Navigating the Uncharted Waters of Broadway: The Captivating Journey of "Swept Away"

The cast of the highly anticipated Broadway musical "Swept Away" has forged an unbreakable bond, weathering the challenges of COVID-19 workshops and regional theater tours to bring this epic tale of survival and salvation to the stage. As they delve into the lives of their whaling characters, the actors find themselves grappling with the same questions and choices their roles face, creating a profound connection that shines through in their performances.

Charting a Course for Broadway's Biggest Stage

A Serendipitous Collaboration

The journey of "Swept Away" began with a chance encounter in 2017, when screenwriter and playwright John Logan received an unexpected email from a producer inquiring about the possibility of turning the Avett Brothers' album "Mignonette" into a concept musical. Intrigued by the idea, Logan immersed himself in the band's entire catalog, recognizing the inherent theatricality and potential for a captivating narrative. With the Avett Brothers' blessing, Logan set out to craft a story that would capture the essence of their music and the harrowing experiences of sailors lost at sea.

Bringing the Whaling Life to the Stage

As the cast of "Swept Away" came together, they found themselves drawn into the world of their characters, imagining how they would fare on a whaling ship and the choices they would make in the face of adversity. John Gallagher Jr., who plays the first mate, and Wayne Duvall, portraying the ship's captain, engaged in lively discussions about the practical and emotional challenges their roles would face. Meanwhile, Stark Sands, who plays one of the two brothers, immersed himself in research, visiting Nantucket and uncovering his own family's whaling history, much to the relief of his castmates who were spared the grim details.

A Tight-Knit Crew

The cast of "Swept Away" is no stranger to working together, with Gallagher and Sands having previously collaborated on the Broadway musical "American Idiot." This shared history has forged a strong bond among the ensemble, as they navigate the superstitions and challenges inherent in the theater world, much like the characters they portray on the high seas. The actors have developed a playful camaraderie, joking about who would be the first to "lose it" in the face of the harrowing circumstances their characters face, with Gallagher admitting that the "old him" might have been the first to succumb, but the "new him" is ready to weather the storm.

A Homecoming to Broadway

After successful regional theater runs in Berkeley and Washington, D.C., the cast of "Swept Away" is eager to make their Broadway debut at the Longacre Theatre, where performances begin on October 29. The journey to this point has been a long and winding one, but the team behind the musical is confident that their hard work and dedication will pay off as they bring this captivating story to the heart of the theater district. With the Avett Brothers' evocative music as the backdrop, "Swept Away" promises to be a transformative theatrical experience, one that will leave audiences deeply moved and inspired.