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The Last Ship (Chicago)

Theatre

The Last Ship (Chicago) Tickets

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Rating: 4.4 out of 5 based on 515 reviews

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About

THE LAST SHIP is a new musical with an original score by 16-time Grammy Award winner Sting. Inspired by Sting's own childhood experiences, this World Premiere production features direction by two-time Tony Award winner Joe Mantello (Wicked), a book by Tony Award winner John Logan (Red) and Pulitzer Prize winner Brian Yorkey (Next to Normal) and choreography by Olivier Award winner Steven Hoggett (Once).

THE LAST SHIP is set in the English seafaring town of Wallsend, a close-knit community where life has always revolved around the local shipyard and the hardworking men construct magnificent vessels with tremendous pride. But Gideon Fletcher dreams of a different future. He sets out to travel the world, leaving his life and his love behind. When Gideon returns home 14 years later, he finds the shipyard's future in grave danger and his childhood sweetheart engaged to someone else. As the men of Wallsend take their future into their own hands and build a towering representation of the shared dream that defines their existence, Gideon realizes that he left behind more than he could have ever imagined.
 
THE LAST SHIP is a portrait of a community so bound together by passion, faith and tradition, they'll stop at nothing to preserve the only life they've ever known.

Reviews

Rating: 4.4 out of 5 based on 515 reviews
  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Great Fun

    by TWMJ on 7/16/14Bank of America Theatre - Chicago

    Family stress, Lost love returns, rockin Pub, Peer pressure, and fabulous music. How much more fun could be had?

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Broadway

    by 3rdgirl on 7/16/14Bank of America Theatre - Chicago

    I was very excited to see this musical and it did not disappoint, I loved the songs written by Sting. The actors and director presented Stings work excellently,

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Full Sail for The Last Ship!

    by Britishdish on 7/16/14Bank of America Theatre - Chicago

    We had read mixed reviews, but from the very first song we were hooked. Each scene was beautiful, well choreographed and emotional. The set design was imaginative and appropriate to the theme. The characters were believably developed and authentic. Especially enjoyable was the priest, Father O'Brien who offered both humor and spiritual insight. The story wove together several interesting threads that played with variations on the title theme. Energetic and clever, this story offered a refreshing and honest finish.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    The Last Ship

    by KathyBathyPuddinNPie on 7/16/14Bank of America Theatre - Chicago

    The Last Ship is excellent musical theatre! We wish them the best in New York. The Chicago reviews may have been all over the place for and against, but even those who thought the work needed refinement had a hard time disliking it. It should be noted that one reviewer found the story line preposterous, yet Sting based the story on a similar and TRUE event that happened in Poland. So, judge the negative reviews with that in mind. The one flaw we think merits consideration: 80% of the play is quite robust and riveting. Now pump up the remaining 20% and you'll be shining as bright as the light at the end of the show. Don't get all showy and campy, we don't mean that. Just get stronger, a little more passionate in some scenes, without forgoing the stoic Anglo personality. Give the supporting cast some more lines, one or two here and there, so they can be more than props. Hope that makes sense. Oh,and for being a sailor, Gideon needs biceps. Sorry, had to be said. The story is pertinent in these times of economic hardship, yet we loved how traditional Scots and Irish musical influences were woven into the fabric of this tale, giving it a timeless feel. We are still talking about this show four days after seeing it. It is staying with us. And we keep singing the songs. It's scary, because we cannot sing, and yet we do. Great lyrics, great cast. All so brilliant. Two bummers not related to the actual show: 1) We saw it on its last day and they were all out of XL t-shirts, nor can we buy them online. 2)When Sting came out at the end of the show, everyone pulled out their phones to take piccies. We in the rear were scolded while the those in the first dozen rows were left alone. That really stunk. The show was OVER! We weren't taking piccies of licensed material. Our attending the show was a gift to my husband, so to be scolded by a testy usher was a let down while others were allowed to carry on. Thank you!

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    The Last Ship

    by Anonymous on 7/16/14Bank of America Theatre - Chicago

    Really enjoyed this despite the fact that it still needs a little work. Seemed a bit too long and the main character was a little too unsympathetic. However the music and basic story were good and my husband and I had a very good time.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    The Last Ship must sail.

    by MannyMe on 7/16/14Bank of America Theatre - Chicago

    The Last Ship is more than the story of a man finally sampling and honoring his father's hard labor. It is about the dignity of the hard dirty labor that goes unappreciated by those who pay for it, are paid by it and live through it. Sting remains a genius with lyrics that get under your skin. It is good that he has given us this and I look forward to hearing the sound track in its final form. When the Last Ship sails, you will be glad to say you were there to see and hear it, although you will be sad that It joins the last car off a Detroit, MI line, the last Chrysler engine assembled in Kenosha, WI, the last rolled steel from one Pittsburgh steel mill, the last bit of Jockey clothing sewn in the Midwest of the US, the last paper edition of The Birmingham News or the Seattle Post Intelligencer watched over by the press operators. On the positive side, there are still some shipbuilding contracts listed for Manitowoc, WI.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    The Last Ship

    by gollypoggles on 7/16/14Bank of America Theatre - Chicago

    Thought the music was fantastic and that the producers and directors had answered most if not all of the initial criticisms of the play when it first opened.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    One of the best broadway shows I've seen!

    by 0224 on 7/16/14Bank of America Theatre - Chicago

    Great music, great sets, show really keeps moving and has a wonderful story. The only negative was that some songs from the soundtrack were missing, including my favorite "I love her but she loves someone else " .

