Stars Announced for Broadway Musical 'Swept Away'

New York's Longacre Theatre is set to host the new musical "Swept Away," which tells the story of four men stranded in the Atlantic Ocean following a 19th-century shipwreck. The production, featuring songs from The Avett Brothers, particularly their 2004 album "Mignonette," will premiere in October. The band expressed their excitement, highlighting the theme of brotherhood that resonates throughout the musical, reflecting the collaborative spirit of the cast. The show boasts a narrative crafted by John Logan, a Tony Award-winning playwright known for works like "Red" and screenplays for major films such as "Gladiator." "Swept Away" first debuted at Berkeley Repertory Theatre in early 2022 before moving to Arena Stage in Washington, D.C. Critics have drawn comparisons to innovative musicals like "Next to Normal" and "Dear Evan Hansen," noting its exploration of themes such as sacrifice and redemption. Tony Award-winning director Michael Mayer, who has previously collaborated with cast members John Gallagher Jr. and Stark Sands, is at the helm of the production. Mayer expressed his enthusiasm for reuniting with his frequent collaborators and bringing this new work to Broadway audiences. The cast includes notable talents, with Sands being a two-time Tony nominee and Duvall and Enscoe bringing their own Broadway experiences to the stage. While musicals set at sea have a mixed history on Broadway, "Swept Away" aims to carve its own niche among classics like "Anything Goes" and "Titanic," promising a fresh take on maritime storytelling.