One of this fall’s most highly anticipated musicals is The Last Ship. It is billed as an autobiographically inspired musical by 16-time Grammy winning recording artist Sting. Initially inspired by his 1991 album The Soul Cages, the plot of the musical is evocative of Sting’s childhood, and is set in his childhood home of Newcastle, England.

 

The producers state that The Last Ship, “is set in the English seafaring town of Wallsend, a close-knit community where life has always revolved around the local shipyard where the hardworking men construct magnificent vessels with tremendous pride. But Gideon Fletcher dreams of a different future. He sets out to travel the world, leaving his life and his love behind. When Gideon returns home 14 years later, he finds the shipyard’s future in grave danger and his childhood sweetheart engaged to someone else. As the men of Wallsend take their future into their own hands and build a towering representation of the shared dream that defines their existence, Gideon realizes that he left behind more than he could have ever imagined.”

 

The Last Ship features original music by Sting, and a book by John Logan (Tony winner- Red) and Brian Yorkey (Pulitzer Prize winner- Next to Normal). It is directed by Joe Mantello (Wicked, Casa Valentina), and choreographed by Steven Hoggett (Rocky, Once). The cast features Michael Esper, Rachel Tucker, Jimmy Nail, Fred Applegate, Aaron Lazar, Sally Ann Triplett, and Collin Kelly-Sordelet, as well as various ensemble members.

 

The production also features costume design by David Zinn, lighting design by Chistopher Akerlind, and sound design by Brian Ronan. Casting is by Telsey + Company/Craig Burns, CSA.

 

The Last Ship recently completed its out-of-town tryout in Chicago at the Bank of America Theatre. It opened to positive reviews in Chicago, and experienced a healthy run. It ran there from June 10 to July 13, in preparation for its New York premiere. It will begin previews in New York on September 29, 2014 at The Neil Simon Theatre, in preparation for an October 26 opening.