"Amazing Grace" opens at the Norma Terris Theatre

Experiencing an epiphany: What is the new musical, "Amazing Grace," at the Norma Terris Theatre all about? We'll let the Goodspeed describe it, as an "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."

And the show's title? Newton wrote the hymn "Amazing Grace."

Creative forces: The show boasts songs by Christopher Smith and a book by Smith and Arthur Giron. Directing the production is Gabriel Barre, who helmed "The Wild Party" for the Manhattan Theatre Club and "Summer of '42" off-Broadway.

Spider sense: The musical supervisor will be Kimberly Grigsby, who also handled music direction, vocal arrangements and conducting for "Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark." On Broadway, she also served as musical director for "Spring Awakening" and musical supervisor for "Caroline, or Change."

- KRISTINA DORSEY

"Amazing Grace," The Norma Terris Theatre, 33 North Main St., Chester; opens tonight and runs through June 10; 2 and 7:30 p.m. Wed., 7:30 p.m. Thurs., 8 p.m. Fri., 3 and 8 p.m. Sat., and 2 and 6:30 p.m. Sun.; $43; (860) 873-8668, goodspeed.org.