On & Off Broadway

‘Amazing Grace’

Reviewed by Elyse Trevers

Posted

The new show Amazing Grace is not a musical about the popular song; it’s actually about the songwriter’s spiritual conversion. Based upon true events, the story tells of John Newton (Josh Young,) an embittered man whose mother died when he was young. Feeling estranged from his distant father, he has totally lost his faith in God. In fact, when Mary, the young woman he loves, talks about faith, he disparages Christianity and the Bible.

Newton’s father is a prosperous businessman engaged in the slave trade and although Newton is lovingly tended to by his slave Thomas (Chuck Cooper,) he sees slaves as just another commodity. Unbeknownst to him, Mary has aligned herself with abolitionists. John is pressed into service by the Royal Navy, and when his ship is attacked and sinks, he almost drowns. There is an underwater scene of the capsized boat that is the most impressive segment of the show (Kudos to Jeremy Chernick for special effects.)

Newton is saved by Thomas, only for the two of them to be subsequently caught and enslaved by an Africa Princess, Peyai, who sells Africans to the Europeans. A storm in the second act convinces Newton that God exists and has chosen to save him.


There are some moving scenes in the play depicting the horrors of slavery, especially when a young pregnant woman is separated from her husband. However, the most disturbing is when Newton turns against Thomas, beating him and sending him off to Barbados to be sold once again.

The show seems too long, the music is generally forgettable and only a few moments really stand out. The performers are good and Young and Erin Mackie (Mary) are both in fine voice and certainly get enough practice. The show, with book, music and lyrics by Christopher Smith, boasts nearly 18 original songs. Mackie has a beautiful lyric soprano but Mary’s story line adds little to the musical, especially when she futilely advises the future king of England to abolish slavery. Chris Hoch as the pompous British major who is courting Mary provides some much needed comic relief. Chuck Cooper and Laiona Michelle as Mary’s Nanna are touching characters.

The story should have been more about Newton since he was quite a colorful character. He became a clergyman and eventually an abolitionist after he ‘discovered” God. He also wrote Amazing Grace, a song estimated to be sung more than 10 million times a year. The hymn is an integral part of the church service and also has become part of the folk music catalog.

Sadly, the show Amazing Grace feels more like a lengthy sermon or church service than an inspiring Broadway musical. John was fortunate that God saved him. Maybe it was so he could write the hymn as well as the 200 plus other pieces of music that he eventually wrote.

Many may be moved by the story and the message. I especially liked how dramatically the title song is performed. The actual song is never sung until the finale. Then it begins quietly with Young singing accapella. Mackie joins in and then gradually other characters lend their voices in song. By the end, the entire cast, the orchestra and some of the audience create a musical swell. It’s enough to inspire an audience. It’s the last impression of the show — maybe enough to make everyone forget the other flaws.