The Van Wert County Courthouse

Thursday, Mar. 28, 2024

‘Amazing Grace’ coming to Niswonger

“Amazing Grace” is one of the most recognized songs in the world! It has been sung in churches all over the world, recorded in many different languages, been put to different melodies, and has impacted millions of people on earth.  People who do not or have not ever attended a church service can probably still sing the words to this beloved hymn.

Some may be aware of the story behind its writing, but many people have probably never heard of how this famous song came about.  The name John Newton (no, not the guy who got hit on the head with an apple!) is someone everyone should get to know.  He was born in 1725, the son of John Newton Sr., a ship builder in London.  His mother was a devout Christian who taught her son to pray and read scripture, but she sadly passed away when John was seven years of age.  John’s father and eventual step-mother took charge of the boy and let him run wild, although he would often return to thoughts of his dear mother’s Christian love and care she showed him.

Now a young brash seaman, Newton experienced a life changing adventure during a severe storm at sea.  Shouting out to God to save him, this began a journey which changed his life forever.  There is so much more to tell about the life of John Newton, but I think the best way to learn and really experience it, is to watch it portrayed on stage.

A movie about the life changing story of John Newton came out in 2006. It starred Albert Finney as Newton and Ioan Gruffud as William Wilberforce. It aptly portrayed Newton as a penitent haunted by the ghosts of 20,000 slaves. This experience eventually led to the penning of the words which millions now sing as Amazing Grace. By the way, did you know the original title to the song was “Faith’s Review and Expectation?”  I like “Amazing Grace” better!

In 2015, the Musical-Amazing Grace hit Broadway. It went to Chicago for a two-week run and was held over for a full week due to popular demand. I tell you all about this because we at the Niswonger Performing Arts Center have the good fortune to host this Broadway show. The date is coming real soon: Friday, February 16! It will be a 7:30 p.m. show.

I was contacted just a few days ago by the producer to see if we could fill a gap they had on their tour due to some unforeseen circumstances. Knowing we have little time to get the word out, we worked out a deal because I felt this story is one everyone needs to see, hear, and experience. This dramatic stage musical production will have you mesmerized, tearful, and celebrant, all within a two-hour period of time.  I am told that by the time they finally get around to singing “Amazing Grace”, there isn’t a dry eye in the house.

The story is one of a penitent man who finds God during a storm on the high seas and ends up serving the God who gives him the words to write a song that will, in turn, change many more lives for years to come.

“Amazing Grace, how sweet the sound, that saved a wretch like me. I once was lost, but now am found; was blind but now I see.

When we’ve been there ten thousand years, bright shining as the sun; we’ve no less days to sing God’s praise than when we first begun.”

This Friday night performance would make a great church outing, but mobilize quickly. It’s less than two weeks away!  I invite you to get your tickets now at the Niswonger Box Office or online at NPACVW.ORG and experience how this man who was once lost and blind, became the vehicle for many to be found and see.

FINÉ.

POSTED: 02/10/18 at 9:32 pm. FILED UNDER: News