Josh Young Set for AMAZING GRACE World Premiere in Chicago; Gabriel Barre and Christopher Gattelli Lead Creative Team

Broadway In Chicago just announced the world premiere of AMAZING GRACE, a new musical starring Tony Award nominee® Josh Young (Jesus Christ Superstar) as John Newton, directed by Gabriel Barre (Andrew Lippas' The Wild Party) and choreographed by Tony Award® winner Christopher Gattelli (Newsies), will play the Bank of America Theatre (18 W Monroe) this fall. With music and lyrics by Christopher Smith and a book by Christopher Smith and Arthur Giron, AMAZING GRACE begins performances October 9 and runs through November 2. Check out a sneak peek of the show below!

AMAZING GRACE 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.

John Newton (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 - and embracing the more compassionate views of his childhood sweetheart. But when a perilous voyage on the high seas 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.

AMAZING GRACE is produced by Carolyn Rossi Copeland and presented by Broadway In Chicago. On the announcement, Ms. Copeland said, "I am thrilled to be producing AMAZING GRACE. 'Amazing Grace' is the world's most beloved song, yet so few know the story behind it or John Newton, the man who penned it. This adventure and love story captured my imagination and I am privileged to bring it to Chicago audiences."

Lou Raizin, President of Broadway In Chicago, added, "We are honored to present the world premiere of this rich and vibrant musical to audiences in Chicago." "We are so thrilled to see that audiences in Chicago will experience AMAZING GRACE. It's a musical that is near and dear to our hearts because it is so beautiful and powerful," added Michael Price, Executive Director, Goodspeed Musicals, where a developmental workshop of the musical was presented in the Spring of 2012.

AMAZING GRACE will be part of the next Broadway In Chicago Season. Group tickets for 10 or more are now on sale by calling Broadway In Chicago Group Sales at (312) 977-1710. Individual tickets for AMAZING GRACE will go on sale at a later date. For more information, visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.