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Broadway Under the Stars: Why Transcendence Theatre Is the Best Night Out in Sonoma
There are evenings in Sonoma that you simply don't forget. Dinner on the plaza, a sunset walk through the vineyards, a bottle of something extraordinary shared with people you love. And then there's Transcendence Theatre Company — an open-air Broadway experience so singular, so purely joyful, that guests at Villa Bella Clementina talk about it for years.
The best part? It's five minutes down the hill from Villa Bella Clementina.
"The most unforgettable night of my summer." — Huffington Post
What Is Transcendence Theatre?
Transcendence Theatre Company is Wine Country's premier outdoor performing arts experience — and one of the most unique entertainment concepts in California. Named the #2 Outdoor Theater in the United States by Newsweek, it brings accomplished Broadway, film, and television performers to Sonoma for a summer series unlike anything else in the region.
The setting alone is worth the trip. Performances take place at the Field of Dreams in downtown Sonoma — a sprawling outdoor venue steps from Sonoma Plaza, surrounded by the soft hills and open skies of the Valley. As the sun goes down and the stars come out, the stage lights up and the music begins. It is, in a word, magical.
This is now Transcendence's 15th summer season — a testament to how deeply rooted this experience has become in the Sonoma community and how reliably extraordinary each production is. Not able to make it this season? Not to worry, Transcendence Theater returns year after year. Visit transcenencetheater.org for up-to-date season information.
The 2026 Season: What's Playing This Summer
The 2026 Broadway Under the Stars lineup features two major productions and a special musical event — each paired with a pre-show picnic experience that begins at 5:00 PM.
Ain't Too Proud
The Tony Award-winning musical that traces the extraordinary journey of The Temptations — from the streets of Detroit to the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame. Featuring iconic hits, electrifying choreography, and the irresistible energy of Motown at its peak. Running June 13–28, 2026 — happening right now.
Mamma Mia!
The global smash hit makes its Sonoma debut this summer. Set on a sun-drenched Greek island and fueled by ABBA's greatest hits — "Dancing Queen," "The Winner Takes It All," and more — this joyful, explosive production promises to be one of the biggest shows in Transcendence history. Running August 14–30, 2026.
Radio Recall
A special musical celebration featuring the greatest hits from the golden age of radio and American popular song. A perfect evening for those who love classic American standards and timeless melodies. Showtimes begin at 7:30 PM (30 minutes later than the main productions).
The Pre-Show Picnic: Part of the Magic
Transcendence isn't just a show — it's an entire evening. Gates open at 5:00 PM, giving you two full hours before curtain to settle in, uncork something beautiful, and soak up the atmosphere.
Every night features:
- Local wine poured by Sonoma Valley winemakers — not generic event wine, actual producers from the Valley
- Food vendors on site plus pre-order gourmet dinner boxes from local restaurant partners, picked up at the venue
- Tastings from local Sonoma purveyors — artisan bites that reflect the best of the region
- Specialty cocktails on Friday and Saturday nights
- Pre-show live entertainment to set the mood before the main performance
Groups of 10 or more save up to 25% on tickets — making it an ideal outing for guests booking Villa Bella Clementina for a reunion, milestone birthday, or bachelorette weekend.
Pro tip: Pre-order your dinner box when you purchase tickets — the local restaurant options sell out, and arriving to a waiting gourmet meal is infinitely better than hunting for food at the venue.
Five Minutes from Your Front Door
Villa Bella Clementina sits on a hilltop on High Road in Sonoma — and Transcendence Theatre's Field of Dreams venue is a straight, easy five-minute drive down the hill into town. No highway, no long commute, no scramble to find parking (though note that parking reservations are required — book yours when you purchase tickets).
The evening practically writes itself: a long afternoon by the heated pool, a glass of wine on the terrace as the valley glows in the evening light, then a quick drive down to the Field of Dreams for a night of Broadway under the Sonoma stars. Back to the villa by 10:30, hot tub waiting.
It's the kind of night that makes guests say they need to come back next summer. And the summer after that.
Plan Your Transcendence Evening
Ain't Too Proud is running now through June 28, 2026 — if you're visiting this month, don't miss it. Mamma Mia! runs August 14–30, making it a perfect pairing with a late-summer harvest season stay.
- Tickets & schedule: transcendencetheatre.org
- Box office: 877-424-1414
- Pre-show picnic begins: 5:00 PM nightly
- Showtime: 7:00 PM (Ain't Too Proud & Mamma Mia!) / 7:30 PM (Radio Recall)
- Parking: Reservation required — book with your tickets
Make It a Full Weekend at Villa Bella Clementina
A Transcendence evening pairs beautifully with everything else Sonoma has to offer. Spend the day wine tasting along the Sonoma Valley trail, morning at the farmers market on the plaza, or a round of golf at one of the county's excellent public courses — then cap the night with Broadway under the stars.
Villa Bella Clementina's 4-bedroom, 3.5-bath luxury villa sleeps up to 8 guests, with a heated pool, hot tub, chef's kitchen, and sweeping Sonoma Valley views — five minutes from the show. It's the ideal home base for a Transcendence weekend, whether you're coming as a couple, a group of friends, or a multi-generational family looking for a shared experience everyone will love.
Check availability and Book Direct at villabellaclementina.com — and book your Transcendence tickets before they sell out.