by Cari Lynn Pace

Every star has a story to tell as she worked her way to the Broadway stage.

Transcendence Theatre Company, the Sonoma home for stage and screen luminaries, realized these stories are fascinating for their fun and failures. They built a show around seven women who spanned seven decades of singing and dancing, and Ladies of Broadway was born.

It’s this year’s third in Transcendence’s summer outdoor series “Under the Stars” at Sonoma’s Field of Dreams. Creative Vision and co-founder Amy Miller opens the saga of these gals when she urges everyone to enjoy the “Best Night Ever!” 

These leading ladies admit their stories are true. Not surprisingly, most began “singing for their supper” before they could read. Some recount their screw-ups at auditions or crashing a nuns’ stage show. In turn, each performer reveals drive and determination that led, with a little bit of luck, to success.

Ladies of Broadway weaves a lot of personal talking to the audience among their musical numbers. Maybe too much. This format is a departure from the typical Transcendence productions, where applause builds with each number. Listening to the stories is certainly interesting, yet the show’s overall energy drops a bit in between the musical numbers.

These women clearly love the limelight, still belting it out solo or in sync from the opening “On Broadway” to the finale “Everything’s Coming Up Roses.”  The two dozen blockbuster songs in between prove the gals still get their groove, despite the age range that spans seven decades of memories.

The matriarch is Diane J. Findlay, 83 years young. She works the stage like the star she is, and the audience loves it. Terry Burrell at 75 is rarin’ to go, stealing every scene she sings with a smile.

Five more age-defying voices complete the Ladies of Broadway, from Catherine Marilley, Vasthy Mompoint, Libby Servais and Kristin Piro to Galyana Castillo, the youngest in the cast. Their stunning vocals range from sassy to smokey, smooth to electrifying, and hilarious to heartfelt. Costumes by Melinda Hare are as dazzling as their dance moves.

Each performer is a true Transcendence treat, adding up to a lot of star power for one summer night!

A live onstage band is energetically conducted by Susan Draus, who conceived the show along with Eric Jackson, the show’s Director. The music both highlights and in a few cases overwhelms the voices of the performers. Good thing the band is in fine tune! 

These seven successful stars have a story to tell. Come hear how they made it in Ladies of Broadway.

Playing now through September 14, 2025 on Thursday, Friday, Saturday and Sunday evenings at the Field of Dreams (Fazio Field), 151 First Street West, Sonoma. Picnic area opens at 5:00 pm, show is at 7:30 pm.

Information and tickets at bestnightever.org

Photos by Ray Maybry

Cari Lynn Pace is a long-time Bay Area theatre critic whose reviews were regularly featured in the Marinscope Community Newspapers.