"With Shelter, Martin makes us realize that some things, such as sweeping vocals and the simple beauty of a single piano arrangement are timeless...dramatic and beautifully understated ballads..." -- Worship Leader Magazine
"The heart of a true woman of faith comes through in Martin's song selections; and her lovely, professionally-trained voice rings with power on this standout CD. Unquestionably recommended." -- Church Libraries Magazine
"The heart of a true woman of faith comes through in Martin's song selections; and her lovely, professionally-trained voice rings with power on this standout CD. Unquestionably recommended." -- Church Libraries Magazine
Marie Barlow Martin
"The difference between a lady and a flower girl is not the way she behaves
but the way she is treated." -- Eliza Doolittle, "My Fair Lady"
Of all the roles she has played in her illustrious career in musical theater, Marie Barlow Martin speaks fondest of her role as Eliza Doolittle in “My Fair Lady.” As she uttered those words as the musical’s lead character, they rang more true in her own life than she was willing to admit at the time. But looking back now, she can easily see the irony.
“While we are ultimately responsible for the ways we conduct ourselves in this world,” Marie says, “we are strongly shaped and influenced by those with whom we surround ourselves and the messages they send that tell us about who we are - whether it is a critical parent, an abusive spouse, a tell-it-like-it-is best friend or a wise teacher. When we surround ourselves with people who tell us we are lowly ‘flower girls,’ we begin to believe it and behave as such. But surround a girl with people who remind her she is the daughter of a loving Father, Creator of the universe, and she will, likewise, take on that role.”
As she readies herself to release her debut national CD as a solo artist, Marie Barlow Martin realizes just how far she’s come on her journey. Produced by Gordy Martin (Marie’s husband) and surrounded by some of the finest arrangers in the business, Shelter: Worship Through The Ages clearly showcases Marie’s powerful, yet tender voice that has enraptured many a theater-goer.
With roles in such award-winning productions as “Annie,” “Lost In Yonkers,” “West Side Story” and “Guys & Dolls,” to name a few, Marie won critical acclaim for not only her vocal skills, but her acting prowess. Indeed, Marie was a good actress – so good in fact, that after her alcoholic husband had beaten her mercilessly during rehearsals for a Gilbert and Sullivan production that Marie was starring in – she went on with the show, without anyone knowing the extent of her injuries. Feeling trapped in a marriage gone awry, Marie continued to cry out to God, yet the physical abuse began to worsen. At one point, she was beaten so severely that her ear drum was perforated – something that could have been disastrous for a vocalist. But miraculously, Marie found the courage to finally leave the dangerous situation, and though scars and injuries remain to this day, her ability to sing has never been hampered.
“After what I had experienced, I wanted nothing to do with marriage or a relationship,” recalls Marie. “I just wanted to be left alone. But God had other things in mind. And He was so obvious about it when He brought Gordy into my life. No matter how hard I denied it, I couldn't refute that this was the man of my dreams...the one God had fashioned for me before time began. Marrying again was a leap of faith for more than one reason, but I believe God knows what He's doing - He has my back - so I was able to overcome my fear and follow His plan.”
So today, with a husband who finally treats her as a “fair lady” and a God who has seen her through difficult times, Marie can easily let her voice soar on songs such as “In The Garden,” “Sweet Hour Of Prayer,” and “Abide With Me,” all featured on the new CD. Shelter: Worship Through The Ages is a unique mixture of hymns, new worship tunes (“Shelter,” “Kneel,” “I’m Free”), and one truly special song that Marie and Gordy stumbled upon.
“’Ode #40 (Sing Allelu)’ was found in the earliest known Christian songbook, written around 100 AD and found in the region of Antioch,” says Marie. “The songbook consists of 42 Odes which are called the ‘Odes Of Solomon’ or the ‘Odes of His Rest,’ sometimes translated ‘Odes of His Peace.’ We do not know the author of these Odes, but we know that they were written after the time of Christ because of the references, and that the first century church used these songs for praise and worship. It is an incredible privilege for us to bring one of these long-lost treasures to today's church. It is so awesome to imagine singing the same song that some of the earliest Christians sang in their worship services.”
With all that she’s been through – from the highest highs of a budding Broadway career to the lowest lows of being abused and battered – Marie has learned the value of dispelling silence with song, and darkness with light. And for women who are similarly trapped in abusive relationships, Marie gives one word of advice – talk.
“There is power in sharing what is happening to you,” she says. “It doesn't matter who you share it with- a pastor, a counselor, a friend, a family member or even a stranger! When you share your struggles, you become stronger, and you are able to see things in a different way. The power of the abuser is to isolate you so that you will remain weak and under his or her control. The way to counter that is to come out of isolation. Shame keeps you in seclusion, but shame is the tool of the Adversary. God in His mercy allowed me out of that pit of loneliness and despair and gave me the shelter I so desperately longed for. And I intend to sing a new song of praise to Him every day of my life.”