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Fantastic Story with Wonderful Music

    by antzona on 7/16/14Bank of America Theatre - Chicago

    Let me start by letting you know that I can't stand Sting. I think he is a pretentious charlatan, and I can't stand any music he has ever created. Ironically, I actually really loved this show. I bought tickets for an evening show while traveling to Chicago with my parents. I was basically sacrificing because I thought they would like the show. I ended up really being drawn in by the story of a small English town that was built around a ship yard, but is experiencing tough times, like many places around the world over the last decade. The story touches on many common themes and relationship issues. but is sewn together by some wonderful songs. The songs managed to be very British, while being accessible and universal. I found myself humming and singing them for days after the show. It didn't hurt that the acting and signing was perfect. While the story was heavy and deeply serious at times, the mood was always carefully lightened with some humor or energetic music. I was blown away by the simple, but effective set design. The set worked perfectly with the mood and tone of the story. Excellent! I have a feeling this one could be a classic within a few years. I can't wait to see how it does on Broadway.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Totally worth it

    by Arag0rn on 7/16/14Bank of America Theatre - Chicago

    Surprisingly entertained since I didnt expect much from a musical with a storyline focused on a dying shipbuilding industry. The songs were emotion-stirring songs, and I especially like the groups song, in particular the shipyard. collectively, the songs are beautifully intertwined with the storyline. I do have a few issues - the main character should be provided with a stronger and emotional song by all himself. he is a good actor but i somehow am struggling to root for him to win his girl back. Overall, I love the last ship and all worth it when Sting sang the Last Ship in the end.

  • Rating: 3 out of 5

    has potential

    by anonymous5678 on 7/16/14Bank of America Theatre - Chicago

    The music was beautiful. The songs were soaring. The cast was amazing. But the book could use some work. It was a little simplistic, had some holes and was too literal in parts and banged the audience over the head with concepts to make sure we got it. A little subtlety and nuance could go a long way to make it a better musical. Also the character development was a bit uneven. But for a first attempt by The Stinger, it's not bad. I've listened to the soundtrack a few times since and really like some of the songs. And the cast was extremely talented. Especially Meg! I think with some work, this could make it to Broadway.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    The Last Ship was Outstanding!

    by LEK4 on 7/16/14Bank of America Theatre - Chicago

    Great show. Spectacular music. I could feel Sting in the songs. Best show we've seen in years.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    The main song stayed in my head.

    by StellaH on 7/16/14Bank of America Theatre - Chicago

    I enjoyed this play. I knew it was from Sting's community that he grew up in. I identified with it because I also lived in a community that had a fallen industry and it affected families. It was especially hard on the male population losing jobs and making changes. Which was well presented for a common problem that happens in many communities. I like the father-son relationship story which was touching. I enjoyed hearing one of the singers that sounded a lot like Sting which made the songs stay in my head for awhile. Songs were well presented with a working class community type for a musical. It was nice to have Sting come to the stage and sing at the end.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    The Last Ship was amazing

    by CatDubois on 7/16/14Bank of America Theatre - Chicago

    The actors' performances were wonderful and the musical score was outstanding. I believe it will be nominated for a number of Tony awards next year. I hope to see this show again when it's launched in New York City. Overall - amazing!!

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Great Music by Sting and Great Cast and Story

    by Couch on 7/16/14Bank of America Theatre - Chicago

    After seeing Sting on PBS performing songs from the show, I immediately went out and bought the CD. After listening to the CD 10 times of so, I had to get tickets to the show. I was not disappointed. While, some of the songs were changed around a bit, and some added and removed, it was a great show based on an interesting story. There were a few swear words, that fit in with the environment of a shipyard, but be aware in case you were planning on bringing children, although it isn't really a show for kids. The only thing I was not thrilled with was the ending, which gave a 'and they lived happily ever after' feeling, which didn't really fit what had been happening throughout the play. I loved the background of the curtains before the show and during the intermission, looking like the ocean. Nice touch.

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    Very Enjoyable

    by easygoer72 on 7/16/14Bank of America Theatre - Chicago

    The Last Ship starts off very slow, but really picks up halfway through the first set. The story is good and the music is excellent.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Fantastic Voyage

    by MagChicago on 7/16/14Bank of America Theatre - Chicago

    Seeing this wonderful show for the second time, with a fabulous seat, made me love it even more. The cast is fantastic, loved the music, good story. I hope to see it again on Broadway!

  • Rating: 4 out of 5

    A Sting masterpiece!!

    by peanutbutterstrobelight on 7/16/14Bank of America Theatre - Chicago

    This play should do well on Broadway and beyond, with a few adjustments in the book. The music is divine, the cast is perfect but the plot is sooooo predictable. Give us a few more twists, please. Dancing if good but could be better. I loved it, partner liked it.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    Last Ship—breathtaking until the very end!

    by JJChicago on 7/16/14Bank of America Theatre - Chicago

    The cast, sets, music, choreography... story... all of it. Wonderfully done. Just wonderful.

  • Rating: 5 out of 5

    The Last Ship was Amazing!

    by HWB54 on 7/16/14Bank of America Theatre - Chicago

    This show has great music, a really powerful and moving story that never drags, and choreography that energetically engages all in its wake. The cast is strong and believable, ably navigating plot complexities and songs with strong voices. Scenes were staged on a brilliant set, easily moving from one location to another in a well-paced, thoroughly enjoyable manner. Well done! Good luck as the show moves to Broadway! We think it will be a big hit...