Sensational show last night as Broadway Under The Stars performed A Chorus Line in the ruins of Jack London State Park. It was a great show and marked the first time that a Broadway Show was performed instead of a mixed number of show songs and dance. If you are thinking of attending, the venue at Jack London State Park is one of a kind. If you want to picnic before the show there are several excellent Food Trucks, Wine Tables and picnic tables to sit and enjoy. Don't forget to bring a warm jacket as it can get cols once the sun sets. There is really nothing I would change, it is a first class show in a beautiful historic setting. read more

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On the day we were to go to this outside event, California was having 102-105 degree heat warnings. California government said to stay inside and avoid the sun. With that said, we called five or six times to the box office to see if the play was canceled since California weather station was saying not to go out. We could not reach anyone but left messages each time we called. The next morning a very nice woman called and said they did get the messages but were too busy the night before to respond. We told her about the weather alerts/warnings and she said they did not cancel the production. I guess lots of people didn't go and also left messages. I asked if they could let us use our tickets ($76 x 2) at some other date and she said no, "the show must go on." I asked her if they expected the entertainers to put on the show in such heat and she said yes. I asked her if the expected patrons, many elderly, to walk two blocks from parking, wait in line for their will call tickets, and then sit in the sun for two hours in 105 degree heat. She said "the show must go on." They would not let us use our tickets at a late date. It seems to me if the State of California is issuing heat warnings and advisories, telling people to stay in, that this venue would have at least let patrons reschedule for a later show. I did not expect to lose $160 to inconsiderate and dangerous policies of this group. My friends go every year, love it, which is why they bought the tickets again this year. We do understand the conflict of refunding tickets but we did not ask for that. We asked for tickets for seats that were wherever open at a later date. They denied this simple request. What a shame. read more

I won't be going back. I'll start by saying that the young performers are talented. They bring a youthful joy to the performances. That said... I've been to three shows in two years. Why I won't go again: Some think the venue is lovely. Perhaps for a day hike it would be. But for a concert I don't find it so. The parking lot is crowded (which is expected). The trails to the venue (yes, you have to do a bit of hiking) are dirty and dusty. Beware if anyone in the group is handicapped. There is a golf cart service for disabled folk. And hot. Did I mention hot? The shows are in the summer, and the weather can still be sweat-inducing when the show starts. Granted, it cools off by the time the show is over. And as the sun sinks in the western sky, for many minutes it's blinding, shining directly into your eyes. Give me an air-conditioned indoor venue any day. Take a flashlight for hiking back to your car after the show. They did have strings of lights along the path directly out of the venue, but none for the hike up the hill and down again to the parking lot. There's a real hierarchy for seating. General admission folks have to wait in a line while VIP seating goes in first. (There are four levels of seating.) There is no slope to the venue, so all seats are on the same level. Lines of sight to the stage, then are not the greatest. Tall people in front of you can block views, too. ALL of the seats are uncomfortable. Folding chairs attached together in groups of three (or four?), so you can't even move your individual seat forward or back. And the seats and rows are jammed together. VIP seats have cushions. We brought our own seat cushions (after our first attendance) but they didn't help much. Some limited pricey food is available. You can bring a picnic if you wish. But the few picnic tables there cost $50 to reserve. Really? We took a picnic dinner and our own folding chairs the first time we went, but it was too much hassle schlepping the coolers and bags and chairs up the hill and back down to the car. For subsequent performances, we ate first then just went to the show. Tickets are overpriced, in my opinion. A single general admission ticket is $47 (the ticket is $40, but there are additional costs tacked on). Premium and VIP tickets are $69, $77, and $129. Premium simply lets you choose a reserved seat (closer to the stage). VIP gives you closer parking, wine, a wine glass, and access to the "VIP lounge" plus reserved seats. I know that part of the money goes to Jack London Park, so I feel I helped support JLP in that way. And if you haven't guessed, we were general admission people. Couldn't afford the VIP tickets. Bathrooms are porta potties, and there can is a line for them at intermission. Anyway... The shows. As I said, the performers are talented, and the musicians are fine (live band). But the shows are so similar. Some singing, some dancing, some comic numbers. But, frankly, if you see one show, you seen 'em all. (There is a "family" show ever season, but we avoided that.) Songs, of course, are from Broadway shows. But the shows we saw felt disjointed. No overarching theme to bring them together. Just a bunch of songs. So, I think that's it. If you're reading this to determine if you want to go or not, I say go once at least. Support Jack London Park. Enjoy the music. Keep in mind the other things I've mentioned. And who knows, maybe you'll like it enough to go back. Not I. read more

