Sting’s The Last Ship Sails to Broadway
The Last Ship, the latest labor of love from internationally acclaimed singer, songwriter, and musician Sting, is coming to Broadway as a member of the Broadway Collection. Two-time Tony Award-winner Joe Mantello directs alongside British choreographer Steven Hoggett in this touching new musical about community, family, tradition and moving on. The Last Ship enjoyed a run in Chicago earlier in 2014, and is coming to Broadway for previews on September 29th, 2014 with an official opening date of October 26th, 2014 at the Neil Simon Theater.
A reflective drama set in the English seafaring town of Wallsend, The Last Ship chronicles the passionate endeavors of working-class citizens in search of a better life. Based on 16-time Grammy Award winner Sting’s own childhood, it tells the story of a close-knit community centered on the local shipyard. When main character Gideon Fletcher breaks the mold and sets out to travel the world as a young man, he is unprepared for the changes which occur in his 14 year absence. Upon his return, he discovers his father has passed away, his former love has been claimed and further distressing, the shipyard has closed. The passionate and prideful town members pull together to construct one final ship, a testament of human ingenuity and creativity, whose upcoming launch will symbolize the past setting sail.
Reflective of Sting’s roots, the cast of The Last Ship is largely British and stars popular actor Jimmy Nail. Sting’s musical composition and lyrics set sail under the direction of Mantello, who is internationally acclaimed for directing popular Broadway Collection member, Wicked. Brian Yorkey and John Logan collaborate on the musical’s book, combining their Pulitzer Prize, Tony Award, and Olivier Award-winning skill sets to bring Sting’s vision to the Broadway stage. Inspired by the distinctive folk music of Northeast England, a mixture of Celtic and north Umbrian music, along with more chromatic traditional music of the theater, the score is a stirring medley intended to inspire and ignite international audiences. With a musical vocabulary influenced by classic musicals like Carousel and South Pacific, this new musical is Sting’s revealing journey home after traveling the world throughout his illustrious career.
The Last Ship is part of The Broadway Collection, a group of New York City’s most highly regarded musicals and shows, selected for their unparalleled popularity with international audiences and put together by Broadway Inbound. Tickets are available through the international Broadway Inbound and Broadway Collection partners.