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Summer Theater 2012
Despite a lack of a dedicated performance space in the Sonoma Valley, the area has a thriving theater scene that boasts everything from musicals to murder mysteries. The Sonoma Theater Alliance returns with its popular series of shows, each directed and produced by a different theater company. All performances take place in, as well as benefit, Andrews Hall, where the alliance is working with the Sonoma Community Center to create a professional quality performance space.
New to the Valley is the Transcendence Theatre Company, made up of a roving group of ex-Broadway actors who wanted to find a more fulfilling life outside of NYC. They settled in the scenic Old Winery Ruins at Jack London State Historic Park, and a portion of their ticket sales will go toward supporting the park.
Finally, Kate Kennedy makes a triumphant return to Buena Vista Winery with her Avalon Players. For decades, the vivacious and talented Kennedy produced Shakespeare shows at the outdoor theaters in Valley wineries, which return this year after their brief hiatus.
Lobby Hero
June 28 to July 15
The Sonoma Theatre Alliance launches its summer season with psychological drama Lobby Hero, directed by Laureen E. Smith. Sonoma Stage Works produces this community production, with special arrangement by Dramatists Play Service.
8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; $22; Sonoma Community Center, 276 E. Napa St., Sonoma; 707.938.4626, ext. 1; sonomacommunitycenter.org.
Kitchen Witches
June 28 to July 15
The Sonoma Theatre Alliance’s The Kitchen Witches by Caroline Smith. Nancy Vandegrift directs the Sonoma Stage Works production about rival television cooks who battle it out in the kitchen and beyond.
8 p.m. Thursday and Friday, 3 and 8 p.m. Saturday and Sunday; $22; Sonoma Community Center, 276 E. Napa St., Sonoma; 707.938.4626, ext. 1; sonomacommunitycenter.org.
Dream the Impossible Dream
July 14, 15, 20, 21, 22
Transcendence Theatre Company presents Broadway Under The Stars in Jack London State Historic Park at the outdoor winery ruins. This evening performance will showcase classic songs from beloved musicals such as Wicked, Crazy For You and A Chorus Line.
5 p.m. (pre-show picnicking), 8 p.m. concert; $20 to $115; Jack London State Historic Park, 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen; 707.877.1414; broadwayjacklondon.com.
And Then There Were None
July 26 to August 12
Agatha Christie’s beloved classic comes to the stage at Andrews Hall. And Then There Were None is directed by Nellie Craven and produced by Sue Martin of Silver Moon Theatre, who bring the thriller to life for a new generation.
8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday; $22; Sonoma Community Center, 276 E. Napa St., Sonoma; 707.938.4626, ext. 1; sonomacommunitycenter.org.
A Midsummer Night’s Dream
August 9, 10, 11, 12, 16,17,18,19, 23, 24, 25, 26
A Midsummer Night’s Dream has pleased audiences for centuries, and Kate Kennedy’s imaginative interpretation will renew the magic of Shakespeare’s plot. Set against a classical Athenian backdrop, the show explores the universal theme of love and its attendant complications: passion, lust, frustration, depression, confusion and, of course, marriage. Founded in Sonoma in 1980 by Kate Kennedy, the Avalon Players are Sonoma’s oldest Shakespeare company.
7 p.m.; $25; Buena Vista Winery, 18000 Old Winery Road, Sonoma; 707.936.3264; sonomashakespeare.com.
What A Wonderful World
August 16, 17, 18, 24, 25, 26
Transcendence Theatre Company presents a magical night of Broadway featuring music from Oklahoma, Music Man, My Fair Lady, South Pacific, Les Miserables and more. Picnic on the Beauty Ranch lawn followed by the concert in the outdoor winery ruins.
5 p.m. (pre-show picnicking), 8 p.m. concert; $20 to $115; Jack London State Historic Park, 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen; 707.877.1414; broadwayjacklondon.com.
A Chorus Line
August 24 to September 9
The musical sensation A Chorus Line comes to Sonoma from the newly formed Star eQuality Players. With beloved songs and fast-paced dance moves, this infectious show will be directed by John Rivard and produced by Abbey Lee.
8 p.m. Thursday, Friday and Saturday, 3 p.m. Sunday; $22; Sonoma Community Center, 276 E. Napa St., Sonoma; 707.938.4626, ext. 1; sonomacommunitycenter.org.
One Day More gala
September 1
Join the Transcendence Theatre Company for One Day More to celebrate the success of its inaugural season in Jack London State Historic Park. This special evening will feature Broadway songs, community tributes and announcements about next year’s season.
5 p.m. (pre-show picnicking), 7:30 p.m. concert; $20 to $115; Jack London State Historic Park, 2400 London Ranch Road, Glen Ellen; 707.877.1414; broadwayjacklondon.com.
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