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but the way she is treated." -- Eliza Doolittle, "My Fair Lady"
Of all the roles she has played in her illustrious career in musical theater, Marie Barlow Martin speaks fondest of her role as Eliza Doolittle in “My Fair Lady.” As she uttered those words as the musical’s lead character, they rang more true in her own life than she was willing to admit at the time. But looking back now, she can easily see the irony.
“While we are ultimately responsible for the ways we conduct ourselves in this world,” Marie says, “we are strongly shaped and influenced by those with whom we surround ourselves and the messages they send that tell us about who we are - whether it is a critical parent, an abusive spouse, a tell-it-like-it-is best friend or a wise teacher. When we surround ourselves with people who tell us we are lowly ‘flower girls,’ we begin to believe it and behave as such. But surround a girl with people who remind her she is the daughter of a loving Father, Creator of the universe, and she will, likewise, take on that role.”
As she readies herself to release her debut national CD as a solo artist, Marie Barlow Martin realizes just how far she’s come on her journey. Produced by Gordy Martin (Marie’s husband) and surrounded by some of the finest arrangers in the business, Shelter: Worship Through The Ages clearly showcases Marie’s powerful, yet tender voice that has enraptured many a theater-goer.
With roles in such award-winning productions as “Annie,” “Lost In Yonkers,” “West Side Story” and “Guys & Dolls,” to name a few, Marie won critical acclaim for not only her vocal skills, but her acting prowess. Indeed, Marie was a good actress – so good in fact, that after her alcoholic husband had beaten her mercilessly during rehearsals for a Gilbert and Sullivan production that Marie was starring in – she went on with the show, without anyone knowing the extent of her injuries. Feeling trapped in a marriage gone awry, Marie continued to cry out to God, yet the physical abuse began to worsen. At one point, she was beaten so severely that her ear drum was perforated – something that could have been disastrous for a vocalist. But miraculously, Marie found the courage to finally leave the dangerous situation, and though scars and injuries remain to this day, her ability to sing has never been hampered.
“After what I had experienced, I wanted nothing to do with marriage or a relationship,” recalls Marie. “I just wanted to be left alone. But God had other things in mind. And He was so obvious about it when He brought Gordy into my life. No matter how hard I denied it, I couldn't refute that this was the man of my dreams...the one God had fashioned for me before time began. Marrying again was a leap of faith for more than one reason, but I believe God knows what He's doing - He has my back - so I was able to overcome my fear and follow His plan.”
So today, with a husband who finally treats her as a “fair lady” and a God who has seen her through difficult times, Marie can easily let her voice soar on songs such as “In The Garden,” “Sweet Hour Of Prayer,” and “Abide With Me,” all featured on the new CD. Shelter: Worship Through The Ages is a unique mixture of hymns, new worship tunes (“Shelter,” “Kneel,” “I’m Free”), and one truly special song that Marie and Gordy stumbled upon.
“’Ode #40 (Sing Allelu)’ was found in the earliest known Christian songbook, written around 100 AD and found in the region of Antioch,” says Marie. “The songbook consists of 42 Odes which are called the ‘Odes Of Solomon’ or the ‘Odes of His Rest,’ sometimes translated ‘Odes of His Peace.’ We do not know the author of these Odes, but we know that they were written after the time of Christ because of the references, and that the first century church used these songs for praise and worship. It is an incredible privilege for us to bring one of these long-lost treasures to today's church. It is so awesome to imagine singing the same song that some of the earliest Christians sang in their worship services.”
With all that she’s been through – from the highest highs of a budding Broadway career to the lowest lows of being abused and battered – Marie has learned the value of dispelling silence with song, and darkness with light. And for women who are similarly trapped in abusive relationships, Marie gives one word of advice – talk.
“There is power in sharing what is happening to you,” she says. “It doesn't matter who you share it with- a pastor, a counselor, a friend, a family member or even a stranger! When you share your struggles, you become stronger, and you are able to see things in a different way. The power of the abuser is to isolate you so that you will remain weak and under his or her control. The way to counter that is to come out of isolation. Shame keeps you in seclusion, but shame is the tool of the Adversary. God in His mercy allowed me out of that pit of loneliness and despair and gave me the shelter I so desperately longed for. And I intend to sing a new song of praise to Him every day of my life.”
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 Marie with Michael Reagan  Marie as Grace in 'Annie' |
 Marie with John Maxwell  Marie with Dr. H.B. London of Focus on the Family |