Easter Mysteries

Viewing this musical production has ingrained the stories and images and meaning in my heart in new ways! I highly recommend it! I think it's always important to consider the core events and theology of our faith from the perspective of various contexts, but maybe perhaps this week and at this time especially. In particular, I was fascinated by the portrayal of dynamics between the male and female disciples of Jesus - very interesting.

Beautiful lyrics together with a delightful and deeply moving score, will keep one coming back over and over to hear and see this marvelous ensemble again and again. Each listening will offer a fresh and profound perspective on the historical events of the first Easter. "Easter Mysteries" - the creation of Tony Award winning John O'Boyle - will live on uniquely in our homes and hearts for years to come in the tradition of Godspell and Jesus Christ Superstar. Bravo!

Easter Mysteries is an intensely creative and appealing dramatization of the first Good Friday to Resurrection Sunday weekend. Without giving away any details that need to be seen to be fully appreciated, perhaps O'Boyle's most crowning achievement is the dramatic journey he takes us into the spirits of both Mary Magdalene and Simon Peter.

Mary Magdalene is not sensationalized, and there is no shameful sexualization of her Biblical, fervent passion for Jesus. She is feminine. Her expressions of genuine doubts and discouragements are womanly, as also are her honest hopes, commitment, and faith. The Mary Magdalene of Easter Mysteries is so personally authentic and appealing that you will wish you could personally meet her and hear much more of what she has to say!

Also true to the Scripture, Simon Peter is personally engaging, intriguing, and authentic, without any pretenses of perfection or saintliness. He is unmistakably masculine, bold, opinionated, brash, and full of self – and yet thoroughly conflicted and confused both by his own errors and by Jesus' leadership that empowers everyone.

Simon Peter and Mary Magdalene are diametric opposites in Easter Mysteries. The numerous reports of the resurrection of Jesus – starting with Magdalene's own – make Peter unsure of how he should be a leader now in the new world filled with amazing Gospel grace. The grace- filled world requires an empowering leadership style with plenty of room for others to be leaders, too. And Peter also has to deal with his feelings of guilt over his horrific denials. Jesus alone is able to redeem Simon Peter, unlocking him from his dual prisons of self-judgment and self-centered leadership style.

These two perspectives are precious and empowering to anyone.

Moreover, Easter Mysteries is especially valuable in our present post-modern environment of interfaith dialog and understanding. Its very engaging human issues invite broad understanding of Jesus by people of other faiths or of no faith – while the central Biblical themes of Gospel and grace remain clear, authentic, and pure for all to see.

The story-line unfolds beautifully, adding human dimensions to the classic plot.

The music is dramatic and memorable, bringing viewers on an emotional journey from tenderness to joy to disillusionment to hope.

The script renders the central story of Christian faith a work of art for people of any and all faiths to appreciate as meaningful, whether or not they are committed to it as a matter of faith.

This deeply meaningful musical by a Tony award-winning writer deserves wide attention.

What a wonderful version of the Death and Resurrection of Christ so needed for today's young and middle age adults who are searching to find a find a place in their lives for spirituality but are distracted in a secular culture. A modern, believable depiction of the disciples who portray all the ordinary, human qualities that many of us have experienced in our own lives: doubt, envy, disloyalty even despair. Beautifully cast, one is intrigued by Christ, a strong but gentle soul who captivates the viewers with the melodious song, "Feed My Sheep" as well as parts played by Mary Magdalene, Peter, Thomas and chorus. We walk away from this adaptation truly inspired by its positive message. Would love to see this on Broadway. A must see!