Scene from the Chicago production of The Last Ship. Photo by Joan Marcus.
Audiences got their first look at Sting’s The Last Ship in an intimate concert version of the musical on Great Performances, filmed in 2013 on Sting’s birthday (October 2) at the Public Theater in New York City. Inspired by Sting’s hometown Wallsend, The Last Ship is about the ordinary men who construct magnificent vessels at the local shipyard, the future of which is uncertain.
The Last Ship launched at The Bank of America Theatre in Chicago this summer and has arrived in New York City. Though it officially opens on Broadway on October 26 at the Neil Simon Theater, you can see performances now during the period known as “previews,” which began on September 29.
Previews usually last three to four weeks and give a cast, director, writers and stage crew time to work out any kinks before the all-important critics write what could be a make-or-break review. The experience is just like attending a post-opening performance (you won’t feel like you’re at a rehearsal!). Though preview tickets still cost money, seats are often easier to come by (and sometimes less expensive), especially if glowing reviews follow the opening.
There’s a love story element to The Last Ship, as pictured here in this scene from the Chicago production of The Last Ship. Photo by Joan Marcus.
Sting’s original music for the show is accompanied by a book by Tony Award winner John Logan (Red) and Pulitzer Prize winner Brian Yorkey (Next to Normal), and choreography by Steven Hoggett (Once). It’s directed by two-time Tony winner Joe Mantello (Wicked) and runs two hours and 30 minutes with one intermission.
You can sample the music and storyline in Great Performances’ full episode of the concert performance, with Sting performing the songs with a band. Though he wrote the music for The Last Ship, Sting does not perform in the theatrical production, so see him only here on Great Performances!
Learn more about the Broadway show on the official site for The Last Ship.