By Christy Hudson
Playing at the Ellen Eccles Theatre in Logan, the Utah Festival Opera’s Amazing Grace tells the beautiful story of John Newton, the man who wrote the world’s most well-known hymn, “Amazing Grace”. It features music and lyrics by Christopher Smith and book by Smith and Arthur Giron. Amazing Grace first played on Broadway in 2015, and was directed by Gabriel Barre.
The play goes through several years of Newton’s life, in his work as a naval sailor and a captain of slave ships until he becomes converted to God, which is when he writes “Amazing Grace.” The musical is a dramatization of Newton’s life, so it does not include every detail of Newton’s story, or necessarily portray the characters how they really were. However, it still expresses the journey Newton went through, from trading slaves until wanting to help make them free.
Benjamin Adams stars as John Newton. The songs Adams sings are strong and passionate as we follow the progress of Newton from careless slave-trader to repentant abolitionist. While Amazing Grace shows us Newton’s journey to conversion, we also get to see Mary Catlett (Olivia Yorkers) have her own journey in finding the courage to do what she believes to be right. To me, Mary Catlett was a more likeable character than Newton. It is easy to understand her desire to help end slavery, and her fear in the consequences of being caught. Yorkers plays the part well, showing the bravery that Mary has to find in the show. Yonkers also has a beautiful soprano voice, fitting for the aspiring singer she is portraying.
Michael Ballam, the founder of Utah Festival Opera, is also featured in the show as Captain Newton, John Newton’s father. His voice matches all of the accomplishments listed in his biography, and he is an incredible presence onstage.
Darren Lekeith Drone plays Thomas (or Pakuteh), Newton’s slave, who helped raise him. In the second act, he sings “Nowhere Left to Run,” which is one of the most powerful numbers in the show. Drone’s rich baritone voice is filled with such passion as he sings it, and it received the biggest applause from the audience.
There is no shortage of talent onstage, for any of the actors. The show also includes William Remmers as Major Gray, with the most amusing performance as the main antagonist. It also includes Jazmine Olwalia as Princess Peyai, and Jenina Gallaway as Nanna, who both have extremely strong voices as well.
The show opens with a very dramatic scene portraying the slave auction. Immediately, we see the cruelties the slaves endure as they are sold, branded, and separated from their loved ones. It is impactful and heartbreaking. It’s likely something that you’ve seen in movies or TV, but to me, it was a different experience to see it performed on stage; there is even more realism. Even though you know they are just actors, it feels like you are actually watching people hurt other people. The scene is one that will be remembered after you leave the theatre. The ensemble gives a heart-wrenching performance here and throughout the whole show.
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The costumes worn in the show are elaborate period pieces if the 18th century. Costume designer La Beene has captured both the cultures of the high-society British and the native Africans. This effect is strengthened in the choreography as well. Director and choreographer Valerie Rachelle has created impactful visuals, using the actors’ movements and dancing to give us a sense of the emotions they are feeling, whether they are fighting slavery or instilling it.
A lot of the show takes place on ships or on docks. Set designer Shawn Fisher creates that effect with the shapes of sails in the background. The lighting (Lighting Designer Chris Wood) and sound effects (Sound Designer Carl J. Whitaker) also help give the sense of being at sea. he show also features a wonderful live orchestra, conducted by Karen Keltner.
Utah Festival Opera’s Amazing Grace is incredibly moving. When the entire company comes onstage at the end and sings “Amazing Grace,” it is hard not to be touched by the power and passion behind the voices and the words. Although the story takes place almost 300 years ago, it explores a lot of themes that are still relevant in the world today. There is power in redemption and forgiveness, and we should always try to make the lives of others better. To paraphrase a line that Mary says in the show, “if we can help others but choose not to, are we not responsible?”
Utah Festival Opera Presents Amazing Grace, music and lyrics by Christopher Smith, book by Christopher Smith and Arthur Giron
Ellen Eccles Theatre, 43 South Main Street, Logan, Utah 84321
July 7, 14, 18, 20, 27, August 2, 4, 2018, 7:30 PM, 1:00 PM Matinees
Tickets: $16—$79 (Purchase tickets here)
Contact: 435-750-0300
Utah Festival Opera Facebook Page
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