Park.

It has partnered with the Boys & Girls Club, the Mentoring Alliance, Willmar Grief and Healing (SAY), Teen Services Sonoma and other free projects for young people. Transcendence produced more than 20 CONNECTS projects for people living with Alzheimer’s, autism, hospital needs and underprivileged conditions. 

It also contributed more than $107,000 in free tickets to youth, nonprofit organizations, cause-related fundraisers and given free performances for more than 40 partnering, nonprofit events.

-Stephanie Wright Hession