selected songs
Listen to a sample of demos from both acts of Breaking Open
It’s the middle of Act 1. Mary, raped and impregnated by a Roman soldier, has attempted to end the pregnancy with herbs given to her by her cousin Elizabeth. Instead, the herbs bring on a hallucinogenic experience of an angelic visitation. After hearing the angel’s words of comfort and with the newfound knowledge that the child she is carrying will change the world, Mary runs to Elizabeth at the village well and sings a song of joy and empowerment.
MAGNIFIED
It’s the middle of Act 1. Mary has been raped and impregnated by a Roman solider on her way to meet her betrothed, Joseph. Knowing the punishment for “adultery” is stoning, Mary confides in her cousin, Elizabeth, who gives her herbs to try to end the pregnancy. After taking these powerful herbs, Mary has a hallucinogenic experience of an angelic visitation. The angel, calling to Mary, tells her that she is carrying no ordinary child - that she has been chosen to carry a being whose life will change the world. Mary’s fear and astonishment give way to relief as she experiences this vision.
DAGGER OF LIGHT
It’s the end of Act 1. Joseph has experienced his own angelic visitation in a dream, and has changed his mind about Mary. He tells her he will not divorce her but will raise the child as his own, and they will flee to a safer town where she can give birth. They travel to Bethlehem, where Joseph has a friend who might take them in. Arriving in a strange town under cover of darkness, Mary sings a lullaby to her unborn child, pledging her maternal devotion to him no matter what happens.
MARY’s VOW
It is the beginning of Act 2. Jesus and Mary Magdalene, two spiritual teachers and healers, have recently been introduced. While walking, they come upon a funeral procession for a young boy, whose mother recognizes Jesus and begs him to say a prayer of comfort. Holding hands, Jesus and Mary Magdalene both lay their hands on the boy’s body. The energy surges, and the boy opens his eyes and sits upright, very much alive. His mother screams; general pandemonium ensues. In the chaos, the two healers move away from the crowd and take a moment to themselves, trying to understand what has just happened. As they sing, the whole group is swept up in the incredible power of what has transpired between them.
THE THIRD THING
For the show’s coda, we move to contemporary times - an open mike night at a dive bar. A woman who we recognize as Mary Magdalene stands with her guitar, playing a song. Midway through, a man who we recognize as Jesus walks in and takes a seat. Across the room, they lock eyes with one another and hold the gaze through the end of the song. As the curtain falls, we see them move towards one another for an introduction - or a re-introduction.