I have some really good news and some (sort of) bad news.
The good news is that I have seen the play “Amazing Grace” and it is very much worth seeing. It is playing now at the Nederlander Theatre in New York City.
The play is a musical which tells the story of John Newton, the writer of the hymn Amazing Grace.
I am not a drama critic, nor am I frequent attender of Broadway plays. But from my limited exposure to such, I think that Amazing Grace is well done. The acting, music, sets and staging are all top notch.
The bad news is that the play is closing on October 25th. Why? That is an interesting question.
I have been told that when it played in Connecticut, it was a success. When it played in Chicago, it was also a success. For some reason, New Yorkers have not taken to seeing the play in sufficient numbers to allow the production to continue in that city (I’m not making a judgment of New Yorkers here, I’m just trying to state the facts).
The play presents the Gospel in the beauty of changed lives and presents the power of God to influence culture in a positive way. Unlike some other Christian media endeavors, it does not do so in a heavy handed way. The story itself is a demonstration of the Gospel lived out. The Gospel message flows from the story.
My understanding is that the producers will take the play on the road, which is good news for the cities in which it will be produced. So, if it comes anywhere near where you live, I heartily encourage you to see it.
So, if New York is an option for you to get to, I strongly urge you to see the play before it closes. If it is not, then watch to see if it comes to a city near you. You will not be disappointed if you go.