Hadestown

Hadestown
Walter Kerr Theatre
June 14, 2022 

Photo courtesy of Hadestown

Hadestown is a dark and haunting journey of love and trust.  The music, lyrics, and book by Anais Mitchell are brilliant.  Director Rachel Chavkin brings Ms. Mitchell’s unique creative voice to spectacular life.  The choreography by David Neumann is visceral and boldly drives the action forward.

Hermes (played by T. Oliver Reid) enters to tell the tragic tale of Orpheus (played by understudy Sayo Oni) and Eurydice (played by understudy Grace Yoo).  It starts with their meeting and instantly falling in love.  Orpheus is the son of the muse of epic poetry, and has an unfinished song to sing.  Eurydice urges him to finish the song.  He immediately asks her to marry him.  It is spring, so Persephone (played by Jewelle Blackman) returns from the underworld.  She is growing tired of her husband, Hades (played by Tom Hewitt), and enjoys her time away from him.  When Hades comes for her in the fall, Eurydice captures his eye.  She follows them back to Hadestown.  Orpheus travels to find her, and sings his finished song of love to release her from Hades grasp.  His is successful, but he is put to one final test. 

An Original Cast Photo
Photo courtesy of Hadestown

The music lures you into the story.  It creates another world, full of mystery and passion.  It is Hermes’ narration that keeps most of the story connected in Act I.  Once the characters journey to the underworld, the tale deepens as the stakes heighten.  The characters face their uncertainties and darker sides, and come out redeemed.  The end will shock and sadden you, yet hope is not lost. 

An Original Cast Photo
Photo courtesy of Hadestown

Sayo Oni and Grace Yoo have amazing chemistry as Orpheus and Eurydice.  Mr. Oni’s portrayal of Orpheus’ journey back from the underworld in Act II is emotionally focused and skillfully portrayed.  Jewell Blackman is playful and daring as Persephone.  She is intoxicating in her powers, and desperate for love.  Tom Hewitt has a commanding presence as Hades.  In Act II, when Orpheus sings his song of love for the release of Eurydice, Mr. Hewitt transforms his character and opens his heart.  Soara-Joye Ross, Jessie Shelton, and Kay Trinidad are beguiling and manipulative as the Fates, constantly singing in Orpheus’ head and making him doubt himself.

Hadestown won the Tony Award for Best Musical in 2019.  Rachel Chavkin also won for Best Directors in a Musical, and Anais Mitchell won for her score.  Have you seen this show yet?  What are you waiting for?  Hadestown is playing at the Walter Kerr Theatre. 

Domenick Danza