The Last Ship Reviews

Toni H from Chicago, Illinois

NOT A SHOUTY MUSICAL

I'm not a big fan of musicals because I don't like people spontaneously bursting into song and shouting the songs at that. The Last Ship however, I found a delight. Being from the place in England where it is based, the play probably had a lot more meaning for me than for many audience members. However, the simple plot line together with beautiful songs (both lyrics and music), a strong cast and fine singers, should make this everyone's cup of tea.

Coffeecup1390 from Chicago, Illinois

SUGGESTION: SCENE REWRITE

This musical could go to Broadway "as is". The staging is terrific. The choreography is action-packed and partners with the very clever lyrics and inspired music. The actors could not work any harder or be any better. They get 5 stars. Overall, I give this show 4.5. What would get the show a 5? Change one scene. The somber 'wake' scene in the bar is a jolt. In keeping with his character, the priest's 'wake' deserves an Irish funeral filled with laughter/stories---helping transition the audience from an other-world launch to the real-world launch. .

BHutchins from Chicago, Illinois

BETTER THAN EXPECTED

Really a great theater show. So much better than we had expected. The story , actors and music were all great. Highly recommended.

Diane S from Chicago, Illinois

MOVING

Great singing by female stars. Wonderful lighting and staging. Enjoyed male leads and ensemble!!! Engaging, moving story line. Evolution industry and societies must undergo to survive.

Sandy from Chicago, Illinois

THE LAST SHIP: SEAWORTHY BUT FOR ONE (SMALL) LAST DETAIL!

Gorgeous, tuneful, compelling musical-- classically Broadway. Short on spectacle, long on heart, music and character. Only flaw is that Gideon, the putative protagonist, is not very likable; we were rooting for his romantic rival Arthur. This can be corrected either by making him regret his initial departure, making it at first more justifiable (and his father less sympathetic) or the motivation for his return more believable--or by shifting the focus to Meg, whose history with the town is longer and unbroken, and who has the two central emotional choices to make. Her character must act, while Gideon, Arthur and her son react. Her choices rule the plot’s ultimate direction. I am anxious to see this in NYC both in previews and once it formally opens to see what changes if any have been made. And I urge Sting to keep his established “When We Dance” in the score, as it’s beautiful, haunting & expository. Ate at the bar & grill across the street....meh.

Charles Robinson from Chicago, Illinois

UNIVERSAL STORY WELL TOLD

I am not a fan of musicals, but had to see The Last Ship after it previewed on PBS. It was definitely worth the price of admission. With a few changes, the play could be about Gary, In. or Detroit. A universal story of workers in a basic industry being displaced, losing their way of life ( oftentimes multi-generational). Jimmy Nail is a treasure, and Fred Applegate's character is memorable. Saw the final performance in Chicago on July 13. I would heartily recommend seeing this play to New Yorkers.

Kristi L. from Chicago, Illinois

THE MUSIC MAKES IT!

Really liked the music -- very "Sting" and I love his music. I felt the story was a bit predictable -- story didn't really capture me. Liked second act better than first. HATE the seating in this theatre. We were in 2nd row dress circle and could not see the stage at all. Once the play started everyone spread out and looked for a seat where they could actually see. Dress circle was about half full so we had plenty of space. This happened to me at Book of Mormon too. The spacing to be able to see around the people in front of you is the absolute worst in this theater.

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