B’way show is ‘graced’ by obama
THE PRESIDENT’S moving solo of “Amazing Grace” was felt across the nation — and on Broadway.
President Obama ended his eulogy on Friday for the Rev. Clementa Pinckney with a solo of the heart-stirring hymn. It hit home for grieving mourners in Charleston, S.C., still reeling from the murders of nine at a Bible study.
And it tolled with special meaning at the Broadway musical “Amazing Grace,” which began previews Thursday.
The show tells the story of the origin of the famous song, which is performed an estimated 10
million times a year.
The production at the Nederlander Theatre took to social media Friday to quote the President, posting at @agmusical: “‘We know the path to grace requires an open mind. But also an open heart.’ — @POTUS during eulogy for #Charleston’s Rev. Pinckney. #Obama.”
The President might have been describing the protagonist of the musical by Christopher Smith and Arthur Giron. John Newton, a slave trader, eventually left that inhuman business and found new meaning in a life following God. The song Newton wrote reflected his journey. Theatergoers were also moved by Obama’s musical ode. “Buying tickets too [sic] see @ agmusical after Obama brought me to tears with his rendition,” tweeted @Gagaslayurfavs.
The musical’s producer, Carolyn Rossi Copeland, was watching as the President delivered the eulogy.
“I thought, ‘OK, here we go.’ He’s going to sing ‘Amazing Grace.’ It’s the only song that was right for the moment.”
She added that the spotlight on her show “is a grace to us. We know it’s the right time for this musical.”