[2][3] It is based loosely on the life of John Newton, an English slave trader who later became an Anglican priest and eventually an abolitionist.

His childhood friend, Mary Catlett, an aspiring singer, is angry that John abandoned his musical education to seek adventure at sea.

John's father, Captain Newton, a wealthy slave-trader arrives; he is angry that his son has rejected his plans for him ("Truly Alive").

A commotion ensues when a slave is freed by a group of hooded abolitionists; Mary gives up her cloak to conceal the young woman and aid her escape.

As a cousin of George II, he must introduce Mary to the King to obtain royal consent to the marriage ("Expectations").

John defies her ("Welcome Song") and is chained to a post and saved from starvation by a young slave girl, Yema.

Meanwhile, Mary performs with the town choir ("Sing on High") and learns from Captain Newton that the Harwich has been lost ("Tell Me Why").

Captain Newton prepares to sail to Sierra Leone ("A Chance for Me"), and Mary asks him to give John a letter.

The Princess tests John's loyalty, pressuring him to sell Thomas as a slave bound for Barbados.

Back in England, Major Gray learns that Mary plans to speak against slavery in front of Prince Frederick at the Christmas concert at court, where she has been asked to perform.

John arrives home; Mary delivers an impassioned plea to Prince Frederick to end the barbarity of slavery.

[6] Amazing Grace was first presented after a number of readings in a developmental production at Goodspeed Musicals in Chester, Connecticut in the summer of 2012.

This production starred Josh Young as John, alongside Erin Mackey as Mary, Tom Hewitt as Captain Newton, Chuck Cooper as Pakuteh/Thomas, and Stanley Bahorek as Robert Haweis.