Reviews “To a theater person, being attracted to the eternal stories told over the centuries by the religious storytellers, can be tricky. That the stories are extraordinary, even important, is well known, and retelling them shows why we are continually attracted to them. John O'Boyle, a man with an eclectic career and an honorable soul, cares about religion and about good theater stories. He has merged many of his skills and passions in EASTER MYSTERIES, and the resulting oratorio is both theatrical and heartfelt. I commend him for taking on the challenge, and I think he has succeeded in creating a modern work that will speak to a wide group, those who care about the big questions we all struggle with.” Ted Chapin, President Rodgers & Hammerstein Organization We were blessed to be serving as Rector at St. Martin’s-in-the-Field Episcopal Church in Severna Park, Maryland when John O’Boyle wrote The Easter Mysteries. He wrote the first half as “The New Passion Play” and produced it as the Palm Sunday Service in 2000. More than 30 members of the congregation rehearsed daily for two months in preparation for this event. A special bond grew between them as they created a fresh expression of the Good News, greatly deepening their own faith and their ability to communicate it to others. The congregation on that Palm Sunday was alive with a sense of God’s presence in the Passion narrative. The second half of the work, “Quem Queritus”, had an equal impact. John O’Boyle’s work has a depth of theology which gives people a new way to understand the life, death and resurrection of Jesus. As a result, it deepened our liturgy as we continued to use the music, weaving it into our life of worship throughout the church year. This poignant, beautiful expression of the gospel deepened the faith of the congregation and the wider church as visitors came to the parish and the choir travelled abroad. The Easter Mysteries, the combined work, gives us the whole story of Jesus’ last days through his ascension. The words and the music raise questions and open hearts. We heartily recommend this gift to the community of faith as we seek to discover God’s call to us in the 21st century. The Reverends Tricia and John de Beer St. Martin’s in the Field “While was unable to attend a live performance of Easter Mysteries, I was extremely fortunate to hear the final cast recording. The music and lyrics by John O’Boyle are simply beautiful and stirring. Under the musical direction of Milton Granger (Broadway Conductor, Arranger, Musician; Composer) the cast sounds wonderful. The piece has a contemporary sensibility combined with passionate storytelling and accessible melodies. One day I hope to conduct this moving piece.” Kristen Blodgette Broadway Musical Supervisor, Conductor (The Phantom of the Opera, Marry Poppins, Evita) John’s representation of this timeless Bible story challenges its audience to follow the familiar narrative from a new perspective. Easter Mysteries offers people the chance to see, feel and hear the characters’ experience of Jesus’ death and resurrection. Initially I was slightly overwhelmed to play the character of Mary Magdalene. I felt a responsibility to interpret her story truthfully, intelligently and respectfully. And though it was a challenge to learn his soaring melodies, I took great pride not only in getting the notes just right, but also feeling her commitment to Jesus, her pure love, joy and suffering. It was an absolute thrill to sing John’s epic music.” Elizabeth DeRosa (Mary Magdalene) Actress (Marry Poppins, Broadway; My Fair Lady, National Tour) “The Easter Mysteries CD is sublime. As a devotee of religious choral music and as an individual who has enjoyed the privilege of singing in performances of spiritual works, I was stirred by the lyrics and music. I have been deeply committed for many years to creating a dialog between the cultures of Christianity and Judaism. Music such as this provides a moving spiritual link. Easter Mysteries is uplifting, joyful and consoling.” Rabbi Harold S. White, Senior Advisor The Program for Jewish Civilization Georgetown University “John O’Boyle’s beautiful music and powerful libretto for Easter Mysteries tells the story of Christ’s death and resurrection in a way that captures its turmoil and joy. With spoken scenes intermixed with songs, the musical allows the audience to witness firsthand the events that transpired during and after Holy Week. It was a pleasure to sing John’s music and enter the narrative of Easter in a way that marvelously celebrates the story of Jesus’ resurrection.” Danny Rothman (Peter) Actor, Singer (CD-Next Stop)