A New Musical
Book and Lyrics by Tanya Shaffer
Music and Lyrics by Vienna Teng
Directed by Matt August
What if the Buddha were a woman? What if she were alive today? Loosely inspired by the life of the historical Buddha, this captivating new musical imagines a modern day “awakened one” – a world-famous spiritual teacher known to her followers as Mama Sid. Mama Sid has a past, however, which she’s kept hidden for many years, until a mysterious young woman shows up at her ashram and starts asking questions. Epic and intimate, comic and profound, The Fourth Messenger investigates what it means to be both enlightened and human. Addictive melodies and subtle, intricate harmonies bring the story vividly to life, adding depth and resonance that linger long after the lights come up.
What the critics are saying…
“A satisfying and remarkably entertaining new musical that takes on spiritual life with wit and emotional resonance… Funny and touching in all the right places….Like Sid’s teachings, [The Fourth Messenger] seems sure to catch fire if the outside world gets a chance to hear it.”
- Sam Hurwitt, KQED
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expect from musicals… A triumph”
- Chad Jones’ Theater Dogs
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“Intelligent and skillfully crafted…The Fourth Messenger is a hugely ambitious and refreshingly original piece of musical theatre that… demands the attention of any serious theatregoer… Beautifully staged with grace, wit, and plenty of dramatic flair by Matt August…Highly recommended”
- George Heymont, My Cultural Landscape
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“Profound and profane, combative and compassionate, The Fourth Messenger has everything and more for a musical worth seeing… Teng’s complex harmonies and inspired melodies …stick with you long after the curtain goes down…
- Setzu Uzume, Art Animal
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“Exciting and ambitious…an absolute delight”
- SF Chronicle
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“Shaffer’s masterful and compelling story, both timeless and contemporary, puts a fascinating spin on the idea of a Buddha-like sage… The Fourth Messenger strikes a balance of passion, intensity, humor, profundity and quiet, almost serene, resolution.”
- Stacy Trevenon, Stage and Cinema
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