I saw it twice with Sting; I also found it quite moving and hope the changes haven't hurt that. The hardest part I had with the show, especially the first time I saw it, related to the reasoning for building the ship. I get it that it helped their spirits, etc. But, for me, the entire concept of building the ship, perhaps meant to be allegorical, defied logic and was never that believable. It clearly required some suspension of disbelief.
But, in spite of that, I found the score lovely and the show stirring. On my second visit, knowing what to expect, the plot issue didn't bother me, and the overall effect of the musical was spellbinding and haunting, with both acts culminating in stunning stage pictures. LAST SHIP was a true tribute to the human spirit.
From what I read in sf's linked review of the UK production in this thread, it sounds like the changes have somewhat addressed my plot issue and have provided better reasoning for building the ship. It also sounds like the ending remains quite moving. Without seeing the show, it's hard to judge the effect of Gideon's child being a young woman in the new version - so much that worked in the ending of the original involved
what his son did in that closing moments of the show.
I am glad to see the show have a life after its Broadway engagement. |
