Broken Wide Open

What is the story?

'Broken Wide Open' is a poignant, hysterical and uplifting one-woman theatre show featuring powerhouse US actress and Voice-over Artist Shana Pennington-Baird. This self-penned hour-long show features ten songs, forty minutes of comedic and dramatic monologues and a fantastic 4-person Celtic Band. Shining a light on the importance of Aortic Awareness, 'Broken Wide Open' shares Shana’s incredible survival story, her harrowing experience of almost dying alone and her journey to return home to Seattle after experiencing a terrifying aortic dissection (heart explosion) whilst traveling solo in Ireland. 

“She’s got no pulse. I can’t get a pulse,” said the first emergency medical technician to arrive. “Well, I am talking to you, so I think we should assume I am still alive.” To which the other EMT said, “We’re going to have a right craick with you on the way to the hospital!” Now a “craick” in Ireland is a good time, which, amazingly, we most certainly had…”

… “Upon waking in the ICU, my first thought was that my right bikini line hurt. Wasn’t this about my heart? And then I noticed where I had been shaved. And my next thought was, oh… oh no… that’s gonna itch. Yeah… those of you know, know, right? And my third thought was, well… if you have to get a Brazilian wax, full anesthesia is the way to go.”

Why is Shana the one to tell this story?

Shana Pennington-Baird has thirty years of professional theatre, voiceover, and audiobook work to draw from. Shana’s funny. She workshopped the material in ER after ER following what happened to her in August 2019. Working with the best musicians Seattle has to offer, and under the direction of David Koch (Cabaret Productions), Shana brings her story to life through a combination of song, stand-up comedy, and memorable moments.

“This is a true story of someone that went to Ireland to enjoy the country only to experience an epic adventure - of a different and very harrowing kind, culminating in the need of open-heart surgery. In a foreign country, alone, family being thousands of miles away. It also talks about people who don’t hesitate to care about and for a total stranger when the unexpected happens. It’s a story mixed with moments of laughter and of kindness, and with lots of wonderful music. Prepare to shed some tears and chuckles alike.”

“A gripping and deeply touching story told with joy, grace, and humor. The affirmation of life and love far outlasts the hour or so of listening time. Highly recommended!”

Why Broken Wide Open?

Between August 2019 and January 2020 Shana experienced three life altering diagnoses- An aortic dissection, two strokes and a breast cancer diagnoses. Sharing her story with doctors and nurses, their responses were "Are you writing all this down? This is so funny... and helpful. WAIT! You survived an aortic dissection? You are so lucky to be here right now.” A few short months later, the pandemic hit. In a time of fear, Shana chose to focus on something positive, something artistic and something cathartic. She channeled her experiences into writing 'Broken Wide Open' not only helping with her own recovery but offering comfort to others facing something similar. 

Why Now?

None of us know how long we will live and there is no denying that Shana got really really lucky. Her recovery however, hasn’t been without its complications. “I have double vision, ocular migraines, panic attacks and a big dose of PTSD. This makes me want to tell the story NOW, while I can” in Ireland/Scotland in August followed by a run in Seattle later this year. But to make this happen, finances are needed as soon as possible to pay airfares, secure VISAs, pay for Venue hire and rental vans. At this stage, grants have been applied for but it will take time to find out if they will be funded. Without secured finances at this early stage it won’t be possible to perform 'Broken Wide Open' later in the year. Your donation will allow us to share Shana's incredible and vital story. And the best part? Sharing awareness of #ThinkAorta #AorticAwareness. The more people know to get scanned in the ER, the more people will be saved (like Shana was).

What do donors receive?

If you live in the greater Seattle area:

• Discounted tickets to Seattle theatrical run and invitation to beach party in West Seattle in July.
• Invitation to Opening Night Party (date TBD – most likely early 2024)
• Digital copy of Broken Wide Open
• Name in the program of runs in UK and US