Underground with “Hadestown”

“It’s a Sad Song… but We Sing it Anyway

Review by Ariel Mary Ann

I am pleased to have witnessed the opening night of the national tour of Hadestown. Those in “Gen Z” would describe this production as a “cultural reset”. With any art form, there’s always a piece that stands out above everything else.

Background

Opening on Broadway in 2019, this musical explores the Greek tragedy of Orpheus and Eurydice, two young lovers who cross paths and become enamored with each other. The story is narrated by “Hermes,” a Greek God, played by Nathan Lee Graham, who brings so much eccentricity to this role. As the story progresses, we start to learn that this is so much more than about two people who happen to fall in love. 

When you set one of the most well-known Greek tragedies against the backdrop of an almost post-apocalyptic depression era, it becomes a mirror to those who are just fighting to survive in a world built on capitalism.

Cast of
Cast of “Hadestown”

Themes of Hadestown

Hadestown is an extremely political piece of theatre that highlights how people will do anything to get food on the table and shows the lengths people will go for their loved ones.

Featuring choreography by David Neuman, direction by Rachel Chavkin and a book, music, and lyrics by Anaïs Mitchell – this production truly pushes musical theatre into a new era in a way that few shows have done.

Hadestown speaks to the importance of women in theatre and even more so speaks to the importance of supporting original musicals that have something to say. As a woman in theatre myself, it’s time we have a conversation on how women and non cis male theatre artists don’t get the recognition we deserve. 

Performances

The entire cast does a phenomenal job bringing this story to life. From Graham owning the stage as “Hermes,” to Maria-Christina Oliveras as “Persephone,” you will be moved beyond words.

Every single actor on that stage puts their entire heart into this work and that needs to be applauded.

This show will take your breath away. I am inspired. This production influences me in the most vulnerable way possible as a fellow theatre artist and actor.

If you have the means to go, do so. Please see this and support the artists who put on this show night after night. I promise you, you will not regret it. 

Bottom Line

Hadestown is, without a doubt, some of the best theatre out there. Run, don’t walk, and get your tickets while you can.

This isn’t entertainment, this is art.

Tickets to Hadestown

Hadestown, presented by Broadway in Cincinnati, runs from April 18th to April 30th at The Aronoff Center for the Arts. Tickets can be found here.

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