Transcendence Theatre February/March 2018
Best Life Ever TRANSCENDENCE THEATRE COMPANY
FEBRUARY/MARCH 2018
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CREATING ‘THE LADIES OF BROADWAY’ AN ARTIST’S RESPONSIBILITY
Any performer can tell you the first moment they fell in love with the stage. For me, it was during an elementary school Christmas pageant. I was a first grader cast as “The Mouse Who Saved Christmas,” in which I had one solo. Even today, I can remember how amazing it felt to stand on stage and have everyone’s attention. Though I was just a kid at the time, I remember recognizing what a responsibility it was to be in that position. This sense of power and responsibility has stayed with me and I believe has ultimately led me to Transcendence Theatre.
so that I could return at least once every summer after that. So it made sense in 2014, when I was asked to join the team as a full- time staff member, that my answer would be yes. My official title is Artistic Coordinator, which is a loose term for jack-of-all-trades. In addition to being a performer and Director for a few shows, I also help with interviews and casting, hiring pre- show musicians, helping establish the internship program, assisting with community projects and experiences, and developing and running the Costumes Department to name a few. I’ve recently been the Props and Costume Designer for a few productions. And those little inspirational porta-potty quotes are also on my list of maintaining and replacing. I’ve worn a lot of hats during my time with Transcendence, but I am thrilled to be directing this wonderful new venture that is “The Ladies of Broadway.”
Stephan Stubbins gave me a call in 2011 while I was still living in New York. We had previously known each other but hearing his voice again was a bit of a surprise. He told me about this new theatre company that he and his friends were starting and how they were putting on a benefit concert to save Jack London State Historic Park in Glen Ellen, California. I was mostly intrigued in hearing how excited and passionate he was and I knew that this theatre company must be unlike any other. So I agreed to come perform. How could I have known I was coming out to participate in, not just a concert, but a movement? In Sonoma, I found a community so willing to open their hearts to us, as if we were lifelong friends. I’d especially never experienced anything like the pre-show picnic, where artists and audience members got the chance to interact together before the show. By the time I went on stage to perform, the “fourth wall” was stripped away, and there was this rush of love and energy from the audience and with them that I had never felt before. So naturally after the show, I found Brad Surosky and said, “I don’t know what happened out there, but I need to be a part of this.” When Transcendence held their first full season in 2012, I came out to perform in the second show. I enjoyed it so much that before the show was over, I asked if I could stick around for the third show of the season. And when the third show was over, I asked if I could stick around for the fourth show. I made it a point to be available
This show, like all of our shows, is a complete creation from scratch. Even though we initially didn’t know who our cast of seven would be or what songs they would perform, we knew that this was going to be special. Now that the show has been fully cast and we’ve been able to build around the talent that we have, I’m more excited. I’m excited to give our audience the chance to really get to know these women, to see their talents, and learn their stories. “The Ladies of Broadway” will be an incredible performance, featuring true Broadway powerhouses, and I know it will live up to the Transcendence Theatre goal of inspiring audiences to live their Best Life Ever.
–Eric Jackson
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FALL IN LOVE WITH FITNESS
THROUGH DANCE BACKSTAGE
At Transcendence, we are lucky to have FINDING INSIDE U Sus individuals in the world of musical theater. Audiences get to see many wonderful performers grace our stage, but they’re not the only amazing people who help bring the Transcendence spirit to life. We were delighted when acclaimed Musical Director Susan Draus, agreed to come on as the Musical Director for our upcoming show, “The Ladies of Broadway.” Susan grew up playing the clarinet and attended Interlochen Center for the Arts in Michigan on a full scholarship. She planned to become a Conductor one day. Then Carole King released her album “Tapestry.” “I couldn’t have dropped the clarinet faster,” Susan says. Inspired by one of the most creative and influential albums of the 20th century, Susan realized she wanted to create music opportunities to work with some of the most talented
When you get ready to exercise, the last thing you probably think to wear is a bow tie or evening dress. If that’s the case, then it’s time to broaden your approach to fitness and step out onto the dance floor. The wide world of
anticipate having solo students and arrange for partners to cycle through, so everyone has the opportunity to practice. Of course, ballroom dance isn’t your only option for a fun workout. If relying on a partner isn’t your style, there are plenty of other dance genres
dance might hold the secret to exercise that you — and your partner — will actually enjoy! Whether you enjoy a romantic waltz, an intimate salsa, or a fun swing, dance promises a full-body workout. Your legs, glutes, back, core, and even arms are engaged when you feel the music. A study from the University of Brighton in England found that dance can burn 600 calories per hour, depending on the intensity of the dance, which is as much as running for an hour! In addition to toning your muscles, dancing also
you can groove to. Consider trying K-pop (Korean pop music), Zumba, hip-hop, ballet, tap, and even belly dancing, if you’re feeling adventurous. With dance, you no longer need to treat exercise as a dreaded chore week after week. Even if you have two left feet, remember that dancing is an
acquired skill. With a willingness to learn, over time, you could dance circles around Fred Astaire and Ginger Rogers. Get your groove on today and search for dance studios in your area, look for lessons at your local community center, or find instructional videos online and bust a move right in your living room. If you’re having fun and moving, you’re doing it right.
improves balance and coordination. Your brain is engaged as you memorize the steps and spins, a health perk you miss when you’re on the treadmill or lifting weights.
Don’t have a partner willing to join you on the dance floor? No problem! Many dance classes
STARS OFFSTAGE WHO IS ZAZZLE?
