New York – Swept Away, the new Broadway musical featuring the music of the beloved folk-rock band The Avett Brothers, opened last night at the Longacre Theatre to a roaring standing ovation.
The brothers are nephews of former Cherokee Scout editor Wally Avett of Martins Creek.
The Avett Brothers joined the cast on stage for a special curtain call performance of the show’s title track. The production incorporates songs from The Avett Brothers’ 2004 album, Mignonette, and others in their catalogue, plus one new song – “Lord Lay Your Hand on My Shoulder” – written by Seth Avett expressly for the production.
The principal cast members, reprising their roles from the show’s previous sold out and critically acclaimed runs at Berkeley Repertory in 2022 and Washington’s Arena Stage in 2023, include Tony Award winner John Gallagher Jr. (Spring Awakening), Tony Award nominee Stark Sands (Kinky Boots), Adrian Blake Enscoe (Apple TV+’s Dickinson) and Wayne Duvall (1984). On Friday, The Avett Brothers joined the Swept Away principals for a performance on NBC’s Today show.
The anticipated Broadway debut of Swept Away is the latest in a highlight-filled year for The Avett Brothers. In May, they released their first new album in five years, The Avett Brothers – now a Grammy nominee for Best Recording Package – followed by an extensive U.S. tour and appearances on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Jimmy Kimmel Live!, CBS Saturday Morning, NPR’s All Things Considered and more.
Just last week, The Avett Brothers were presented with the North Carolina Award – their home state’s highest honor – by Gov. Roy Cooper.
Details: Visit sweptawaymusical.com.