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2024 Broadway
Swept Away the Musical - SYNOPSIS
The show's book is by John Logan.
In the early 1900s, Mate, dying of tuberculosis, is tormented by the memories of his crewmates who died after a shipwreck 22 years earlier. The spirits encourage him to "tell the truth".
In 1888, Mate is a whaling crew member under the Captain. Seeking adventure, Little Brother joins the crew, and, after attempting to bring him back home to their family farm, Big Brother becomes stranded on the ship as well.
Though excited for the journey, Little Brother laments the love he left behind on land, Melody Anne. He and Mate grow closer, much to Big Brother's disdain. Big Brother tries to rally the crew in prayer, but his attempts are in vain. Though he and Little Brother disagree on their purpose and desires in life, they value their brotherhood and agree on the importance of family.
Soon after, the ship is struck by a storm and sinks. The entire crew dies in the wreckage, save for Mate, Captain, and the Brothers. After six days in a lifeboat with no food, water, or rain, Little Brother, severely injured after being crushed by the falling mast, dictates a letter to Melody Anne for Mate to transcribe. Captain, distraught at having allowed his crew to perish alone, and Big Brother, insistent that Little Brother will not die alone, also dictate letters to their loved ones. Mate, realizing he has no one to write to, reflects on what he has made of his life.
After sixteen days stranded at sea, the four are starving. Mate tells Captain that Little Brother will die soon anyway and that they should kill him in his sleep so the rest of them can have something to eat and drink. Captain refuses to make a decision, instead telling Mate that he is in charge now. Big Brother stops Mate from killing Little Brother, though Little Brother agrees that he will sacrifice himself after seeing one last sunrise. Big Brother concedes but insists that he will be the one to kill him, not Mate. When the time comes to make the sacrifice, however, Big Brother slits his own throat instead.
Mate struggles to continue the story, but is urged by the others to "make himself clean." Mate recounts how they all ate and drank from Big Brother's body. They were found by another ship shortly after, but the three never spoke of the incident again. Captain died three years after the incident, and Little Brother just one year ago, surrounded by Melody Anne and their children. With the confession of the truth, Mate completes the retelling of the story.
Review: Swept Away the Musical Lyrics
Swept Away the Musical Lyrics
SYNOPSIS
Go to Sleep
Hard Worker
Nothin' Short of Thankful
Swept Away
May It Last
Murder in the City
A Gift for Melody Anne
Through My Prayers
Satan Pulls the Strings
No Hard Feelings
The Once and Future Carpenter
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