Hadestown

At the Walter Kerr Theatre, 2020

To preface this, my first visit way down Hadestown was in June. So this time, I came in knowing I would fall in love & then ugly cry. I know the story, I know the outcome. They even say it’s a tragedy again & again in the opening number Road To Hell. But that does not change how powerful & impactful the show is. You could see this over & over & still pray against hope for a happy ending for the actors. Because it will move you that much.

The only technical changes/observations that varied from the first time I saw it were that the swinging lights during Wait For Me no longer swing out over the audience from front to back, but at a diagonal swing, & with much weaker power behind it. It was more effective the original way.

Cast-wise, the only missing cast member this performance was Timothy Hughes, who plays a worker.

As for the band, there were only 3 original members performing: the cello player, the drummer, & the guitarist/music director. The rest of the band was newer, but did a phenomenal job.

The set design, lighting, & sound all won Tony Awards. I don’t need to go on about how perfect they are.

The costumes really represent a New Orleans style that blends seamlessly with the music. Persephone switches between bright colors when she’s Livin It Up On Top vs black when she’s underground at Hadestown with her husband Hades. The pure silver thread choice for Hades’ suit is perfect; & to show the attention to detail the costumer took, there’s even snakes engraved on the sole of Hades’ shoes, because he’s referred to as a rattlesnake. Anyway, these are some examples of how detailed & perfect the costume designs are. If you want a total list of costume breakdowns for all characters, message me at a time when you have a few extra hours.

As I said already, this is my second time going way down to Hadestown. & let me tell you, there was some magic in the air tonight.* See, on top of giving the absolute performance of their lives, 5 different actors cried onstage tonight.

Eurydice cried during her song Flowers (which is a song she loves to cry during. I also witnessed this the first time I saw Hadestown.) Hades & Persephone both cried together as they danced & rekindled their love. It was so beautiful, sweet, & touching. A worker cried as she watched the tragedy befall Orpheus & Eurydice. And then Hermès himself cried while he sang the finale.

I hold both times I saw this show deeply in my heart. But this. This was so powerful. This was so beautiful. And these actors have done almost 1,000 performances of this. & yet, tonight, 5 cried.

It truly shows how moving & lasting this story is.

P.S. Really no need for me to say, that of course, I was the hottest sobbing mess anyone ever saw. But hey, I’ve never loved anything more dearly. I’ve died & gone to hell (again.) And I am flourishing here. 🌹

Bonus pic! I met the actors at the stage door & got this cute shot with Eva Noblezada (Eurydice) & Reeve Carney (Orpheus). Needless to say, this is getting printed & framed ASAP!