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Amazing Grace Begins Previews

Andrew Shade
By Andrew Shade

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Amazing Grace, a musical chronicling the life of the British slave trader who penned the timeless song, will open on Broadway this summer. The musical will tell the story of John Newton, a slave ship captain who converted to Christianity and became an abolitionist during the 18th century.

Inspired by Newton’s biography, Broadway newcomer Christopher Smith, a former police officer, wrote the score for the production. During its opening in Chicago, Amazing Grace received constructive criticism from audiences so changes have been made to the book and a different version will open on Broadway. The $16 million production faced backlash for telling a story of slavery from the viewpoint of a white slave owner. When the show opens on Broadway, instead of relying heavily on Newton’s viewpoint, Amazing Grace will tell a majority of the story from the viewpoint of Thomas, a slave played by Tony award-winning Broadway Black actor Chuck Cooper ( The Life; Caroline, Or Change).

Other Broadway Black actors accompanying Cooper in the show include Charles E. Wallace, Toni Elizabeth White, Hollie E. Wright, Uyoata Udi, Oneika Phillips, Mike Evartiste, Rheaume Crenshaw, Rachael Ferrera, and Laiona Michelle.

Lead Producer Carolyn Rossi Copeland described the show to the “New York Times”: “It’s a traditional big Broadway musical, but it’s different in that it’s also an opportunity for church group audiences to come to something and feel pretty confident they’ll walk out feeling uplifted.”

Amazing Grace previews have begun at the Nederlander Theater. The show will run until December. Tickets can be purchased here.

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Andrew Shade
Andrew Shade
Drew Shade is a visionary creative force at the intersection of Black theatre, media, and culture. As the Founder and Creative Director of Broadway Black, Off-Book: The Podcast, and The Antonyo Awards, he champions artistic excellence and amplifies the voices of Black theatre artists with intention, heart, and unapologetic pride. His work has been featured in The New York Times, Playbill, Deadline, The Observer, and Apple TV’s Dear…, and he's collaborated with brands and institutions such as NBC, BET, Audible, Universal Pictures, SheaMoisture, The Public Theater, Signature Theatre, National Black Theatre, and more. He has also served as a cultural consultant and curator for countless Broadway productions for over a decade — establishing himself as a trusted voice and tastemaker in theatre and media. In addition to his work behind the scenes, Shade is a performer and creative artist in his own right, with credits including Classical Theatre of Harlem’s The First Noel at The Apollo, The Preacher’s Wife musical at The Alliance Theatre, and a Sondheim tribute concert at Carnegie Hall led by Tituss Burgess. He’s also lent his voice to campaigns for Google and continues to explore visual storytelling through photography — from red carpets to press coverage. Rooted in joy, justice, and the belief that Black theatre is both legacy and revolution, Shade continues to build platforms and shine light where it’s long been overdue — so Black artists are seen, heard, and celebrated on their own terms. “Have a belief in yourself that is bigger than anyone’s disbelief.” – August Wilson

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2 COMMENTS

  2. […] Amazing Grace, according to press notes, is a “world-premiere 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. […]

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