In a bold departure from traditional Broadway fare, The Avett Brothers’ haunting new musical “Swept Away” has dropped anchor at the Longacre Theatre, bringing with it a storm of controversy and compelling performances that challenge audience expectations.
Veteran director Michael Mayer transforms the folk band’s 2004 album “Mignonette” into a gripping 90-minute journey that dares to explore the darkest corners of human survival in this show. A real-life maritime disaster inspires the tale at its core, but the creative team shifts the setting from British waters to the familiar shores of New England’s whaling industry.
John Gallagher Jr. leads the cast as Mate, delivering a performance that hooks audiences from his first appearance as a dying man in a charity ward. His portrayal of the troubled sailor carries the weight of untold horrors, brought to life through a distinctive Vermont accent that adds both character and occasional unintentional humor to the proceedings.
The story unfolds through flashbacks, where we meet our central quartet of characters:
- Mate: The hardened sailor with a dark past
- Wayne Duvall portrays Captain, an elderly whaler confronting obsolescence.
- Little Brother (Adrian Blake Enscoe): A bright-eyed newcomer seeking adventure
- Big Brother (Stark Sands): The reluctant sailor trying to protect his sibling
The production’s technical elements create a vivid maritime world. Rachel Hauck’s set design transforms dramatically during the show’s infamous shipwreck scene, tilting and splintering in a breathtaking display that rivals recent Broadway spectacles. The lighting by Kevin Adams paints the stage in ghostly greens and stormy blues, while Susan Hilferty’s costumes evolve from pristine sailing gear to tattered survivors’ rags.
The Avett Brothers’ folk songs shine in this new setting, though some purists might question their deployment. Standout numbers include the haunting title track and the spiritually charged “Lord Lay Your Hand On My Shoulder.” The music serves both as a storytelling device and an emotional undercurrent, particularly effective in the show’s lighter first half.
However, it’s the second act where “Swept Away” truly tests its audience’s limits. The story takes a sharp turn into survival horror as our characters face increasingly desperate circumstances aboard a lifeboat. The show doesn’t shy away from its darkest elements, including the ultimate taboo of cannibalism, though it handles these moments with surprising restraint.
Adrian Blake Enscoe deserves special mention for his Broadway debut as Little Brother. His crystal-clear voice and earnest performance provide the show’s emotional anchor, making the character’s arc all the more devastating. His duets with both Sands and Gallagher Jr. rank among the production’s finest moments.
The show’s concise 90-minute duration serves as both an advantage and a disadvantage. While the show maintains tension throughout, some character development feels rushed, particularly in crucial relationships that should enhance the impact of later tragic choices.
Despite its occasional rough waters, “Swept Away” marks a bold addition to Broadway’s current season. It challenges audiences with its dark themes while rewarding them with stunning technical achievements and powerful performances. The show successfully navigates the difficult waters between traditional musical theater and contemporary folk music, creating something unique in today’s Broadway landscape.
Final Verdict:
“Swept Away” presents a haunting meditation on survival, redemption, and the cost of salvation, despite its intensity. Audiences will likely divide over this remarkable achievement, but it will undoubtedly leave a lasting impression.