Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound!

Reviewed by Nicola Quinn on August 6th, 2015

Great night out for: Amazing Grace is a great night out for families and history enthusiast, it is sure to inspire conversation covering the Dinner Don'ts: religion and politics; however you will be immensely moved as you leave the Nederlander Theatre.

Best bit: Chuck Cooper will send shivers down your spine and reduce you to tears as he passionately sings “Nowhere Left To Run”. He is mesmerizing through the show.

Who would enjoy this show: This is a show that should be watched by all to better appreciate the trials and tribulations of our past. Amazing Grace is excellent for families and people looking for a show with substance.

Morning after effect: Amazed that this beautiful song, sung for centuries, has such a powerful story behind it. And yes, you will be humming it all day long.

Verdict: We give it a five out of five stars.

Amazing Grace is an original musical based on the real life story of John Newton, the man behind the song that has been sung for centuries. Britain rules the world and it is an exciting time of travel, trade and triumph over lands far and wide. The town of Chatham, England, capitalizes on the sweet success of the Crown’s growing Empire through the flourishing slave trade, which passes through her docks. It is here we meet John Newton, played by Josh Young.

Following the death of his mother, Newton is estranged from his businessman father (played by Tom Hewitt), and indulges in a life of rebellion at sea; on his return to Chatham he is met by his young love Mary Catlett, played by Erin Mackey. Together they share songs from their past written by Newton which he now sees as youthful frivolity. Yearning for a sense of belonging and the burning desire to out run his father’s success Newton embarks on a journey of morality and spirituality that will ultimately open his heart to love and alter the world.

This riveting production exposes a shameful period of history that rips your heart out and lodges it in your throat. This is not an easy story Christopher Smith (Book, Music and Lyrics) and Arthur Giron (Book) tell, but it is done with such force and leaves you feeling a compulsion to embrace your freedom. It is evident that the significance of this story was hugely respected by the cast and crew and you feel it radiate throughout the performance directed by Gabriel Barre, whom is making his directorial debut on Broadway.

Praise to Eugene Lee and Edward Pierce for their majestic design of the 17th century sail ship, along with Ken Billington and Paul Miller (Lighting) for the gripping drowning scene.

Amazing Grace how sweet the sound
A Broadway show it be
For a small cost, with dollar or pound;
Get your tickets, and go see!

View our show pages for more information about Amazing Grace, Nederlander Theater.