The Journey of the Avett Brothers: From Touring Musicians to Broadway Sensations
In the early years of the 21st century, long before the Avett Brothers achieved their status as a top-tier band with multiple Grammy nominations and chart-topping albums, they were simply three young musicians, tirelessly touring in their van. Their unique sound—a compelling fusion of folk, rock, and country—captivated audiences as they raced from one live performance to another. During one of these extensive tours, Scott Avett received a thought-provoking gift from his father: a copy of The Custom of the Sea, a gripping account by Neil Hanson that details the tragic events surrounding the wreck of the Mignonette, a British yacht in the 19th century.
As the miles rolled by, Scott began sharing the story with his brother Seth and their bandmate Bob Crawford, recounting the harrowing tale of the crewmen who found themselves stranded off the coast of South Africa. Inspired by this profound survival narrative, they decided to channel its themes into their next project, leading to the creation of their second studio album, aptly titled Mignonette, which was released in 2004.
Over the ensuing years, the Avett Brothers quickly gained prominence, selling out arenas across the country with their emotionally charged Americana sound and introspective lyrics. Their music resonated deeply with fans, solidifying their place as stars within the genre. Then, about a decade after the release of Mignonette, they received an unexpected call that would change the course of their artistic journey: a young theater producer named Matthew Masten expressed interest in adapting the album into a stage musical.
“At first, it seemed like an intriguing idea,” recalled Scott Avett, who contributes his talents as a singer, guitarist, and banjo player in the group. “However, we all know that ideas come easily, and only a small fraction ever come to fruition.”
What followed was a decade filled with numerous challenges, revisions, and several regional productions that put the story to the test. Finally, after years of persistence and creative effort, the musical Swept Away is set to make its Broadway debut. The highly anticipated opening night is scheduled for November 19 at the Longacre Theater.
The cast of Swept Away includes a talented ensemble, featuring Adrian Blake Enscoe as the adventurous Little Brother, Stark Sands as the devout Big Brother, John Gallagher Jr. as the steadfast Mate, and Wayne Duvall as the resolute Captain. This production promises to bring the emotional depth of the original album to life on stage, blending music, storytelling, and powerful performances.
