Amazing Grace
Tickets from $65 Buy Tickets
Cititour.com Review
Not many new musicals come to Broadway with a title song that’s been a classic for centuries. But it’s one element the well-intentioned and occasionally evocative Amazing Grace has going for it as it dramatizes the story of John Newton, an actual 18th-century slave trader who eventually renounced his past to became a clergyman and abolitionist — as well as write that enduring hymn.
As amazing as Newton’s own story is, it almost pales in comparison to that of author Christopher Smith, a former Pennsylvania police officer who wrote the show’s music, lyrics and collaborated on the book (with Arthur Giron). This is his first professional piece of writing. But though impressive in its scope and ambition, the 2015-16 season’s first new musical just isn’t a Broadway-caliber vehicle.
Smith tries to elevate the show beyond mere history lesson, but even with the dependable direction of Gabriel Barre, Newton, played by the wholesomely appealing Josh Young, never develops into a fully fleshed-out character. His youthful disenchantment of the first act is run-of-the-mill stuff: He gets kicked out of boarding school, drinks to excess and has a troubled relationship with Dad, played with appropriate gruffness by Tom Hewitt.
More engaging is John’s childhood friend and love interest, Mary Catlett (Erin Mackey), who gets drawn into the abolitionist movement after witnessing a slave auction and listening to Nanna (Laiona Michelle), a slave who helped raise her, share her horrifying tale of capture and servitude. In John’s absence Mary winds up encouraging the advances of Major Gray to aid her new cause. As played by Chris Hoch, he veers from silly buffoon to terrifying commander.
But it’s the songs and scenes dealing directly with the cruelty of slavery that pack the biggest wallop, especially when John must face Thomas (Chuck Cooper), a slave who’d been in his family’s service for years and whom he sold without a second thought. Cooper simply and eloquently conveys the pain of betrayal and the power of forgiveness.
The theme of transformation, both personal and societal, is achingly relevant as factions in the U.S. fight for, and increasingly achieve, change. In Amazing Grace, some characters presume that slavery is a way of life that cannot be altered. But when the cast join voices to sing Newton’s famous creation, the power of transformation rings loud and clear. Unfortunately, that power is only felt occasionally in this musical.
By Diane Snyder
Visit the Site
http://amazinggracemusical.com
Cast
Josh Young, Erin Mackey, Chuck Cooper, Chris Hoch, Tom Hewitt, Stanley Bahorek, Harriett D. Foy, Laiona Michelle, Rachael Ferrera, Elizabeth Ward Land
Open/Close Dates
Opening 7/16/2015
Closing 10/25/2015
Preview Open/ Preview Close Dates
Preview Opening 6/25/2015
Closing Open-ended
Box Office
877-250-2929
Theatre Info
Nederlander Theatre
208 West 41st Street
New York, NY 10036
Map
Comments
Sign up for our newsletter !