Paul Simon Advises Sting on Joining Cast of THE LAST SHIP

Last month it was announced that Sting would be joining the cast of the musical he penned, The Last Ship for a limited run from December 9th to January 10, 2015. He will be replacing actor Jimmy Nail, who is said to have 'blessed' the move.

Today's Fishbowl New York, revealed that one of the Police frontman's close friends, Paul Simon, whose own original Broadway musical "The Capeman" was considered a flop when it was produced 20 years ago, warned Sting about the possible downside of his casting decision.

While Sting shared Simon's advice, "Don't tie yourself to the front of the train", he went on to explain, "I have no choice. I have to be in the front of the train."

The production has been reportedly losing $75,000 a week since performances began on Sept. 29. According to the Times, it needs to gross at least $625,000 a week to break even and to sustain a Broadway run.

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, please visit sting.com.

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 who 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 15 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.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride / WM Photos