Musicals offer theatre goers a time to sit back, have fun and forget reality for about two and a half hours. Historical plays like “The Mountaintop,” which follows the final days of Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., and “Hamilton,” the insanely popular Broadway musical that follows the life of Founding Father Alexander Hamilton, are making their way into the spotlight.
Well for you historical theatre lovers, the new musical “Amazing Grace” will be in town before you know it.
Presented by Texas A&M University’s MSC OPAS, the new musical is inspired by the true story behind the song “Amazing Grace.” It details the story of John Newton, a former slave ship captain who later joined the abolition movement.
Newton, a 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.
Accompanied by his slave, John embarks on a journey and soon finds himself in his darkest hour. 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.
“Amazing Grace” was written by Christopher Smith (book, music, and lyrics) and Arthur Giron (book). Gabriel Barre, who directed the Broadway production, reunites with choreographer Christopher Gattelli for the national tour. Music direction will be by Keith Levenson.
The show debuted on Broadway in June 2015, with a cast led by Josh Young as Newton, Chuck Cooper as Pakuteh, Tom Hewitt as Captain Newtown, and Erin Mackey as Mary Catlett.
“Amazing Grace” is a captivating tale of romance, rebellion and redemption in the life of a man whose incredible journey ignited a historic wave of change.
“Amazing Grace” will be showing on April 7 at 7:30 p.m. in Rudder Theatre. For ticket information visit www.mscopas.org or contact the MSC Box Office at 979-845-1234.
This is a show warrants a 10 out 10 review and is a history worth seeing.
