Hadestown

At Walter Kerr Theatre October 15, 2021

Now, I know what you're thinking. I've already reviewed this show twice, so why am I writing a third review? I understand, it's a bit extreme. However, the POST-COVID SHOW IS VASTLY DIFFERENT FROM THE PRE-COVID SHOW. So I figured, what the hell, I'll write some more.

What do I mean when I say vastly different? Well, lets get started on the list of changes. New choreography (not the biggest fan). New lighting (better than the second time I saw the show, but not as good as the original time). Some lines were cut from the show (very displeased about this), & different characters now sing different lines (did we need to reassign the singing? No).

Also, Patrick Page (my favorite, as Hades) was sadly filming a movie & had a stand-in. The stand-in played up to the audience, seemed gimmicky & not strong & severe, & sang the songs in a country styling. (I hate country).

Now, Amber Gray (our dear Persephone) has altered her contract so she gets two nights off each week to be with her kids. I love that they did that for her. & I just so happened to see the new alternate (not planned, just a happy surprise). This alternate had previously played evil hyena Shenzi in Lion King on Broadway. That has to be noted, because that's pretty much how she played Persephone. Amber Grey does a lovable, trashy goddess. This one just kept making the same disgusted, weird face to the audience every 5 minutes. Did she need to stick her tongue out 50 times during the whole show? No. Did it add to Persephone? No. It felt like the character development regressed. But fit with the stand in Hades, sadly.

All the other leads were there, thank the gods. Eva (Eurydice) & Reeve (Orpheus) are now in a public relationship & therefore showed each other way more affection during the show. I loved that. It fit so well with the characters, & really added to their love story.

Andre as Hermes was, as always, the best part of the show. & my favorite Fate, Jewelle, now leads the trio. I felt the other two new fates weren't as strong as the original ones, but again, their music got messed with & changed. So that didn't help.

Overall, this was a huge disappointment. I felt that 99% of the changes were unnecessary, & did nothing for the show. While I obviously shouldn't see the show a fourth time (because who does that), I really don't think I will. The farther I get from the original production, the less meaningful it is to me. I had listened to Hadestown non-stop for 2 years. Now, I don't even think about listening to it anymore. (But if you do want to hear the music, I recommend checking out the live recorded production in England--way better overall, except the Fates).