Explore the new musical about a shipwreck and its aftermath that premiered at the Longacre Theater on Nov. 19.
The Broadway musical “Swept Away,” featuring the songs of the Avett Brothers, will be ending its run on December 15, 2024, after a short-lived stint on the stage. The show, which delves into the aftermath of a 19th-century shipwreck and the human will to survive, received mixed reviews despite praise from critics like Jesse Green of the New York Times.
The production, which began previews on October 29 and officially opened on November 19 at the Longacre Theater, will have completed 20 previews and 32 regular performances by the time it closes. Despite its unique storyline and the involvement of notable talents like John Logan and Michael Mayer, the show struggled to attract audiences and failed to recoup its $14.5 million capitalization costs.
The decision to close “Swept Away” comes amidst a challenging environment for new musicals on Broadway, with the show being the second of the season to shutter soon after its debut, following “Tammy Faye.” Factors contributing to its closure include low weekly grosses, stiff competition from other more established productions, and potentially off-putting themes such as cannibalism.
The Avett Brothers’ loyal fan base and the upcoming release of a cast recording featuring songs from the show may help keep the musical alive in some form beyond its Broadway run. The story, which is based on a real 19th-century tragedy, explores deep moral dilemmas and the darker aspects of human nature.
The core of “Swept Away” revolves around four men stranded on a lifeboat, portrayed by talented actors including John Gallagher Jr. and Stark Sands. The show’s creative team, including Tony winners John Logan and Michael Mayer, worked to bring the haunting tale to life on stage, but ultimately faced challenges in attracting a sustainable audience.
Despite its premature closure, “Swept Away” leaves a mark on Broadway as a bold and introspective musical that dared to delve into complex themes and showcase the evocative music of the Avett Brothers. As the show prepares to take its final bow, it serves as a reminder of the risks and rewards of creating original theatrical works in a competitive and ever-evolving industry.
Source: The NY Times
