New Musical AMAZING GRACE to Open at Goodspeed 5/17

Two-time Tony Award-winning Goodspeed Musicals announced that the inspiring new musical Amazing Grace, based on the life of John Newton, the former slave trader who wrote the world's most recognized hymn, will kick-off Goodspeed Musical's Norma Terris Theatre Season May 17 through June 10.

Storms. Slavery. Romance. Redemption. Prepare to be swept away by this epic musical saga about John Newton, a rebellious slave trader, and the woman who never lost faith in him. While fighting the raging seas and his own despair, Newton’s life is suddenly transformed -- igniting a quest to end the scourge of slavery. Based on a true story of the man who penned the world’s most recognizable song, it’s a powerful musical you will never forget.

Amazing Grace features music and lyrics by Christopher Smith and book by Arthur Giron and Christopher Smith. Amazing Grace will be directed by Gabriel Barre whose theatre credits includeThe Wild Party (Manhattan Theatre Club) and Summer of ’42 Off Broadway; Houdini, Camille Claudel, and Stand By Your Man at Goodspeed’s Norma Terris Theatre; Finian’s Rainbow, King of Hearts, and Pippin at the Goodspeed Opera House as well as thePippin National Tour. The Choreographer will be Benoit-Swan Pouffer, renowned Artistic Director of Cedar Lake Contemporary Ballet in New York City. The Music Supervisor is Kimberly Grigsby whose Music Directing/Conducting credits on Broadway include Spider-Man;Caroline, or Change; Spring Awakening; The Full Monty among others. Amazing Grace will be sponsored by Essex Savings Bank.

Amazing Grace will run May 17 – June 10, 2012. Curtain times are Wednesday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., Thursday at 7:30 p.m., Friday at 8:00 p.m., Saturday at 3:00 p.m. and 8:00 p.m. and Sunday at 2:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

Amazing Grace will be the first production of The Norma Terris Theatre 2012 season. A second title will be announced soon. The Great American Mousical, to be directed by Julie Andrews, will complete the season.

Advance season subscriptions are now on sale for only $120 through the Box Office (860.873.8668), open seven days a week. Single tickets go on public sale beginning March 25, 2012. All prices are subject to change.