The 2019-winning musical Hadestown has arrived at the Ahmanson Theatre until May 29. Is it worth a watch?

Hadestown brings back Greek Mythology’s legends and gods in a Tony Award-winning story with swinging, stomping, and syncopated beats from New Orleans. In this folk opera, God Hermes narrates the story of mortal lovers, Orpheus and Eurydice, and how they become intertwined with Hades, and Persephone. It all begins with Orpheus meeting Eurydice. They fall in love during dark times and Eurydice, hungry for a better life, departs to Hadestown to make a deal with the devil. The story follows Orpheus and his journey for love to rescue his beloved. Amidst all this, the human love story parallels that of Persephone who is hungry for the warmth, love, and desire from hers truly, Hades. The story includes the mythological fates who help the story move in many unexpected ways. Who will make it out of Hadestown?

Anaïs Mitchell who wrote the music, lyrics, and book, and director Rachel Chavkin are geniuses. They bring Greek Mythology to the stage in profound songwriting and staging that is personal and electrifying. Both women use The Fates (Belén Moyano, Bex Odorisio, Shea Renne) in beautiful rhythms and lyrics to reteach life lessons that have perhaps needed a refresher or never been learned. All three actresses who play the three fates are incredible as they all work in unison creating distinctive sounds that are beautiful to the ear. Chavkin’s unique blocking in the tour production creates goosebumps to the bone. Chakvin uses a circular moving platform and fogs to invite the viewer to be part of the story. The distinguishable choreography feels free, as each ensemble does their own interpretation of the moves to tell their own story.

The tour production brings unique character interpretations. For example, Levi Kreis plays Hermes. His interpretation feels more like a mockery compared to André De Shields who won a Tony for his performance. Kreis fails to have a gospel/jazzy sound. At times, it felt like he was rapping the story which didn’t help create the big impact Shields did during important points of the story. Other character interpretations are a new form of art especially Kimberly Marable as Persephone who brings the house down with clear sound and a hopeful Persephone that viewers will relate to.

Hadestown shows different ways to love. Also, that doubt can lead to unexpected results, and a love story can repeat itself in different ways or forms.

Hadestown is playing at the Ahmanson Theater until May 29.

Tickets are available at https://www.centertheatregroup.org