Avett Brothers Musical Swept Away Announces Broadway Closing Date

The Broadway debut of Swept Away, the Avett Brothers musical, will end its run at the Longacre Theatre on December 15. After opening to previews on October 29 and officially debuting on November 19, the production will have completed 20 previews and 32 regular performances by the time of its final curtain.

Despite its compelling narrative and a strong creative team, Swept Away has faced challenges at the box office since opening. For the week ending November 24, the show grossed $409,354.80, followed by $412,182.30 over the Thanksgiving holiday week—figures that fall short of the costs associated with a production featuring a 16-member cast.

Producers Matthew Masten, Sean Hudock, and Madison Wells Live have expressed their gratitude to the creative team, cast, and investors who supported the musical. While the production’s Broadway run is coming to an early close, the producers emphasized their pride in bringing this original work to the stage and its years-long journey to Broadway.

A bright spot for fans of Swept Away is the announcement of a Broadway cast recording set to be released in 2025, offering audiences a chance to relive the musical’s haunting melodies and emotional performances.

Directed by Tony Award winner Michael Mayer, Swept Away features music by the folk-rock group The Avett Brothers, with a book by John Logan. The story follows four survivors of an 1888 shipwreck off the coast of New Bedford, Massachusetts, as they grapple with survival, morality, and the possibility of redemption.

The cast includes Tony winner John Gallagher Jr. (Spring Awakening) as Mate, Stark Sands (Kinky Boots) as Big Brother, Adrian Blake Enscoe (Dickinson) as Little Brother, and Wayne Duvall (1984) as Captain. They are joined by ensemble members Hunter Brown, Matt DeAngelis, Cameron Johnson, Brandon Kalm, Michael J. Mainwaring, Orville Mendoza, Tyrone L. Robinson, John Sygar, Josh Breckenridge, Rico LeBron, Chase Peacock, David Rowen, and swings John Michael Finley and Robert Pendilla.

The production’s creative team boasts Tony-winning talent, including set designer Rachel Hauck, costume designer Susan Hilferty, lighting designer Kevin Adams, and sound designer John Shivers. The music team features arranger and orchestrator Chris Miller, music supervisor Brian Usifer, and music director Will Van Dyke.

While Swept Away faced challenges in its Broadway run, its rich storytelling and evocative music have left a lasting impression on its cast, crew, and audiences. The upcoming cast recording will serve as a lasting testament to the musical’s artistic achievements and dedication to original theatre.