AMAZING GRACE Warms the Hearts of the Shubert Audience

Amazing Grace opened at the Shubert Theatre in New Haven, Connecticut over the weekend, with an emotional performance that brought the audience to tears.

The story revolves around John Newton (Jacob Shipley), an English man who is struggling to belong. He's a hardcore businessman like his father, showing little emotion when auctioning off slaves. However, when he's with his friend, Mary Catlett (Eleanor Todd) there's a gentle side to him that she believes is a bigger part of him than he thinks.

As he embarks on a new journey at sea (one that is forced by his father), his life takes many twists and turns, ultimately allowing him to learn that love and compassion trumps all.

From a cool-blooded slave trader to a devote Christian composer, John Newton depicts his soul-searching by creating the well-known song, "Amazing Grace."

Directed by Gabriel Barre, this musical combines romance, betrayal, and forgiveness to create a memorable tale. With its powerful lyrics (including "Nothing There to Love"), moving story of humankind, and an imaginative set featuring an underwater scene you have to see to believe, Amazing Grace is pleasing to the eyes, ears, and the heart.

(Photo courtesy of the Shubert Theatre)