Swept Away at Arena Stage

Swept Away

Arena Stage
1101 Sixth Street, SW Washington

When a violent storm sinks their whaling ship off the coast of New Bedford, Mass., the four survivors face a reckoning: how far will they go to stay alive? And can they live with the consequences? With music and lyrics from The Avett Brothers ("America's Biggest Roots Band," Rolling Stone), whose 2004 "Mignonette" was inspired by an 1884 shipwreck and the struggle of four men to survive, Swept Away is an electrifying, soul-stirring exploration of how facing tragedy can open the door to forgiveness... if only we'll let it.

Thru - Jan 14, 2024

Stage: Kreeger Theater

Show Type: Drama

Box Office: 202-488-3300

www.arenastage.com

Find Discounted Parking near Arena Stage for Swept Away

Swept Away Reviews

Average Rating based on 5 reviews

Highly Recommended
Recommended
Somewhat Recommended
Not Recommended

Washington Post - Recommended

"...Waves of roots rock and soulful introspection come crashing one after the other in "Swept Away," the transfixing new musical that officially opened Wednesday night at Arena Stage. Inspired by the Avett Brothers' 2004 album "Mignonette," about four men stranded in the Atlantic Ocean after a 19th-century shipwreck, this morality tale launches with toe-tapping propulsion before anchoring for an intimate elegy on grief and guilt."

Read Full Review

- Thomas Floyd

DC Theater Arts - Highly Recommended

"...Never whistle backstage. Even the greenest actors know the superstition, which supposedly dates back to the 17th century when, during the colder months, sailors would moonlight as stagehands. Masters at rigging, they would signal set changes with whistles, flying scenery in and out high above the stage. An inadvertent trill could cause a lot of damage. Fortunately, there's little danger of that in Swept Away, a polished, technically impressive, and rollicking musical currently on the boards at Arena Stage through January 14, 2024."

Read Full Review

- Chad Kinsman

MetroWeekly - Highly Recommended

"...The thump and twang of The Avett Brothers' roots rock translates beautifully to the stage in the new musical adventure Swept Away. Having world-premiered with a successful run at Berkeley Rep in 2022, the show - a tragic tale of hard-working, seafaring men - arrives at Arena Stage with most of its original company intact."

Read Full Review

- Andre Hereford

Talkin Broadway - Highly Recommended

"...Whatever audiences may expect to see in Swept Away, the muscular musical receiving its East Coast premiere in the Kreeger Theater at Washington's Arena Stage, the production will leave them surprised, shaken and inspired. This deeply emotional story of four sailors stranded by the wreck of their whaling ship in 1888 ably navigates issues of love and responsibility, powered by a richly melodic score by the Avett Brothers."

Read Full Review

- Susan Berlin

MD Theatre Guide - Highly Recommended

"...With themes of sacrifice, absolution, and confession, "Swept Away" unfolds like Christian parable, albeit one better aligned with Easter than Christmas. As long as you are not put off by the tragic story, "Swept Away" delivers masterful theatre. The new arrangements revitalize Avett Brothers songs from years past without straying too far from the folk-rock sound that fans expect. The cast draws from top Broadway and local talent, and despite the grim storyline, director Michael Mayer does find moments for joy and levity. Go with an open mind and you may find yourself swept away."

Read Full Review

- Charlotte Selton

Swept Away at Arena Stage

Swept Away

Swept Away Reviews

Washington Post - Recommended

DC Theater Arts - Highly Recommended

MetroWeekly - Highly Recommended

Talkin Broadway - Highly Recommended

MD Theatre Guide - Highly Recommended

Explore More

Other Sites