Four well-known actors, John Gallagher Jr., Stark Sands, Adrian Blake Enscoe, and Wayne Duvall, are set to star in the upcoming musical “Swept Away,” which is sailing into Broadway’s Longacre Theatre this October. This nautical tale follows four men stranded in the Atlantic Ocean after a 19th-century shipwreck and features music from The Avett Brothers, specifically their 2004 album “Mignonette.”
The Avett Brothers emphasized the theme of brotherhood in the musical, stating that watching the four actors collaborate on the development of “Swept Away” has epitomized the essence of brotherhood. The show, with a story by acclaimed playwright John Logan, premiered at Berkeley Repertory Theatre earlier in 2022 before moving to Arena Stage in Washington, D.C.
Critics have compared “Swept Away” to boundary-pushing musicals like “Next to Normal” and “Dear Evan Hansen,” noting its themes of sacrifice, absolution, and confession akin to a Christian parable more suitable for Easter than Christmas. Tony-winner Michael Mayer, known for his work on “Spring Awakening” and “American Idiot,” will direct the show, reuniting with Gallagher and Sands.
Sands, a two-time Tony nominee, has showcased his talent in “Kinky Boots” and “Journey’s End,” while Duvall and Enscoe bring their own impressive Broadway credits to the production. Despite the success of Broadway musicals set at sea like “Anything Goes” and “Titanic,” some, such as “The Pirate Queen” and “The Last Ship,” have struggled to find their footing.
The anticipation for “Swept Away” is high as Broadway audiences eagerly await the unveiling of this new production, promising a compelling tale of survival and camaraderie on the high seas.
