Amazing Grace to open at The Nederlander this summer.... — Page 2

It costs money to perform. If a producer has the money to get a number on the show, they get a slot. It's simple as that. 

Actors have to get paid for their time and effort to prepare and perform on the awards. Numbers need to be re-staged and re-choreographed. Sets have to be created and prepared, and costumes maintained. Lighting has be designed. Orchestrations and arrangements have to be done. 

All that costs money. 

Updated On: 4/17/15 at 11:25 AM

Paul, you're one of us! I totally agree with your entire review, and us Josh Young fans appreciate it and hope you're right! Also I agree with your criticisms and hope they are addressed for Broadway.

"And be sure to start off the show with Josh Young in high, contemporary Broadway full throttle. So far, so good!

Young, a Tony nominee as Judas in "Jesus Christ Superstar" and a 2013 BroadwayWorld Chicago Award nominee as Che in "Evita," gets to step up from faux-narrator to leading man in this production, and gets the show off to an incredible start, unleashing his trademarked voice on the song, "Truly Alive," reminiscent of Douglas Sills and the whole male ensemble in "The Scarlet Pimpernel" in its drive and verve. Young seems rarely offstage in this show, and for someone known as a singer he acts up a storm. This is star-making work from young Mr. Young. And though his first entrance didn't garner the applause it was intended to on Sunday night, I have a feeling it will, quite soon.

Given the rumors about his getting knocked in the head by a set-piece and missing some performances last week, he seemed in perfect health. And it's a highly physical role (gunfights, fistfights, beatings, dancing, falling overboard, all sort of shirts coming on and off). It's a very emotional one as well (arguments with this father, watching his childhood sweetheart romanced by a lout of an aristocrat, realizing that one's servant is actually an African tribesman that one knows literally nothing about, etc.). Young throws himself into this role like he's the luckiest youngster to ever get a promotion, and the one most deserving of a major shot at fame. He sinks his teeth into the depth and breadth of a lusty man who even in his youth was likely more complex that we will ever know."

Paul, these I agree with and I hope they address them. I was confused by the rabbi completely. I totally think they try to keep religion too much out of the show when it is a necessary ingredient. 

"However, the end of the show still needs a bit of work, I think. Even though the show does a very good dance around the idea of not seeming too religious for Broadway, and a rabbi is one of the abolitionists, there has got to be a moment of connection with the Christian God, I think, and that connection was a little bit vague. John Newton's turning point in life, asking for God's mercy as his ship was foundering in a storm, seemed less important than many other events which transpired, even though it should be the whole point, shouldn't it? Nor was it clearly explained, retold or rethought. A happy song ("Testimony") ensued, and then Newton proceeded to make amends to those he has wronged. Years later, he wrote a hymn text. And then the cast assembled to sing it for us. Okay. They're winding it up. I get it."

me kad? I said "Paul" as in Paul W. Thompson...who posted his bww review from chicago

I heard its a lot of craziness on stage. Im looking forward to it. I also hope First Wives Club comes in. Whats the word on that show?

You live in Chicago? Did you see Carousel? Also, GOTTA DANCE is doing their out of town tryout there this summer right? Wow chicago is a hot spot for out of town tryouts

Young is a great singer. But an actor? I'm not so sure. I sat front row at JCS and watched him attempt to act his way through Judas.... I was not sold. I even saw them stop and start over the title song about 4 times. And each time ... he was ... just not so great. It's such a strange concept that people think, Oh he's been in one Broadway show, so now he can handle opening a show on his own. I don't think he's any sort of great actor. 

ripped man - you're just wrong. I can only assume you have an axe to grind as you always "ripp" on Josh. You must have seen an off night. Young is one of the finest actors in musical theater. I've seen everything he's done since I first saw him in Night Music in Baltimore in 2008 or 9? You're judging on one performance? You think they cast him in Amazing Grace based on JCS? That's the silliest thing! I saw him in plays at Stratford Shakespeare Festival and he was equally as great and I know he's been attached to Amazing Grace way before JCS! I mean...you judge Josh on one performance of one show which I assume was an early preview if he had to repeat the song over and over? btw, why did he have to do that? 

His voice is literally pitch perfect!!!!!! omggggg