No more results on this page
Hadestown at the Walter Kerr Theatre
While based on the oft-told Greek myth of Eurydice and Orpheus' descent into hell, Anaďs Mitchell's folk opera ‘Hadestown' just might deliver audiences to musical-theater heaven. A dozen years in the making, ‘Hadestown' was first performed as a stage production in Mitchell's home state of Vermont. In 2010, to enthusiastic acclaim, she released it as a concept album featuring indie-folk stars Ani DiFranco, Greg Brown, Justin Vernon of Bon Iver, the Low Anthem's Ben Knox Miller, and the Haden triplets (Petra, Rachel, and Tanya). Mitchell expanded the album into an Americana musical quilt with the help of Tony Award–winning director Rachel Chavkin (‘Natasha, Pierre & the Great Comet of 1812'). It premiered off-Broadway at New York Theatre Workshop on May 6, 2016, and ran through July 31. March 2019 marks its Broadway debut, with opening night planned for April 17.
About the Show
In ‘Hadestown,' Mitchell inventively updates the myth of Eurydice and Orpheus to a post-apocalyptic setting reminiscent of the Great Depression. The narrator, Hermes (Tony-nominated André De Shields), calls it "an old tale from way back when." While economic misery and environmental calamities afflict the land, the underworld has become a model of full employment thanks to Hades, who wants to construct a wall to protect the jobs of his mining minions.
While Eurydice (Tony-nominated Eva Noblezada) seeks economic security in the overworld, her beloved Orpheus — played by denim-clad singer-songwriter Reeve Carney, originator of the title role in Broadway's ‘Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark' — possesses a more poetic soul. Amber Gray plays Persephone, queen of the underworld, who cherishes the summers she is allowed to spend "on top." When Hades (Patrick Page, the Green Goblin in ‘Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark') convinces Eurydice to join him in Hadestown, Persephone convinces her husband to give the couple one last chance to leave the underworld together.
A blend of classic storytelling and contemporary concerns, ‘Hadestown' reverberates with relevance. It's also a heartfelt celebration of American music in all its emotional richness and down-to-earth pleasures. And don't worry: In ‘Hadestown,' the devil has only some, not all, of the best tunes.
Songs and dance tell the story under the watchful eye of the narrator. Star quality singing and acting by the cast, Patrick Paige bides his tie for the first act and then comes in to seize the stage as a booming-bass voiced Hades, aka the devil underground. the set and lighting - and the dancers are magic. Don't miss it
An excellent performance and an enjoyable evening.
Everything about the show was fantastic! We went in expecting Eva Ro steal the show, and though she was absolutely amazing, the rest of the cast was just as incredible! The choreography, music, and atmosphere made for a stunning show - this is going to be a long running show on Broadway for sure!
The theater is awesome, so intimate and the production was incredible. My husband is not a "Broadway lover/ musical lover" and he could not get enough of this show. The set, the staging, the choreography, the costumes, the singing, the dancing, the reimagined take on an ancient myth was beyond words. We are hoping to go back again soon. Obsessed with this show. What an event- worth every penny.
Got a partial view box seat so about a quarter of the stage was cut off; couldn't see the band on stage left but it was thrilling sitting so close to the cast, all of whom gave it their all that night.
One of the best Broadway shows I've seen in recent memory. The story, music, and presentation were excellent - entertaining and thought-provoking. The cast was perfection, led by the incomparable Andre de Shields in a career-defining role that should not be missed by anyone passionate about the American theater.
This show will leads you breathless from the first note until the last. The singing is stellar and the actors beyond amazing! One of the best shows I have seen in years!!! RUN and see it NOW!
I don't often attend musicals but on my sister's recommendation, I went with her. So glad I did. Every moment of Hadestown is entertaining in music and dance, and drama and tragedy. The stage was set appropriately, not overwhelming but adding to the production. The Walter Kerr Theatre, as usual, was an excellent venue.
I brought a class of high schoolers to see this wonderful show. This play not only gives them a lens to explore the depths of Ovid's tale, it allows my students to see how the story resonates within each of them.
Detailed reviews have been made, I need not get into the story. Performances are great, the story and music very clever. However, it is too long. Many 'choral' and repeated themes in the songs. They don't need to repeat the same lines 30 times, sometimes it felt like I was trapped in a Phil Collins song... It made the show about 15-20 minutes too long. A great night out, unique musical. Btw, the theatre is very small. There is no lobby, getting to the bathrooms are a nightmare and trying to get a drink feels like a challenge out of the TV show Survivor. Seats are uncomfortable and small.
My daughter and her husband are musicians in Vermont and were in the original Vermont workshops with Anais, Michael Chorney and local musicians. I witnessed the first 'production' at the Vergennes Opera House. With the exception of London and Toronto productions, I've seen every iteration, in workshops, when they toured to support the original concept album at Joe's Pub and the Rockwood Music Hall and the production mounted at the New York Theater Workshop. What a journey it's been. Amazing to see how the show has evolved and deepened, making it to Broadway without sacrificing its relevance or power. Prescient and timely, given it was originally conceived over 10 years ago.
The music, the script, the dancing, the sets, the actors - each was superb! This was entertainment at its very best, enjoyable yet deeply moving. I can't recommend it enough.
Hadestown is at times moving and funny with a wonderfully talented cast. My teen son wanted to immediately see it again. Can’t wait until it comes to LA.
This was a fabulous musical. The choreography and music was just fantastic.
Go see it. You will like it, but the hype around it is a it too much. It is "good but not great" according to my taste. I would prefer Book of Mormon or Hamilton if you can choose.
Cannot get “Wait for Me” out of my head. “Attention to detail” that comes together beautifully as the performance unfolds. The whole truly is the sum of it’s parts. Unfortunate that the theatre is without support for folks with mobility issues.
Great show great characters , really good songs and of course great great actors and story line. Loved it all Thinking about going again. Cant stip humming my children song.
HadesTown was exceptional. I was enthralled by the talent the actors displayed. The artistry of how the actors used the stage and lighting was captivating. The music was absolutely engaging. I would definitely see this show again.
The music is amazing and the sets and staging are just incredible to watch. The cast is so talented!
I loved everything in Hadestown. My expectations were really high, because I had listened to the soundtrack numerous times before I got to see the show. Still Hadestown was even better than I imagined. I have grown to love shows that trust in actors and musicians and everything else is there to support them - this happened beautifully in Hadestown. The ensemble is a dream team and Amber Gray simply incredible. Hadestown is "The Must See Show" at the moment.
