Theatre Review: Hadestown takes you on an epic musical journey with songwriting and storytelling that is refined and sophisticated for today’s theatre era.

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 and makes a deal with Hades. The story follows Orpheus and his journey to rescue his beloved Eurydice. 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.

Segerstrom Center for the Arts – Hadestown – Morgan Siobhan Green and Chibueze Ihuoma and Company, North American Tour. Photo by Kevin Berne

Hadestown feels like the most relevant musical of our times as it focuses on the truth. From the moment that Hermes says his first line, you are immersed in the beautiful staging and the storytelling of  Rachel Chavkin. Sometimes tour production does not have the same impact as the Broadway Production. I am happy to share that I saw Hadestown on Broadway and the tour production does not disappoint whatsoever. Chavkin’s unique blocking in the tour production creates goosebumps to the bone. Chavkin 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 member does their own interpretation of the moves to tell their own story.

The connection among each cast member is ravishing as everyone puts their full potential to effect. For example, Morgan Siobhan Green as Eurydice is so raw. Green’s direction with Eurydice is unique, making the character feel rusty, and making the interpretation of the character pretty savage and likable. Chibueze Ihuoma as Orpheus is captivating with his delivery, making all transitions look smooth and believable. His voice travels thru your body and impacts you to see things differently. I did not enjoy Levi Kreis as Hermes due to his performance feeling underwhelming and more of a mockery. All other supporting characters are great, especially the mythological fates whose unique voices are evocative.

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.

Do not miss Hadestown at SCFTA. On stage August 9–21, 2022. Order your tickets today by clicking on the link below!

https://scfta.org/events/2022/hadestown

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