The new Broadway musical 'Swept Away,' inspired by the music of the Avett Brothers, has opened at the Longacre Theatre, with a book by John Logan.

This production intertwines the haunting music from 'Mignonette' with the historical account of the Mignonette shipwreck in July 1884, where four survivors faced harrowing choices to stay alive.

Despite commendable performances by the lead actors, including John Gallagher Jr. and Stark Sands, critics note that the overall emotional impact of the musical is lacking.

Set against the backdrop of the declining whaling industry, 'Swept Away' explores themes of survival and ethical dilemmas through the lens of a disillusioned captain and his crew.

The characters are portrayed with varying degrees of depth, with the Mate depicted as a drunken scallywag and the Captain as a traditional whaler, while the Little Brother embodies optimism.

Critics have pointed out that the show struggles with pacing, with its 90-minute runtime feeling insufficient to fully explore the characters' motivations and the dire circumstances they face.

Described as one of the darkest musicals on Broadway, 'Swept Away' delves into themes of survival, redemption, and the depths of the human soul.

The production showcases a diverse and talented cast and crew, aiming to deliver a compelling theatrical experience that challenges conventional storytelling.

The unsettling final scenes, which focus on the grim decision of whom to eat, leave audiences questioning their dinner plans, contributing to the musical's dark reputation.

The musical features a talented cast, including Tony winner John Gallagher Jr. and Broadway debutant Adrian Blake Enscoe, whose performances resonate with the Americana-inspired score.

Director Michael Mayer effectively combines dark themes with musical elements, drawing on his experience from previous hits like 'Spring Awakening' to create a compelling theatrical experience.

Audience feedback has been generally positive, with an 81% approval rating on Show-Score, praising the performances and scenic design, although some have noted issues with narrative coherence.