“5 Questions” for Artistic Director Tony Gonzalez

As Artistic Director of Transcendence Theatre Company, Tony Gonzalez brings heart, vision, and an unmistakable spark to every production. Under his leadership, TTC continues to grow as a cultural beacon in Sonoma—bringing Broadway-caliber talent to wine country, creating unforgettable live performances, and deepening its connection to the local community. This season kicks off with Broadway’s Best Night Ever, a dynamic celebration directed and co-conceived by Tony himself. We caught up with him to talk about the power of theatre, the magic of Sonoma, and how Transcendence continues to inspire onstage and beyond.

How would you describe Transcendence’s role in shaping Sonoma’s creative landscape?

Sonoma is filled with incredible art and culture; it is truly an honor to be a part of it all over the past fourteen years. We are grateful that the community has embraced us along with the richly diverse offerings in the whole county. It is exciting to bring our uniquely bold event “Broadway Under the Stars” to Sonoma as it connects the artistry of local vendors, chefs, wine makers, and community members alike, with fresh and brilliant performing arts from Broadway and beyond! In my experience, it is a powerful combination of art and humanity. The team at Transcendence has been given so many beautiful opportunities thanks to the big hearts of the community and we serve to provide awesome performances, unforgettable connections and show-stopping performances in gratitude.

Transcendence Theater Company – Gala Dress Rehearsal 9-5-2019

How does the artistic partnership between Broadway professionals and local collaborators benefit the shows?

This is major – each year as we learn and grow, the team has worked diligently to practice what we preach to serve the community. A large part of that service is utilizing the talents and strengths of artists from around the country and pairing them with talents from the Sonoma area to become stronger. Our education team has done wonderful work to discover local artists who are just beginning their creative journey to become a part of our team, and we continue to become more aware of the impressive skills of area creators that enhance our productions and events. These partnerships deepen the connection with Sonoma and enlighten our out-of-town artists lives.

What does it mean to create theatre that’s uniquely “Transcendence”?

I performed at Transcendence for the first time in 2014, it was very new to me as a performing artist and became a very thought-provoking experience. I wandered the picnic field during the pre-show event and chatted with some audience members, shared space with community volunteers, poured some wine, had a bite from the food vendors, mingled with the cast and felt a very full heart….AND THEN it was time to actually go onstage! I am not one to get nervous for a performance, but in this moment, I felt a ‘butterfly’ sensation. Right before going onstage, I realized the audience was not just hundreds of strangers wanting to be entertained, but really it was hundreds of new friends and family members who were there to support, encourage and enjoy! Transcendence’s version of ‘immersive’ theatre is not a performer walking out in the audience and sitting on your lap (although that very well may happen), Transcendence’s version of immersive theatre is that as an audience member you are witnessing performances from humans and artists who you know and care about. You are watching a hit Broadway, pop or rock tune being sung like you’ve never heard it, lyrics to ‘Don’t Stop Believing’ encourage you to in fact not stop believing in yourself, your community, in humanity itself.

How does the setting influence the storytelling of your productions?

In Sonoma, it only makes sense that we would create our event in an outdoor field of magic. I’m not even sure why there are roofs in Sonoma because the sky is too gorgeous to cover yourself from it! Sonoma has long been a place that has inspired innovative and groundbreaking movies, music, books, paintings, choreography, and more. This is not coincidence folks – this is because of the call of the wild. The stars, breeze, animals, scents, colors all enhance the experience. The sweet family of deer that were regular audience members last season (although they never paid for their tickets), we hope to see them again this summer because we know they enjoy the music of the night!

What are your hopes for how TTC expands its impact within the Sonoma community?

One step at a time, but always forward. Another major amount of gratitude for Transcendence’s journey to continued success is the encouragement and sound advice from our community family. In the theatre world, on opening night you celebrate the hard work, but you also wait at the edge of your seat for the reviews (the feedback…whether your creation is highly favored, not well received, or somewhere in the middle). This feedback comes from esteemed theatre critics, from young audience members, from friends and colleagues, from family, and often from strangers whom you’ve never met. What I have found most important at this point in my career is to hear it all, listen to every word and sentiment because it is only with this feedback that stronger and more inspiring art can be made. My hopes are to do right by the incredible people of Sonoma, to further fold into the community’s rich tapestry and help its continued artistic growth.

Bonus Question: What can audiences expect from Broadway’s Best Night Ever?

With iconic music and dance from 28 smash hit musicals, performed by 16 esteemed performers and 7 marvelous live musicians, we have together created the most epic Broadway musical revue EVER! It is the perfect kick off to the summer because everyone is longing to spend an evening outside under the stars while they enjoy beautiful music and exceptional dance. My hopes are that we introduce this genre of entertainment to more and more brand-new audience members of all generations.