Transcendence Theatre’s family treat

Transcendence Theatre’s “Fantastical Family Night,” on July 25 and 26 at Jack London Historic State Park, is a fun family evening with lots of surprises.

It is the second of four separately-themed Broadway Under The Stars concerts in the park’s winery ruins this summer. The music is all familiar material that everyone knows and loves, and families will be able to sing along and become a part of the magic.

Last year’s “Fantastical Family Night” won the Broadway World San Francisco award for “Best Performance For Youth,” and this year’s show will offer more of the same.

Co-directors Eric Jackson and Scott Barnhardt have a vision for the show based on the 2014 Transcendence Season theme, “Paint the Universe,” which reminds the audience that the power to change the world lives in each of us – and that our children will shape the future.

Both director/artists came to Transcendence from the same show – “Book of Mormon.” Jackson was featured in the national tour and Barnhardt was featured in the original cast on Broadway. Jackson explained, “For our vision, we wanted to explore what does it really mean to paint the universe, and how does it relate to our children’s future? The show also showcases the talents of many Transcendence artists, so audience members shouldn’t be surprised to see old familiar songs repurposed in a new way.”

Barnhardt said, “There are many well-known children’s songs that have beautiful moral lessons, and by changing the way we present these songs we will be able to transcend our adult audience as well.“

Fantastical Family Night will include performers who have been featured on Broadway in “Mary Poppins,” “The Book of Mormon,” “Wicked,” “42nd Street,” “Mamma Mia,” “Thoroughly Modern Millie” and more.

Those able to secure tickets to the very popular show will also see a performance by the Broadway Kids Camp campers as the team pays a “transcendent tribute” to the end of camp. The Kids Camp is a week-long, fun experience with the Transcendence staff of professionals mentoring children through a series of musical theatre workshops designed to build confidence, inspire creativity and instill well-being in a non-competitive and nurturing environment.

The 2014 Broadway Under the Stars summer concert series continues, with eight additional performances, in August through September. All events begin with a pre-show picnic at 5 p.m., with food and wine for sale from various vendors on site, with a 7:30 p.m. show time.

The summer season includes “The Music of the Night,” Aug. 14, 15, 16, 22, 23 and 24, featuring world-class singers and dancers sharing beautiful music that will inspire and ignite the audience.

And to close the season, the “Gala Celebration Concert,” Sept. 5, 6 which is a pastiche of the best from the 2014 season with a few surprises thrown in.

In addition to the “Broadway Under the Stars” Concert Series, Transcendence also produces the 2014 Transcendence Artist Series that includes “Carrie Manolakos and Moran Karr in Concert,” “Steppin’ Out Live, with Ben Vereen,” “Witness Uganda,” by Matt Gould and Griffin Matthews, and “Oh What a Beautiful Mashup!” starring Leah Sprecher and Stephan Stubbins. This series will be presented at intimate locations throughout Sonoma County.

Transcendence Theatre was named Broadway World San Francisco’s 2013 “Theatre of the Year.” Over the last two seasons, the company has raised more than $72,000 for Jack London State Historic Park, while winning the Broadway World San Francisco award for Best Special Theater Event in both of its first two seasons.

Ticket prices range from $42 to $125 for the concert series and $29 to $125 for the Special Artist Series.

To purchase tickets, visit transcendencetheatre.org, or call 877-424-1414.