Hello Beautiful People,
One week ago, I saw Amazing Grace on Broadway.
Here’s the official synopsis:
AMAZING GRACE is a new original musical based on the awe-inspiring true story behind the world’s most beloved song. A captivating tale of romance, rebellion and redemption, this radiant production follows one man whose incredible journey ignited a historic wave of change.
John Newton (Tony Award® nominee Josh Young), a willful and musically talented young Englishman, faces a future as uncertain as the turning tide. Coming of age as Britain sits atop an international empire of slavery, he finds himself torn between following in the footsteps of his father – a slave trader – or embracing the more compassionate views of his childhood sweetheart (Erin Mackey). Accompanied by his slave, Thomas (Tony Award® winner Chuck Cooper), John embarks on a perilous voyage on the high seas. When that journey finds John in his darkest hour, a transformative moment of self-reckoning inspires a blazing anthem of hope that will finally guide him home.
Brimming with emotion and adventure, AMAZING GRACE is an unforgettable musical saga that captures the spirit of history’s sweetest and most powerful sound: freedom.
Here’s what you should know:
Josh Young has a voice like silk. Once you hear the first note, you’ll never want him to stop singing, and the same will be said for Erin Mackey (Mary Catlett).
Chuck Cooper (Thomas) is brilliant. BRILLIANT. I think I stopped breathing every time he opened his mouth. I think I stopped breathing every time he stepped onstage. He is a force, a commanding presence that you cannot tear your eyes away from. You’ll cry with Thomas. You’ll cheer for Thomas. You’ll rejoice with Thomas. He is a character that will reach the crevices of the darkest hearts and plant a seed of hope and light.
Laiona Michelle (Nanna) brought tears to my eyes. Even as I write this, I struggle to find the worlds that encapsulates her performance. Her performance is the perfect blend of mother and warrior – yet she threads her ferocity with the perfect amount of vulnerability. Of sadness. Of humanity. She’s just magnficient.
Visually speaking, I found the design stunning. From the set to the lights to the costumes – it is feast for the eyes.
Is there a large amount of history to jam into three hours? Yes, absolutely.
Is this a melodramatic show? Yes, of course.
But perhaps this show will resonate with more people than the news junkets suggest – for as the as the cast sang the final song – a beautiful choral number of Amazing Grace, the entire audience leapt to their feet, and sang along with the cast.
And after the final note was played, I watched everyone leave the theatre, watching their faces, catching bits and pieces of their conversations. And they were all beaming. Smiling. Laughing.
…happy.
And the world could use more happiness, more positivity, more people fighting for good and standing against evil.
So, I suppose what I’ll say is this – any show that gets an audience to leap to their feet and sing along is a win in my book – and then to have the audience leave uplifted and inspired? Well, that’s just the icing on the cake.
Is the melodrama for everyone? No. But should you find out for yourself? Absolutely.
Live, Love, Learn,