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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.
Went to see this with a rudimentary knowledge of Greek Mythology learned long ago. Wasn't sure that I wanted to see it as, it seems rather abstract. I was captivated from the moment it began!! What a creative, beautifully performed and written show!! From the costumes to the sets to the amazing performances. I cried and felt so many emotions. I had goosebumps! Must see theater!!
Hadestown takes us back to the story of Orpheus and Eurydice, and it does so unflinchingly, without sacrificing either the heroics of Orpheus and Eurydice's love nor the tragedy of their downfall. But the story is not a simple retelling of the myth. Hadestown moves the scene to an industrialpunk world, gives Eurydice some much-needed agency, and weaves a score that is a harmonious amalgam of half-blues, half-modern rock. While individual scenes, especially at the beginning, flow a little slowly and awkwardly for my taste, the show builds up to absolutely incredible numbers. Pretty much the last three quarters of the play is showstoppers: Why We Build the Wall is spine-shiver-inducing, Way Down Hadestown does not leave one's head, Epic III does what it says on the tin. And yet, I did not tire of the sheer emotional weight of it all: the thread of the tragedy, perfectly supported by lyrics and interludes that translate Ancient Greek conventions for a modern audience, kept me glued to my seat through the last note of the show. Well done.
We were lucky enough to see the original Broadway cast in NYC. What a fantastic show - loved everything. Casting and characterisation was outstanding - particularly credit to Hermes whose stage presence was just amazing. Loved the story and the soundtrack which I cannot stop listening to post show. A truly talented cast extending to the musicians and the ensemble. If you get to see one show on Broadway catch the original cast of Hadestown if you can.
This show had it all- laughter, great singing, interesting story line. Loved loved loved it.
The story, the actors, set design and the music were all fabulous. I see a lot of musicals and this one has gone to the top of my list
Lives up to the hype. Eva, Reeve and all of the cast are perfect. Eva and Reeve took pics with my daughters at stage door which made their week!
This was an absolutely fantastic show and worthy of all the attention. The cast was exceptional and the music was haunting. Worth seeing it with the original cast - especially André De Shields.
What an incredible show. The cast was truly stunning and such a beautiful lighting and staging to compliment! I sat in the mezzanine to the right and would say any seat in that space would be good. Such an intimate feeling.
A stunning and layered story, so vitally important to remind us of the importance of love and simplicity and togetherness, as well as the paradox of the ephemeral yet cyclical nature of life
Hadestown was an incredible evening of storytelling with a stunning cast & beautiful technical elements!
The jazz like music interacting with the actors, singers and story was fantastic. I loved how the actors played instruments as well. The young man playing Orpheus was exceptional as well as the woman playing Persephone
This was my first experience seeing a show on Broadway and I could not have chosen a better one! Not only was it very organized but the theatre is beautiful, staff is professional and kind, and the whole thing was marvelous.
I saw this show in my hometown of Edmonton before it came to Broadway. The NY production has been expanded so nicely, and it’s just such a fabulous, unique show—if anything, I’d compare it to The Great Comet, but really Hadestown is it’s own beast. Highly highly recommend
What an AMAZING production!!! The performers grab you from the downbeat of the opening song and take you on a two and half hour journey with them. The cast compliment each other from the leads to the ensemble. And, I must say, that they a 73 year-old dynamo, who is onstage the entire show and clearly earned his Tony Award. If you have the chance, get yourself a ticket and take the journey to go down to "Hadestown."
Amazingly creative! Geniusly crafted! Loved the characters! Excellently put together!
This show was amazing at so many levels. The music, the singing, the acting, but most of all the STORY! Listen to the words, both spoken and in song. This show is a story about redemption, loss and hope sung at the highest and lowest notes in the song spectrum. Amazing. Go see it!
No joy, no chemistry, no life, no characters to connect to, the most boring set on earth, no color.....dull music....I have never disliked anything on Broadway - Im pretty easy too please - it was AWFUL. Yes I felt I was indeed in hell.
This show was amazing and well worth the hype and build up. My seat was amazing and those around me were swept away in the music and story! I am so thankful to have been able to see this award-winning show and cast!!!
Hadestown the musical is so good! The cast did not miss a note or step. The set is beautiful and served perfectly to enhance the story. The story is simultaneously tragic and hopeful. I wish I could watch it every week!
I can't even describe the experience without using the cliche, "amazing". We were thoroughly engaged, touched, entertained, blown away! The piece was current, captivating, & so meaningful. The cast was seasoned, voices-wonderful, perfect orchestra.
