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Best Life Ever TRANSCENDENCE THEATRE COMPANY
JUNE/JULY 2018
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GOING BEYOND ... THE TRANSCENDENCE EFFECT
There is more than meets the eye to the name Transcendence …
When Amy Miller first came up with the name, it was inspired by that moment in acting, singing, or dancing when you feel completely alive and connected. And the underlying questions of the company as we formed it were, “Can we extend that feeling into our lives, into the community, and into the world? Can we live life more fully, more connected, and more with a sense of wonder and magic?”
That is the foundation of what we’ve been endeavoring to do ever since.
We are fueled by the quest to create moments of transcendence both onstage and off, and it’s crucial to know that the offstage moments are just as important, if not more important, than those onstage. We always ask ourselves, “How can we make this show transcendent?” “How can we make our kids camp transcendent?” “How can we make our volunteer experience transcendent?” and even, “How can we make the port-a-potties in the park transcendent?” … which if you’ve been to one of our summer performances, you’ll now know why we have inspiring quotes in the port-a-potties. This all leads to unforgettable moments, magic, inspiration, and ultimately, to transformation. Other times, that transformation is large … like helping to save a state park, and sometimes that transformation is small … like a community member strumming a guitar they haven’t picked up in 40 years and beginning to play it every night.
Stephan Stubbins, co-Executive Director and co-Founder of Transcendence Theatre Company. Photo: Ray Mabry
One of our volunteers came up with the perfect term to describe it. She called it “The Transcendence Effect.”
We have so many stories of The Transcendence Effect in action ... stories of new works of art being created by community members, artists collaborating in NYC, patrons coming to our events beyond all odds, kids campers becoming interns, interns getting on Broadway, Broadway performers singing for fire relief, and even the story of this one co-Executive Director falling for this one Transcendence actress who became the love of his life. (Oops … did that get a little personal?) It may sound a bit trite, but we are endeavoring to change the world one show tune at a time. One song can lead to one smile, leading to one embrace, and this ripple can become a wave of ever-expanding good in the world. It’s about changing the energy, awakening the possibilities, living life like we really mean it, and taking nothing for granted ... because truly, every moment counts. I encourage you to join us this summer and take your place under the stars. Together, we’ll raise our voices (and our glasses) with the spirit of what it means to be alive. Remember that even the smallest of interactions can be the beginning of something very powerful. I hope to see you soon as we create a million more moments of Transcendence together and rejoice in where they lead us next.
–Stephan Stubbins
Broadway Under the Stars artists coming together in a Circle-Up before the performance. Photo: Mimi Carroll
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BACKSTAGE TO LESLIE FROM THE S DIRECTOR’S
peruse market stalls and craft fairs while you travel rather than simply purchasing a mass- produced bauble. It can lead you to some truly special souvenirs, and you’ll support the arts and traditions of the region! FOOD Why have a cheeseburger from a fast-food chain when you can try a local favorite? A great way to start is by asking your local transport driver about their favorite place to eat. You’ll discover new foods and flavor combinations that take advantage of ingredients sourced from nearby producers. PEOPLE While you’re out sampling local restaurants and exploring local markets, you’ll meet plenty of local people. Don’t be afraid to strike up a conversation. You can make new friends around the globe and learn about their unique experiences. One of the most enriching experiences in life is meeting new people and gaining new perspectives. MEMORIES Treasured memories are the best souvenirs you can bring home from any vacation. So you owe it to yourself to get out and explore! Broadway Under The Stars is one of the few places where you can find all of these features in one spot! We always look forward to seeing our local friends, but we are thrilled to welcome those from out of town with the same gusto we received when we arrived in Sonoma Valley. summer of 2012, my husband, Rob, and I saw an advertisement for a Transcendence show in the Sonoma market. After one show, I was hooked. I met with Brad, Stephan, and Amy to ask what I could to do to help them.” Those early meetings around a kitchen table evolved, and Andrew began participating in our Advisory Council. After a few years, we knew we needed to have Andrew as one of our Board Members. Our Board Members and Advisory Council are volunteers, and they are as driven and focused on our success as any member of the Transcendence team. “I was humbled and honored to be asked. Being a Transcendence Board Member is a lot of work. The five of us are very hands-on to ensure everything Transcendence does stays in line with its mission and values. But it’s a labor of love, and I’m honored to be a part of this ‘Big Dream.’”
SUPPORTING SMALL BUSINESS ON THE GLOBAL SCALE
The virtues of buying locally sourced food and supporting small businesses have been widely extolled. But we rarely think to apply the same practices when we travel, especially regarding the local arts community. Many folks spring for all-inclusive packages when planning their next summer vacation, but doing so means they’ll miss out on some of the best aspects of the culture they’re visiting. Part of the joy of traveling is having new experiences you can’t have at home. Whether you’re in another state or another country, you owe it to yourself to seek out the unique aspects of that location. But to find the character and quirks of your destination, you’ll have to explore beyond generic travel- guide lists. PERFORMING ARTS Your hotel concierge or local newspaper can often direct you to performances occurring during your stay. Like Transcendence, other vibrant experiences exist in every town, often in extraordinary venues like our own Jack London State Historic Park. VISUAL ARTS Just as your home base has local artisans who produce unique and interesting work, the same is true for your vacation destination. Take the time to
Leslie McDonel sings “Fields of Gol Photo: Rebecca Jane Call
It is the Transcendence way to encourage personal and professional growth in all members of our community. Many of the talented individuals who make each performance possible have played roles both onstage and off. If you attended “The Ladies of Broadway” last March, you might have noticed that the show’s Associate Director, Leslie McDonel, was also one of the talented women gracing the stage. “I have to credit my dad for being the biggest influence of my life in the arts,” Leslie says when discussing her journey to Broadway. “He passed away when I was 10, but it was because of him that I started attending an arts magnet school. Even as a little kid, I loved to act and sing. I was amazed by how I could make people feel something through song. It was like having a superpower!” Despite her love for singing and acting, Leslie wouldn’t catch the musical- theater bug until high school, when her choir director encouraged her to audition for the school performance of “Crazy for You.” Leslie was cast in the
STARS OFFSTAGE
PUTTING THE PIECES TOGETHER WITH ANDREW KOENIGSBERG
At Transcendence, we are very deliberate when we seek outside help. Sometimes, finding like-minded people can be difficult, especially when pursuing a Big Dream. We realized we needed a new perspective to achieve our dream, and we discovered that the Sonoma community has no end of amazing
individuals — for example, Andrew Koenigsberg, who is part of the Advisory Council and one of our Board Members.
