It is Sunday, October 26, marking the official opening night performance of Sting's first foray into the musical theatre world. THE LAST SHIP docks at the Neil Simon!
It probably will, but for some reason, I thoroughly enjoyed it. Maybe because it was so refreshing seeing a musical that wasn't geared toward the little kiddy widdy winkies. I mean, how many cartoons turned Broadway musical do we need?
"Having to tack between all the plot points causes this musical to lose momentum, and Sting’s lyrics and music, marked by his driving lyricism, love of waltz time, and Brecht/Weill flourishes, are insufficient to caulk over the holes."
"Submerged beneath an often told prodigal-son story is a haunting, gorgeously executed and involving musical that marks the debut of a new Broadway composer—Sting."
"Sting’s songs are haunting and lyrical, the creative team is made up of Broadway royalty, the acting helps lend a sense of authenticity to this heartfelt tale based on the struggles of the shipbuilding community where the rock star grew up in Northern England. So why did “The Last Ship” ultimately feel to me so much like an overlong commercial for beer or aftershave lotion — all manly fellowship and honest, muscular effort, without much purpose except to work up a sweat?"
'The Last Ship' review: ravishing concert, improbable story
""The Last Ship" is a ravishing concert with passionate singers buried in a monotonous, improbable story and surrounded by dark rusted metal with grim industrial scaffolds."
I think these reviews are strong enough that the show will run a season or so. There's so many good quotes for the music, and Sting sells, so they should be fine. The ship is going to sail! Good for them.
Ben's review is the best, not so good review I've read in a while. 90% of it is pullable to make it look like a rave.
Now it's the job of the Producers to turn this into a hit, Shows with a review like that, could turn into a hit with the right moves. And get Sting a TONY.