The musical is the result of nearly two decades of work by Christopher Smith, a onetime police officer who was moved by a biography of Mr. Newton and set about transforming it into a musical. Mr. Smith wrote the music and lyrics, and co-wrote the book with Arthur Giron. The production is being directed by Gabriel Barre (“The Wild Party”), and stars Josh Young (“Jesus Christ Superstar”), Erin Mackey (“Chaplin”) and Tony winner Chuck Cooper (“The Life”).
The Chicago production was criticized in part for telling the story largely from the point of view of Mr. Newton; Ms. Copeland said that since that production, the viewpoint of Thomas, a slave portrayed by Mr. Cooper, has become more prominent.
“Amazing Grace” will begin its open-ended run with previews June 25 at the Nederlander Theater, and will have an official opening on July 16. Opening a Broadway show during the summer is unusual, but not unprecedented. Ms. Copeland, who said the show has cost $16 million to develop and mount, said the timing was determined by the availability of a theater.