It premiered at the Berkeley Repertory Theatre in 2022 before moving to Arena Stage in Washington, D.C., where it ran from November 25 to January 14, 2024.

Though excited for the journey, Little Brother laments the love he left behind on land, Melody Anne ("Swept Away").

On the third day of the voyage, Big Brother tries to rally the crew in prayer, but his attempts are in vain ("Lord Lay Your Hand on My Shoulder"/"Ain't No Man").

After six days in a lifeboat with no food, water, or rain, the four men share their hopes for an eventual rescue ("A Gift for Melody Anne").

Little Brother, severely injured after being crushed by the falling mast, dictates a letter to Melody Anne for Mate to transcribe.

Mate tells Captain that Little Brother will die soon anyway and that they should kill him in his sleep so the rest of them can have something to eat and drink ("Satan Pulls the Strings").

[1] The Arena Stage production in Washington, D.C., which ran from November 25, 2023, to January 14, 2024, saw much of the Berkeley team return, including the four primary cast members.

[1] The musical opened on Broadway at the Longacre Theatre on November 19, 2024, following previews beginning on October 29, and received mixed reviews.

[12][6] After announcing its closure, a two week extension was added due to popular demand, setting the new closing date for December 29, 2024.

Reviewers largely enjoyed the show's music and the actors' performances, but some felt the characterization was not thorough enough to deliver the emotional climax of the story.

Despite its creative team’s efforts to lace a capital-T Theme through the work, Swept Away often falls prey to this roteness.