A most excellent evening or as they claim it to be 'the best night ever'. Arrive early. Bring a picnic or purchase food truck cuisine. Enjoy local wines. Soak in the tunes as a musical act entertains the picnic area before the show. We have seen two shows this season and both were excellent. The actors, actresses, and musicians are incredible. A truly gifted cast of skilled entertainers. The shows are fun, professional, and personal feeling. The venue at Jack London State Park is unique and wonderful with a fantastic backdrop of vineyards and Sonoma Mountain with star filled sky above. My only issue and recommendation for this show to be better is that the seating area is uneven and seems to actually slope away from the stage making some premium seating not have as good a view of the stage as some of the general admission less expensive seating. It would be great if the area was graded to slope slightly downward toward the stage for better viewing throughout the audience. I highly recommend this experience!!! read more

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I have attended productions many times from 2016-2018. They have been wonderful, and I also enjoyed eating a picnic dinner beforehand. Beginning in 2019, patrons should know that during the concert and their picnic meal they might be subjected to the noxious smells of marijuana growing nearby. Sonoma County is preparing to waive the requirement that any marijuana cultivation be at least 1,000 feet from a park boundary and allow one much closer to Jack London State Park. Marijuana is especially fragrant during August and September. Depending on how the evening breezes blow, you might have an unexpected and for many an unwelcome olfactory experience. read more

What an excellent production! Everyone did a phenomenal job. The venue was outside and it was incredibly warm and the audience was vet engaged. I do know that I would not start the picnic portion at 5:00 pm. With that said, I bought VIP tickets, so had access to the Bubble lounge, where there was appetizers in addition to wine, beer and water. There were different food trucks available. I didn't eat from any of them, but the food portions looked good and the people eating from them seemed to enjoy the food. I am looking forward to attending a future production and would definitely recommend attending. read more

An amazing time! A gorgeous location with food trucks and wineries pouring their wines. There's beer too. Tips: arrive at 5pm for best parking and bring a blanket to sit on for the pre-show picnic. Then use same blanket for warmth later when it gets chilly in the 2nd Act. read more

I've attended Broadway shows in San Francisco, New York, along with many other places. I've attended shows in general all over the world... NOTHING beats being in nature. I'm not sure why there are negative comments about this being outdoors... It's called Broadway under the STARS! That's like going to in and out burger and complaining that they have hamburgers. Ok, enough on that. The cast is amazing. They are funny, creative and all have great voices! They are true professionals with resumes to prove it! They have an amazing camp for kids. My child has attended for two years now. They are amazing with the kids. This year, kids from other states came just to attend the camp. It's worth every penny, the camp and the show. I always get VIP parking and seating, it's worth it to me. The program has also saved the park from closure. Every Sonoman (or whatever the word is, I'm a Napan) should sing this programs praises and at least attend one show per year, if anything, to help keep the park open! Plus, you can bring your own picnic and picnic before the show! LOVE, LOVE, LOVE!!!!! read more

There are so many activities in the Wine Country these days, but if you miss this one you will be sorry! This theater company will delight every theater craving you have. The talent is exceptional, the creativity soars and the setting is extraordinary. OK enough superlatives, but it was our favorite evening experience during the entire trip! You have to see at least one event, we are definitely headed back for more. read more

The first half was pure dynamite, the second act was somewhat fatigued, almost as if produced by another individual. The voices were all spot on, but the hip hop numbers seemed dated and the effort on the Hamilton piece seemed weak. The real problems stem from flat seating, a stage 5 feet to low, seats so small you are crushed shoulder to shoulder and a natural oven effect from the stone wall surrounding the audience, cooking you even more than the 96 degree heat out in the picnic area. Good show, lousy venue. Won't be back. read more

