How sweet the sound

It might be one of the most famous songs ever written, but not too many people know the story behind the creation of 'Amazing Grace'. Christopher Smith and Arthur Giron's musical sets out to change that, tracing the life and times of the hymn's composer John Newton, and the inspirations that lay behind the renowned tune. A lush adventure set on the high seas, the story follows Newton's conversion to Christianity and his subsequent reformation from slave trader to abolitionist.

Exploring its subject matter with delicacy and understanding, Amazing Grace is nevertheless a boldly designed Broadway epic, scored with gospel infused music and draped in rich, period costumes. It debuted on The Great White way in 2015, with direction from Gabriel Barre and choreography from Tony winner Christopher Gattelli (Newsies).

WHAT IS AMAZING GRACE ABOUT?

The show tells the story of John Newton, the former slave trader who, following his conversion to Christianity, became an abolitionist and Anglican cleric. The musical focuses on Newton's dedication to ending slavery, a journey of self discovery which would inspire him to pen one of the greatest songs of that age, or any other.

We begin in the mid 18th century, with the headstrong John arriving home from university, with no higher purpose in mind than to drink and be merry. His father is not too sympathetic to this ambition and summarily forces his son into the navy. It's when his ship is attacked by the French, and John is saved by a slave named Thomas, that his extraordinary journey really begins.