Martha McKee, lovingly known in our Transcendence family as “Zazzle,” has been an invaluable volunteer since our first season. Captain of the wine pouring team, Zazzle got her nickname after she used the website Zazzle.com to create a bag with the Transcendence logo. The bag was created specifically to carry supplies between the picnic and indoor bar. She’s a nightly presence, running the picnic and wine bars while teaching new volunteers how to show audiences the best night ever, even before performers take the stage. In addition to bringing her amazing spark to each night, Zazzle is a true Transcendence ambassador, sharing our story wherever she goes, including her neighbors on airplanes. “If someone doesn’t look like they want to chat, of course I leave them to their book. But when I meet someone as talkative as myself, Transcendence
always gets worked into the
conversation,” Zazzle admits. “People get so excited. I can’t offer them anything free, but it’s fun to tell people about the amazing experience of Transcendence and offer them the opportunity to have the best night ever. At least three couples I spoke to on a plane ended up catching a performance!” Creating Transcendence has always been a team effort, and what we have today wouldn’t be possible without incredible volunteers like Zazzle. We’re all in this together. As Zazzle says, “We’re all agents sharing the Transcendence experience.”
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OUR
THE MUSIC WITH n Draus
SWEET AND ZESTY DETOX SALAD Hoping to shave off those extra holiday pounds or keep up with your New Year’s resolution? Look no further than this easy winter detox salad!
“I HAVE LOVED BEING AROUND THIS POSITIVE ENERGY AND MAKING JOYFUL MUSIC WITH PEOPLE WHO ARE REALLY PASSIONATE, FOCUSED, AND KIND.”
INGREDIENTS
For the Dressing: • 1 large carrot, roughly chopped
For the Salad: • 3 cups chopped kale leaves • 2 cups chopped broccoli florets • 2 cups chopped red cabbage • 1 cup matchstick carrots • 1 cup chopped cilantro • ½ cup toasted slivered almonds • ⅓ cup sliced green onions • 1 diced avocado
• ¼ cup rice wine vinegar • 2 tablespoons olive oil • 1 tablespoon finely chopped ginger • 1 tablespoon honey • 1 tablespoon white miso • ½ teaspoon sesame oil • Salt and pepper, to taste
herself. After high school, she moved to Los Angeles to study music and worked in Disneyland performing with an all-girl pop group. She found herself in musical theater when a friend asked her to direct the music for “Ten Percent Revue” at the Melrose Theater. After the show won several Drama-Logue Awards, including Best Music Director and Best Ensemble, Susan caught that familiar musical theater bug. Over the course of her career, Susan has served as Music Director for numerous national Broadway tours, including “Mamma Mia,” “Sister Act,” “Billy Elliot,” and “Book of Mormon.” And yes, Susan’s musical experience came full circle when she signed on as Music Director for “Beautiful: The Carole King Story” during the show’s recent national tour. “I have been able to meet and work alongside so many people I love and respect,” Susan says. “I met Eric Jackson while doing ‘Book of Mormon.’ He’s the one who called and asked if I would help with ‘The Ladies of Broadway.’ This is my first time doing a Transcendence show, and it has been a great experience. I have loved being around this positive energy and making joyful music with people who are really passionate, focused, and kind. This is a one-of-a-kind community, and together we have created a one-of-a-kind show.” It’s been a pleasure to work with Susan. We can’t wait to treat our audiences to her musical talents during “The Ladies of Broadway” this March!
INSTRUCTIONS 1. To make the salad, add all ingredients to a large bowl; toss to combine. 2. To make the dressing, add all ingredients to a blender or food processor. Pulse until smooth. Season to taste with salt and pepper or add extra honey for a sweeter taste. 3. Drizzle dressing over salad and serve immediately.
Recipe inspired by GimmeSomeOven.com.
HAVE A LAUGH!
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19201 SONOMA HWY #214, SONOMA, CA 95476 877-424-1414 • BESTNIGHTEVER.ORG
Inside This Issue
PAGE 1
The Curtain Rises on a New Show
PAGE 2
Exercise for Two?
PAGE 2
Stars Offstage: Who is Zazzle?
PAGE 3
Backstage Tour With MD Susan Draus
Whip Up This Winter Salad in a Flash!
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From the Road to the Stage!
TRUCK DRIVER DAD MAKES STAGE DEBUT WITH DAUGHTER
In the summer of 2017, Jeff Coffman, a truck driver from Southern California, jumped at the opportunity to make his stage debut by placing the winning bid in Transcendence Theatre Company’s “Be A Star” fundraising campaign. “I waited until the last 30 seconds of bidding.” Jeff said. Winning the bid meant that he would have the opportunity to perform at Sonoma County’s largest performance venue, Luther Burbank Center for the Arts. As if the opportunity weren’t special enough, he would also appear alongside his daughter, Jessica Lee Coffman. Jessica is a professional actress, singer, dancer, and a Transcendence artist. Jeff continued, “It was very important to me to win the bid and get on stage with my daughter.” In early December, Jeff hit the stage in the “Broadway Holiday Spectacular.” Set to the tune of “Big Spender” from the musical “Sweet Charity,” Jeff was featured as the Big Spender in a spoof about holiday shopping. With a chorus line of seven Transcendence artists — including his daughter, Jessica — Jeff’s cameo drew cheers and wild audience applause as he demonstrated natural stage presence and comedic talent. “I was scared to death. I don’t know how Jessica does it. It was so exciting and fun. But I don’t think I will ever quit my day job,” said Coffman. Photos: Jeff Coffman of Southern California (pictured far right) enjoys his moment in the spotlight in his cameo role as the Big Spender in Transcendence Theatre Company’s recent production of “Broadway Holiday Spectacular,” presented on the main stage of the Luther Burbank Center for the Arts in Santa Rosa, CA.
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