Bill Lynch: Transcendence’s ‘Chorus Line’ a special production for many reasons

What they do for love.|

Since 2012, my favorite part of the summer is the opening of Transcendence Theatre’s shows at Jack London State Park.

Amy Miller, Brad Surosky and Stephen Stubbins bring New York City quality musical theater into our hometown, which means we need not drive to San Francisco or fly to the Big Apple.

But it isn’t just the quality of the production and the amazing cast and crew that makes it special. It’s that Amy, Brad, Stephen and many others who produce and perform Transcendence’s shows are now part of our community.

Even the talented actors, who only come for a show or two, are staying with us long enough to create lasting friendships.

Dottie and I have been fortunate to be among many Sonoma residents who have played host to some of the performers who accept a role in a show. They stay with us for six to eight weeks while rehearsing and performing.

In that time, we inevitably come to feel like they are “our kids,” if only for a couple of months.

We know from speaking with other host “parents,” that they too virtually adopt these charming, bright and talented performers to the point that we become virtual stage moms and dads.

We care very much about them and their hopes and dreams. We learn how they have given everything they have just for the chance to sing or dance on stage before an appreciative audience; how they must audition for every role, failing to land a part far more often than getting one; how they must live like gypsies, share cramped apartments, work odd jobs and spend whatever they can spare for more voice or dance lessons.

Landing a part, no matter how small, brings them great joy. Not getting a part brings disappointment, followed by resolve to keep trying.

We love to watch their faces as they move across the stage at Jack London Park. We see the joy, the shine in their eyes, and the lightness of their step. Here is the moment they live for. Tomorrow will bring them another challenge. But today they are here in our beautiful vale, before friends and “family,” doing what they have always wanted to do for love.

And that, of course, is the theme of this season’s first show, “A Chorus Line,” the first full musical Transcendence has brought to the local stage since they arrived here seven years ago. The production opened last weekend and runs through June 30.

Most of us have seen this 1975 musical at least once. Many more than once.

The show is special to Dottie and me for many reasons, not the least of which is it has always been the dream of Amy to do this show right here where she and Brad and Stephen created Transcendence seven years ago.

It is also special to us because Dylan Smith, one of our “adopted children,” from several seasons ago, has returned to stay with us and is performing the role of Bobby.

His career, primarily as a dancer, is right out of the show’s script. We know first-hand how hard he has worked, and what it takes to earn a part even if it is just as a member of the chorus.

So Dottie and I will be watching Dylan and several others in the cast who we’ve gotten to know over the years, not just because they are amazingly talented performers, but also because it matters a great deal to us that they feel the love that they have so generously given is not only appreciated but also returned.

If there are still tickets available, get them now at transcendencetheatre.org.

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