Transcendence Theatre Company Takes Center Stage with Ladies of Broadway.
Cover Photo: Courtesy Transcendence Theatre Company
For a joyful fusion of Broadway-caliber talent with the natural beauty of wine country, check out the Transcendence Theatre Company’s legendary productions. Founded by Amy Miller and Brad Surosky, the Transcendence Theatre Company has spent over a decade building a reputation for unforgettable performances—and for cultivating connection.
Transcendence is perhaps best known for its signature Broadway Under the Stars series, which transforms the Field of Dreams in Sonoma into a picnic-blanketed, wine-sipping, outdoor theater overflowing with community spirit.
“Before each performance, our audiences indulge in a unique Sonoma-style picnic experience,” says Miller. “The venue bristles with energy as friends enjoy local food, wine, and live music on the Field of Dreams lawn. This sets the tone for an evening of connection, art, friendship, and magical music under the stars.”
Each year, the company goes through a detailed creative process to shape the upcoming season’s performances. This fall’s feature, Ladies of Broadway, is a powerful celebration of women in musical theatre. “Audiences can expect a beautiful, heartfelt, and inspiring evening of stories, dance, and song celebrating powerhouse women of Broadway,” says Miller. “Featuring a stellar lineup of dynamic vocalists who have lit up Broadway, the show goes beyond the spotlight to share their inspiring, behind-the-scenes stories of resilience, triumph, and passion.”
Miller, who currently serves as Creative Vision Director, describes the company’s mission as something greater than performance alone. “Fourteen years ago, we were inspired to create a Broadway musical theatre company whose intention was rooted in a deep service to use the power of the arts to uplift and inspire the Sonoma community.”
That intention has shaped the company since its earliest days. The name “Transcendence” itself reflects their goals: to go beyond expectations and limits—artistically, emotionally, communally.
The idea was born, fittingly, from an over-the-top Broadway-style wedding toast at Miller and Surosky’s own celebration, complete with all their friends singing and dancing. “Our hearts exploded with love and gratitude that day,” Miller says. “We wanted to share this extraordinary energy and immense love of Broadway and life with the world!”
And share with the world they have done—their performances reaching over 250,000 people in the North Bay over the past 14 years and 100,000 people reached online, worldwide, during the pandemic.
Putting on shows of this scale takes a tremendous amount of behind-the-scenes coordination. From casting and choreography to sets, lighting, music, and costumes, every detail is crafted with intention. But Miller is quick to emphasize that the magic doesn’t happen in isolation. “It truly takes a village,” she says, “one that’s united by a shared purpose to create something magical and meaningful for our audiences.”
That sense of shared purpose extends beyond the stage. Transcendence Theatre Company has played a pivotal role in local efforts, including helping save Jack London State Historic Park from closure and performing at the Green Music Center for their annual July 4th Firework Spectacular with the Santa Rosa Symphony. The organization has also expanded its reach through arts education programs.
The philosophy behind the productions is rooted in deep empathy. “Shakespeare said it best, ‘All the World’s a Stage’—we profoundly believe that every person walks into a theatre with their own story,” Miller says. “We will never know the endless intricacies of a person’s story, but what we do know is that we have limitless possibilities to profoundly impact people’s lives.”
This belief in the transformative power of theatre led Miller to give a TEDx talk in 2022 on emergence in the arts—highlighting how live performance can serve as a catalyst for deep personal and collective growth.
Now in its 14th season, the company continues to evolve. Key milestones include being named “Best Outdoor Theater Performance” by Newsweek, and in 2023, Transcendence received the “Stars of the Industry Community Enrichment Award” from Sonoma County Tourism.
Still, at the center of it all is a desire to create meaningful, memorable experiences. “We hope every audience member leaves with that magical and inspiring feeling of transcendence.”
For those looking to get involved, there are many ways to support the work: as audience members, volunteers, or donors. “This company was built by the community,” says Miller. “We are so immensely grateful for everyone who has shared their time, talents, and passion with us.”
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Transcendence Theater Company
info@TTCsonoma.org
(877) 424-1414
151 First Street West, Sonoma