Transcendence Theatre Performs at Jack London Site in Sonoma

By Emma Krasov,photography by Yuri Krasov

Jack London StateHistoric Park near Glen Ellen, California, was supposed to close down thisyear due to state budget cuts, but was rescued by the Valley of the Moon Natural History Association (VMNHA) – a nonprofitorganization currently managing the venue. Formerly a site of Jack London’s BeautyRanch, and now a memorial containing original structures built by the author ofthe world-famous adventure novels, the Park hosted Transcendence Theatre Company (TTC) this summer.TTC presented a series of open-air performances “BroadwayUnder the Stars” at the Old Winery Ruins, in partnership with and in support ofVMNHA.Wrapping up the season on September 1 was a gala celebration“One Day More,” sponsored by Benziger Family Winery, with a pre-show picnicking,local wine pouring, and a concert of songs and dances from Broadway musicals.The full-house show’s highlights included “Ladies Who Lunch”(Leah Sprecher), Tag Team Duets (Leah Sprecher, Stephan Stubbins), “I’m a Woman”(Katie Kerwin, Brooke Tansley, Danielle Truitt, Laurie Wells), “I Love A Film Cliché”(Christopher Youngsman), “Life is Just a Bowl of Cherries” (Danielle Truitt),and a great number of crowd pleasers from “The Sound of Music,” “Gypsy,” “Wicked,”“A Chorus Line,” “Guys and Dolls” and “42^nd Street.”Met with overwhelming enthusiasm from the audience, “One DayMore” turned into a celebration of musical theatre as well as the Jack London Park’svitality. TTC artistic director Amy Miller announced the company’s intent tocontinue its “Broadway Under the Stars” seasons in the upcoming years with thehelp and support from the Sonoma community. To learn more, visit www.jacklondonpark.com,www.transcendencetheatre.org.