The classic story of John Newton, marvelously converted from African slave-trader to slave of Christ, has been published in various formats, short and long, and even made into a major motion picture (not to mention a forthcoming documentary). Now Chris Smith has written a musical which is slated for a world premiere early in 2009 (a soundtrack CD with all the songs sung by Broadway stars with a major symphony orchestra is set to release this spring). Chris Smith’s goal for this musical production is “a Broadway show that will reach people who, like John Newton for a time, are removed from biblical understanding.” Smith notes that his production “is rare because it’s a non-Bible-based story designed to give Broadway-style entertainment while still presenting the gospel clearly and plainly.”
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