FREEZE FRAME: Sting Announces He's Joining THE LAST SHIP

Sting will return to the Broadway stage as a performer when he steps into the role of Jackie White in the acclaimed new musical The Last Ship, for which he made his Broadway debut as a composer earlier this season. Sting will assume the role beginning December 9 for four weeks through January 10, 2015 at the Neil Simon Theatre (250 W. 52 St). The announcement was made earlier this morning, live on NBC's "Today."

"We have spent five years working on The Last Ship and I have relished every moment of that process," said Sting, "Taking to the stage is a continuation of that and I now accept the baton from my good friend and fellow Geordie, Jimmy Nail, who provided so much inspiration for the character of Jackie White. It is my distinct honor to join this remarkable cast and play the part of Jackie until I pass the baton back to Jimmy."

LAST SHIP producer Jeffrey Seller adds, "Sting has been the motor of The Last Ship since the day he shared his idea with me five years ago. Joining the cast is a natural progression for him and I can't wait to see what happens when he steps onto the stage on December 9."

In The Last Ship, Sting will portray Jackie White, the foreman of a shipyard who rallies his community of Wallsend to build one last ship meant to sail the world. A celebration of passion and hope, The Last Ship tells the story of a community determined to preserve the only way of life it has ever known....and a woman who must choose between the two men she loves.

When The Last Ship opened on October 26, The New York Observer raved, "This show lights up the theater season like fresh fireworks. If you want greatness that makes your heart soar with emotion and joy, go to The Last Ship and do it fast." The New York Times said the musical features "a seductive beauty of a score," and Time Out New York called it "a magnificent and rollicking new musical," adding, "Sting's score is a

genuine revelation." The Associated Press heralded The Last Ship as "thrilling with powerful performances, outstanding songs and real heart."

On Thanksgiving Day, Sting will join Jimmy Nail and members of the cast of The Last Ship for a performance on NBC's telecast of the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade.

Photo by Walter McBride