Amazing show! I knew it was going to be good but this show surpassed my expectation. Bring your own picnic basket and come early to just chill and hang out before the show. Warning: watch out for old people gettin tipsy. They can get obnoxious and ruin the experience for you by singing along (loudly) to the music or by talking (loudly) during the show. Trust me, there's alcohol served and A LOT of people getting buzzed by the start of the show. Advice: come a little early to grab a table. They also have food stands and trucks here if you didn't bring any foods. Also, bring a light jacket or a small blanket because it can get a little chilly at night. Lastly, these seats are not stadium seating so the closer the better. If you get someone tall in front of you, you're screwed. All in all, well worth the money. Unforgettable. read more

Saw these guys perform at the LBC but I failed to write a timely review so I will do it now. The show was just fabulous and the voices just so incredible. Can't wait to actually see them in Glen Ellen. read more

Going up from the bay area to N. Calif on a business trip, and spent a night in Rohnert Park to break up the driving. While surfing the Internet I just happened to stumble upon this event, and it was the final night of the whole season. What a gem I found! It was a sold out event, and judging from the crowd I was probably one of the few "outsiders" or "tourists" amount the hundred of people. Most seem to know each other or at least a part of the Sonoma community. But everyone was friendly and hospitable. From parking attendants, check-in staffs, to wine vendors, everyone was helpful and cheerful. In fact, although I had no idea at the time, if I'm not mistaken it was Amy Miller, the CEO of this company as well as a star performer, herself came to greet and welcome us during my check-in. Like most of the people I arrived around 5 pm, spending the next 2+ hours at the picnic ground to enjoy the food, wine, and the beautiful surroundings. The wines they poured had quite a few varieties, and of high quality. Shortly before 7:30p people started to migrate to the theater area, which is a ruined winery without roof. There was somewhat of a line to get in, but the wait wasn't bad. I paid extra for the Premium seating, so I didn't even have to stand in line at all. The performance itself was of professional level. Most if not all the performers, like Amy, were/are working professionals in various performing troupes. Being outdoor, the light and sound won't be at the highest quality as in a Broadway theater. However, the tranquil environment, soft breeze, and above all the STARS, more than make up for it. Now that the season is over, I have to wait almost a whole year before they come back. I do hope to be able to attend again. read more

There are no words to describe this experience. The best live entertainment in Sonoma County and it's not even close. The setting is breathtaking and the performers are incredibly talented. Most importantly, they are a non-profit and support Jack London State Park. We are so blessed to have them as a part of our community! read more

Absolutely magical! The setting in the park is fabulous and the entertainers, staging and music choice is top notch. You can bring a picnic dinner or purchase wine and food outside the venue before the show. We plan to go again at least once each year. read more

What a fabulous evening show in an incredible setting under the stars. The cast is always extremely talented and professional. There is food and drink available or you can bring a picnic. Cannot wait for next year's shows! High recommend. read more

What a great summer night out. We caught the season Finale Gala show. It really is special. Not flawless or mind blowing in some big city way but just a wonderful combination of elements. The troupe is energetic, talented and well rehearsed. With legitimate credentials they carry a big load. The staging is minimal due to the limitations of the outside venue but the trade off is looking at a simply stunning panorama of history and nature with some lovely lighting, a live band and very good sound. You realize that performing at this level is not as easy as it looks. The cast runs the gamut and there are some stars but it all blends well together and while I would have omitted some of the more mushy marginal numbers, the send up of A.L. Webber was a riot. They drew from a variety of shows and there is plenty of choreography to make the numbers light up. The seats are all good even at the general admission level. Plenty of wine and food available with picnic tables just outside the venue. Go early and enjoy the surroundings. There are three sections of seats with the VIPs closest but you don't need to go that route. All three sections are open seating to that ticket category. Only the second season they are becoming a welcomed addition to the wealth of entertainment options in Sonoma County. read more