Welcome Back Cory Lingner — Performer in Broadway’s Best Night Ever®
We’re thrilled to have Cory Lingner back on the Transcendence stage for Broadway’s Best Night Ever®! A true triple threat with dazzling charisma and classic Broadway charm, Cory has been lighting up our summer seasons, with standout performances in Hooray For Hollywood (2022) and The Beat Goes On (2023). His Broadway credits are equally star-studded — from Carousel and Charlie and the Chocolate Factory to An American in Paris and On The Town.
With experience spanning Off-Broadway, international tours, and acclaimed productions like Once Upon a Mattress and NYC Encores, Cory brings style, soul, and infectious energy to every role. This summer, he’s back under the stars, bringing iconic Broadway numbers to life in a way only he can.
You’ve had some incredible Broadway experiences — how does performing in Broadway’s Best Night Ever® compare to those moments on the Great White Way?
Thank you so much! It still boggles my mind that my dream of performing on Broadway has already happened—not just once, but four times. I count my lucky stars and feel incredibly humbled to have been part of those productions.
What’s funny is that when I compare performing on Broadway to doing a show like Broadway’s Best Night Ever® here in Sonoma, the energy between the audience and us on stage feels surprisingly similar. What we give as performers and what we receive from the audience—it’s universal in the world of live theatre, no matter where you are.
Performing in historic Broadway houses with all that legacy and the energy of the city is, of course, thrilling. But there’s something truly magical about performing here in beautiful Sonoma County—under the stars, and surrounded by wonderful humans both on and off the stage.
This show features music from over 25 beloved musicals — is there one song or number that feels especially close to your heart?
We have a really fun lineup of songs in Broadway’s Best Night Ever®! But if I had to choose one, I’d say “I Got
Rhythm” for several reasons. I get to tap alongside the amazing Sierra Barnett and Zoey Lytle, which is a blast.
I also just wrapped up a production of Crazy for You in Ontario, Canada, where I played Bobby Child—a dream role I’ve wanted to do for a long time. Getting to check that one off the list was such a joy. On top of that, I performed “I Got Rhythm” in An American in Paris on Broadway, and again on an international tour several years later.
Even earlier than that, I have vivid memories of watching classic MGM movie musicals as a kid. One moment that stuck with me was seeing Gene Kelly sing and dance “I Got Rhythm” to a group of children in the film version of An American in Paris.
That song has really been woven into different parts of my life over the years—and honestly, “who could ask for anything more”?
You’re returning to Transcendence for a third consecutive season — what keeps drawing you back to this unique company and community?
First, I just want to say a big thank you to Transcendence for continuing to invite me back. It truly is a unique and wonderful experience—not just as an artist, but as a person. I’ve grown so much with each opportunity I’ve had here. It feels like a creative sandbox where I’ve been encouraged to try new things, not only as a performer but also as a creator.
They always manage to bring together the most incredible humans to collaborate with, and I think that’s very much by design—rooted in how Brad and Amy founded Transcendence. So much of the magic comes from word-of-mouth: artists recommending artists they trust and admire. That’s actually how I first got connected. Someone—my “DOT”—thought of me and suggested me to the team when they suddenly needed someone for Hooray for Hollywood.
And now, being back for a third time, I’m grateful to be in a position where I can start paying that forward. I’ve had the chance to recommend wonderful people too—like my dear friend Hugh Entrekin, who’s making his Transcendence debut this summer. It’s a full-circle moment, and it’s one of the many things that makes this community so special.
Your work spans everything from classic musicals to contemporary hits — how do you prepare to tackle such a wide range of styles in a single show?
Thankfully, having already had experience in both classic musicals and more contemporary shows, I’m able to pull
from those past roles to help shape what I’ll be performing here in the Field of Dreams in just a few short weeks.
I also try to stay open and curious—kind of like a sponge—taking in everything from the creative team’s vision to the amazing work of my fellow performers. Watching others for inspiration, being adaptable, and even going down the occasional YouTube rabbit hole for research definitely helps too!
What I love most is that our show really covers the full spectrum of musical theatre styles—and every single person in this company is top-notch. Come see us, and you’ll understand exactly what I mean!
What do you hope audiences take away from Broadway’s Best Night Ever® — especially those experiencing Transcendence for the first time?
I hope audiences leave feeling even better than they did when they arrived. What’s really special about Broadway’s Best Night Ever® is that it feels like a love letter to musical theatre. Every performer gets a chance to showcase their talent and passion—and you can really feel why we love what we do.
We cover a lot of musical ground in this show, so there’s something for everyone. And for those experiencing Transcendence for the very first time, I hope it’s the kind of night that makes them want to come back again and again to experience the magic of this truly one-of-a-kind theatre company.
Bonus Questions
Now that you’re back in wine country, do you have a go-to Sonoma ritual — a favorite vineyard, hike, or local hangout?
Oh yes—definitely! There are a few local staples I always try to check off when I’m back in Wine Country. Some of my favorite wineries to visit are Little Vineyards (where we’re lucky enough to have our company “family dinner”), Deerfield Ranch, Benziger, and Chateau St. Jean.
I also love being outdoors—especially here in Sonoma—so hiking in Sugarloaf Ridge State Park or Jack London State Historic Park is always on my list. Transcendence used to perform at Jack London, and I’m so grateful I got to experience that during my first show here in 2022, Hooray for Hollywood.
And speaking of Jack London, I always make a point to visit the Saloon in Glen Ellen. Other local favorites of mine include Sonoma’s Best, Sunflower Caffé, and the Farmers Market in the town square every Tuesday.
How would you describe the energy of a Transcendence audience? Is there a moment onstage when you really feel that connection?
The energy of a Transcendence audience is always really genuine and supportive. There’s this quiet build throughout the show, and by the time we get to the bows, you can really feel that connection. It’s one of those moments where it all kind of clicks—we’re sharing something together. I’m really looking forward to being back on stage with them.