“I attended a Transcendence performance during their first season,” Andrew says. “In the
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AGE TO THE HAIR
GRILLED SKIRT STEAK WITH ASPARAGUS Asparagus and steak is a classic pairing. Skirt steak packs a ton of flavor without the high price point of other cuts, and this is the best time of year to buy asparagus. So what are you waiting for? Let’s get grilling!
• 1 1/2 pounds skirt steak • 2 tablespoons canola oil • 1 pound asparagus • 2 teaspoons crushed red pepper INGREDIENTS
• Salt and pepper to taste • Grated pecorino Romano cheese
d” while Dylan Smith and Amanda Lehman dance.
show, and the rest is history. She went on to attend the New York Conservatory for Dramatic Arts, become a staple of the theater scene in her home town of Dallas, Texas, move to Los Angeles just in time to land a spot on the national tour of “Hairspray,” and bring her talents to many amazing shows, including “Legally Blonde” and the original cast of “American Idiot.” Leslie is still passionate about performing onstage, but today her heart lies in the Director’s chair. “The Ladies of Broadway” isn’t the first time Leslie had a hand in directing a Transcendence show. Two years ago, Leslie was the Associate Director for one of the shows in the Broadway Under the Stars series. This summer, she’s returning to Broadway Under the Stars as Director for the season’s third show, “Shall We Dance.” “Being the director of a show gives me the chance to be truly creative,” Leslie says. “When you’re performing, you’re just in charge of yourself. But when you’re directing, you’re in charge of the whole show, and you have unlimited creative opportunities to explore. ‘Shall We Dance’ is a truly creative show. Dancing is the oldest form of expression we have, and there’s something so personal and intimate about having someone ask you to dance with them. I love that idea. Without giving away too many spoilers, that kind of intimacy is the direction I want to take the show this year.” We are so excited and proud to have worked with Leslie in fostering this evolution from Performing Artist to Director. Our summer concert series, Broadway Under the Stars, opens June 15. Shall We Dance, the third concert, runs August 3 through 19. Visit BestNightEver.org for all concerts dates.
INSTRUCTIONS 1. Heat grill to high. Season room-temperature steak with salt, pepper, and 1 tablespoon oil. Any oil with a high smoke point, such as canola, will work. 2. Trim bottom inch of asparagus. Season with salt, pepper, and remainder of oil. 3. Cut steak into four portions and grill for 3–5 minutes per side, depending on desired doneness. Skirt steak is thin and will cook quickly. 4. Let steak rest for 10 minutes. While it’s resting, grill asparagus for 6 minutes, turning once. 5. Sprinkle cheese and crushed red pepper on asparagus. Serve alongside steak.
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Inside This Issue Going Beyond ... The Transcendence Effect PAGE 1
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Buy Local — Even When You’re Away
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Stars Offstage: Andrew Koenigsberg Puts the Pieces Together
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The Oldest Form of Expression
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Grilled Skirt Steak With Asparagus
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Swings: Broadway’s MVPs
THE UNSUNG HEROES OF THEATRE SWINGING INTO ACTION!
For those who saw “The Ladies of Broadway” in March, you probably recall a song called “Swing Breakdown.” In it, Amy Hillner Larsen, Kristin Piro, and Lindsay Nicole Chambers gave audience members a peek into their actual experiences from being Swings on Broadway and in national tours. Most Broadway musicals have people who are hired as Swings. For those who don’t know the term, the short answer is that Swings are the understudies … for the understudies. They cover all the ensemble parts in the show. Which, in theory, may seem straightforward, but it is anything but! “You have to know everyone’s part; you can be thrown in at a moment’s notice — sometimes in the middle of the show,” says Amy. “When I was in ‘Priscilla, Queen of the Desert,’ I understudied six ensemble women. But sometimes, Tommy takes a tumble and boom! You’re playing a man.” Being a Swing for a show is not always in everyone’s wheelhouse. Broadway shows hold special auditions for those who are able to essentially know all the intricacies of a show and keep every part
straight. Many times, larger shows like “Wicked,” will have universal Swings who travel all over to the different tours throughout the country. Lindsay Nicole Chambers and Kristin Piro perform Nowadays/ Hot Honey Rag in the Spring 2018 show, The Ladies of Broadway. Photo: Monica May Kristin explains, “I love the excitement and, oddly enough, the nerves that come along with Swinging. It challenges your body and mind like a little game of Tetris. Just because you’re a great performer doesn’t mean you’ll be a good Swing. You have to have a certain mindset and be cool with being an unsung hero. I like to think of us as the MVPs of Broadway! It feels like an elite club!”
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