Opening tonight on Broadway, "Swept Away" is a remarkable new folk musical that combines the gorgeous songs of The Avett Brothers with an impeccable cast. Based on their 2004 album "Mignonette", this musical takes the true story of a sunken English yacht and relocates it to the coast of New Bedford, Massachusetts. The plot is as lean as a folk ballad and unfolds swiftly, drawing the audience into a world of drama and emotion.

Experience the Taut and Captivating Tale of "Swept Away"

The Prologue

As the audience enters the theater, they are confronted with a mysterious figure on stage - is it a corpse or a dummy? When the lights go down, we realize that this is a dying man in a tuberculous ward in the early 1900s. The stage is set for a story that will captivate and enthrall.

The use of greenish lighting on the three men who join the dying man later gives an otherworldly feel to the scene. It creates a sense of mystery and anticipation as they beseech the dying man to tell their story and forgive himself. Stay tuned to find out what secrets lie ahead.

The Whaling Ship

As the time flashes back to 1888, we are transported to a beautifully rendered ship. The masts, ropes, and wood seem to come alive, with the creaking sounds adding to the authenticity of the setting. John Gallagher Jr. plays Mate, a character with a mysterious past. His genial demeanor and orders to the ensemble of grizzled sailor-whalers set the tone for the initial camaraderie and hard work of the whaling life.

Among them is Little Brother (Adrian Blake Enscoe), a late-arriving but enthusiastic sailor who sings of leaving his family and true love behind. Hot on his heels is Big Brother (Stark Sands), determined to bring his younger sibling back. The brothers' arguments on board add a touch of tension to the story as the ship sets sail and makes sailors of them both.

The First Section

This 90-minute, intermissionless musical begins with a depiction of the initial camaraderie and hard work of the whaling life. The fine roots-rock and alt-folk songs like "Ain't No Man", "Go To Sleep", and "Hard Worker" add to the atmosphere. David Neumann's exuberant clap-and-stomp choreography brings the scenes to life.

We also get to know the main characters during this section. Little Brother's optimism shines through, while Big Brother's religious faith is evident in his song "Lord Lay Your Hand On My Shoulder". Captain (Wayne Duvall) embodies the end-of-the-line regrets as he grieves over the incipient junking of his ship and his way of life. But Mate remains a mystery, with his outward cheerfulness hiding a deeper story.

The Squall and Lifeboat

A sudden squall, chillingly rendered by thunder cracks and flashes of lightning, sets off a dramatic turn of events. The floor of the ship slowly tilts upward, reminiscent of the Titanic. The four main characters find themselves in a lifeboat, with the other sailors lost at sea. The survivors' garb grows tattered as their spirits do, and the days pass with increasing thirst, hunger, and exposure.

Little Brother is the worst affected by the storm, his body crushed by a fallen mast. But there are surprises in store as the story unfolds, revealing secrets about one character's past and his journey towards redemption. The performances in this section are outstanding, with each actor bringing their character to life with exceptional acting and singing.

The Performances

Reuniting with director Michael Mayer from his Tony-winning performance in "Spring Awakening", John Gallagher Jr. is the show's grounding influence. His sing-songy speech adds a unique touch to his character, effectively signifying the twists and turns of the tale. Stark Sands embodies the story's moral force without being off-putting, while Wayne Duvall captures the tragedy of a man facing his fate.

But it is Adrian Blake Enscoe as Little Brother who steals the show. In his Broadway debut, he beautifully conveys the brash, youthful hope that leads to unexpected places. His duets with Sands and Gallagher are highlights of the musical, adding to the emotional impact of the story.