In a surprising turn of events, “Swept Away,” the new musical featuring songs of the Avett Brothers, has announced an extension of its Broadway run at the Longacre Theatre. Originally slated to close on Dec. 15, the show will now play through Dec. 29.
Producers Matthew Masten, Sean Hudock and Madison Wells Live made the official announcement following the Dec. 10 evening performance, citing a surge in ticket sales following the initial announcement of its closing.
During the curtain call, actor Stark Sands addressed the crowd: “The story we tell is about the will to survive against incredible odds. This show was scheduled to play its final performance on Sunday, but thanks to you — the audience members who have come out to see us since we made that announcement — it turns out there’s more life left in us yet.”
Having officially opened on Nov. 19 at the Longacre Theatre, “Swept Away” will now have played a total of 48 regular performances and 20 previews by the time it concludes its extended run.
While it is rare for a Broadway show to extend after announcing a final performance date, this is not unprecedented. Jordan E. Cooper’s play “Ain’t No Mo’” initially announced a closing date of Dec. 18, 2022, before it extended one week through Dec. 23 of that year. A social media campaign to #SaveAintNoMo resulted in several celebrities buying out entire performances to keep the show open. Earlier in 2022, the revival of “for colored girls who have considered suicide/when the rainbow is enuf” had announced a closing of May 22 and then extended to June 5. “Is This a Room” and “Dana H.,” which played in repertory in 2021, each extended a week after declaring their final dates.
Most famously in recent memory, Paula Vogel’s drama “Indecent” announced it would end its run on June 25, 2017, only to be extended through Aug. 6, 2017. Digging farther back, the musical “Urban Cowboy” reported it would play its final performance on March 29, 2003, only to extend through May 18 of that year.
