I was in NYC on a business trip and was naive about the play. I was drawn to it by some sort of the vague sense and idea that the play would be intriguing and complex. It turns out that this was a powerful performance of an intriguing concept and an original viewpoint of Christianity and modern culture. This is an important play in that it forces a new look at old ideas and challenges our way of accepting ideas and dogma that need to be questioned and challenged. The performance was incredibly well done, (acting, stage set, lighting, music), and it was exceedingly good to see a highly trained actress at the peak of her craft and carry it out in a beautiful technical performance that made a striking and powerful impression. I can see why this show isn't the standard Times Square money maker. I observed that the other audience members appeared to be local residents and hard-core theater devotees. It was a real privilege to be there; looking for future performances by Ms. Shaw and Co.

Been looking forward to _Testament of Mary_ since it opened, but now must take a refund on my ticket, as it's closing before I can get to NYC. I'm saddened by the culturally pervasive dearth of imagination and creative empathy that marks so much stifling commentary about this play. It seems many people would rather be critical than think critically when they are invited to see something in a new light. As someone who appreciates the sacred Mary, I was looking forward to this bold exploration of her humanity. I applaud the imaginative forces involved in putting on this production. From all I've read and the interviews I've seen, it seems this play offers a compelling "Ecco Femina." Sorry I won't get to behold this Mary--in all her human, suffering complexity. Hope I will have the chance to see the admirably brave and talented Ms. Shaw in another play. Just have to keep watching those amazing clips of her in _The Waste Land_ until then. Art, too, is my religion, and blasphemers abound!