Sting on Broadway Debut: 'I Felt Like I'd Been Thrown Down Elevator Shaft'

Last night, Sting joined the cast of the musical he penned, The Last Ship, for a limited run through January 10, 2015. He will be replacing actor Jimmy Nail, who is said to have 'blessed' the move. Sting then joins Paul Simon on tour in New Zealand on January 30, 2015. Click here to check out photos from last night's performance!

In today's Variety, the musician, who had just two rehearsals before joining the cast for his first performance, spoke about the experience of making his Broadway debut. "I felt like I'd been thrown down an elevator shaft," quipped the singer. "I kept thinking, 'What's the next song? What do I have to say next? What am I wearing?'"

Sting shared his relief that there were "no major car crashes" during the show, and was even surprised by some of the reaction from the theater audience. "I got some laughs!" he said excitedly. "And I'm not usually known for my humor."

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 winnerSteven Hoggett (Once).

Throughout Sting's enduring career, he has earned 16 Grammy Awards, a Golden Globe, an Emmy, three Oscar nominations, and has sold close to 100 million albums from his combined work with The Police and as a solo artist. He is a member of both the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and the Songwriters Hall of Fame, has appeared in more than 15 films and authored two books, including the New York Times best-selling memoir, Broken Music. His fourteenth solo album, entitled The Last Ship, is inspired by the story of his forthcoming play of the same name and draws upon his memories of the shipbuilding community of Wallsend in the North East of England where he was born and raised. In February 2014, PBS' "Great Performances" premiered "Sting: The Last Ship," featuring Sting performing songs from both his album and Broadway-bound musical captured live at The Public Theater in New York City. For further information, visit sting.com.

Source: Variety

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos