“Hadestown,” with music, lyrics, and book by Anaïs Mitchell, reimagines the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice in a post-apocalyptic, Depression-era inspired setting. This innovative folk opera won eight Tony Awards in 2019, including Best Musical, cementing its place as one of the most unique and captivating productions in recent Broadway history.
The show intertwines two mythic love stories: that of Orpheus and Eurydice, and of Hades and Persephone. Set in a world where climate change has brought endless winter, the musical explores themes of love, doubt, and the power of music against the backdrop of economic hardship and environmental crisis.
What sets “Hadestown” apart is its distinctive musical style. Mitchell’s score blends folk, jazz, and blues influences to create a sound that is both timeless and contemporary. Songs like “Wait for Me,” “Why We Build the Wall,” and “Road to Hell” have become standouts, praised for their lyrical complexity and emotional depth.
The show’s development process was unusually long for a Broadway musical. Mitchell began working on “Hadestown” as a community theater project in Vermont in 2006, later releasing it as a concept album in 2010. The show went through various iterations, including an off-Broadway run and productions in Canada and London, before arriving on Broadway in 2019. This extended gestation period allowed the material to be honed and deepened, resulting in a richly layered final product.
Director Rachel Chavkin, who won a Tony for her work on the show, brings a unique visual style to “Hadestown.” The staging is fluid and dynamic, with the ensemble cast constantly in motion, creating the world of the play through movement and interaction. The set design, which also won a Tony, transforms the stage into a New Orleans-style jazz club that seamlessly transitions into the industrial underworld.
One of the most striking aspects of “Hadestown” is its use of narration. The character of Hermes, played in the original Broadway cast by André De Shields (who won a Tony for his performance), serves as a charismatic guide through the story, adding commentary and context that bridges the mythic elements with contemporary relevance.
The show’s exploration of the Hades and Persephone myth adds depth to the central story of Orpheus and Eurydice. By portraying Hades as a powerful industrialist and Persephone as his disillusioned wife, the musical draws parallels between ancient myths and modern power structures.
“Hadestown” has been praised for its timely themes. The song “Why We Build the Wall,” written years before it became a contentious political issue, takes on new resonance in the current climate. The show’s environmental message, portrayed through the cycle of seasons disrupted by Hades’ industrial underworld, speaks to contemporary concerns about climate change.
The musical’s success has highlighted the potential for folk and roots music on Broadway, paving the way for more diverse musical styles in mainstream theater. It has also demonstrated the enduring power of Greek mythology to speak to modern audiences when reimagined with creativity and insight.
“Hadestown” has had a significant impact on its cast members’ careers, particularly Eva Noblezada (Eurydice) and Reeve Carney (Orpheus), showcasing their abilities to handle complex, vocally demanding roles. The show has also been noted for its diverse casting, presenting a multiracial vision of its mythic world.
As “Hadestown” continues its Broadway run and launches international productions, its legacy as a groundbreaking and deeply moving piece of musical theater is secure. Its numerous Tony Awards reflect not just its artistic excellence, but its ability to resonate with audiences on multiple levels.
