Amazing Grace Musical Will Get Developmental Run in Connecticut

Christopher Smith

The musical Amazing Grace based on the life of John Newton, the former slave trader who wrote the world's most recognized hymn, will get a developmental run at Goodspeed Musical's Norma Terris Theatre in Connecticut this spring.

Composer Christopher Smith also wrote the lyrics and co-wrote the book with Arthur Giron. Gabriel Barre is attached to direct. Kimberly Grigsby served as music director for a recent reading in new York. Rehearsals are scheduled to begin in April, according to a casting notice. Details for the run through June 10 on the developmental Norma Terris Stage, 33 North Main St. in Chester, CT have not been released officially yet. Check back here for information when it becomes available.

Amazing Grace tells the love story based on the life and trials of Newton, told from the point of view of his childhood friend Mary Catlett. She  never loses faith in him and her love, courage and unshakable conviction help to transform his life. Their journey to find the meaning of their own existence will lead them to love, heartbreak and an epic quest to end the scourge of slavery.

Produced by veteran Broadway producer Carolyn Rossi Copeland (The Scarlet Pimpernel, Smoke on the Mountain, Children's Letters to God) Amazing Grace encompasses everything from triumphant anthems to heart rending ballads all set within a love story which transcends time and distance. Copeland was the founding artistic producing director of the former Lamb’s Theatre Company in Times Square.

To listen to the music, visit http://agmusical.com/concept_recordings.html. For more information about the musical, visit http://agmusical.com/index.html.

News Briefs Jan 9-15, 2012

Happy New Year. Here is what is happening in the world of Christian arts:

• Christianity Today Names 2012 Book Awards http://www.christianitytoday.com/ct/2012/january/2012-book-awards.html.
• In an Esseay, Eric Metaxas Asks Whether Anyone in the Media Reads the Bible Any More http://www.ericmetaxas.com/
• Author John Bevere discusses his newest book "Relentless" in a live video chat Jan. 10 at 1 pm (ET) http://www.livestream.com/waterbrookmultnomah.
• The 4th annual SongDiscovery Creative Conference April 26 – 27 at Brentwood Baptist Church in Nashville, formallya one-day songwriting conference, has expanded. Included now are additional general sessions, one-on-one critique times and workshops catering to songwriters, authors and visual artists. In 2011 close to 300 worship leaders, musicians and decision makers attended the event. http://worshipleader.com/creative/

Singing Hills a Great Place for Retreats, Events

Masterwork Productions highly recommends Singing Hills Christian Conference Center in Plainfield, NH for your retreat and special event plans in 2012. I have had some wonderfully blessed retreats at the facility in the beautiful, quiet hills of New Hampshire. We are planning some writers events in New England, and hope Singing Hills will be one of the locations.

Singing Hills promotes Jesus Christ through camping, conferences, and retreats. Their friendly staff hosts groups and individuals year-round.

Excellent conference facilities, traditional outdoor camping, and 135 secluded acres to enjoy, Singing Hills is located in the woodlands of Western New Hampshire.

The facility can accommodate a total of 250+ guests overnight, as well as provide them with meals, meeting areas, audio visual equipment,and numerous recreational options (renovations currently are taking place as well). The needs of several groups can be met at one time. Each guest group is provided with their own housing and meeting area, while sharing dining and recreational facilities.

Each of the two main buildings have a comfortable lounge area for relaxing times or small group meetings, as well as large stone fireplaces that serve as key fellowship areas, especially during the winter season. Meeting areas include two large, air conditioned chapels which are equipped with sound systems and pianos.

For information about booking your event or retreat at Sunging Hills, contact Ruth at retreats@singinghills.net.

--Lauren Yarger