Journey to the Underworld in ‘Hadestown’: Haunting Melodies Best Not Forgotten
From the very first note of Hadestown, you are transported into a world where Greek mythology meets a hauntingly familiar era of labor strikes and smoky jazz bars. This immersive experience draws you into its tapestry of love, sacrifice, and a bittersweet dance between hope and despair.
[Warning: Spoilers from the North American tour of Hadestown are below! The show being reviewed was performed at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit, Michigan]
Hadestown uses jazz music to modernize a classic Greek Myth
Set in a world where the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice comes to life, Hadestown takes the ancient tale of the tragic lovers and gives it a fresh, modern spin. Orpheus, a young and passionate musician, longs to bring his beloved Eurydice back from the underworld. But there is a catch: to save her, he must descend into Hades’ realm and trust in the impossible. Meanwhile, Persephone, queen of the underworld, is trapped in a seasonal cycle between the warmth of life and the chill of the dead. The Fates (who pull the strings of all) watch the story unfold, shaping destinies with a twist of their hands.
While The Fates weave their complex tapestry between these young lovers and Greek Gods, Hermes’s words connect them all. Appearing as the lead singer of a jazz group, his rich vocals narrate the entire story as it unfolds above and below. Reading partially as a warning, the song of the messenger god also reminds us that spring comes again as long as we remain hopeful in those dark moments.
He also reminds all parties involved, including the audience members who are witnessing heartbreak live on stage, that there is beauty in destruction and healing after pain. Echoed in the story of Orpheus and Eurydice, as well as Hades and Persephone, Hadestown is just as much about healing from the loss as the loss itself. It’s why the use of jazz music is so important, as this genre speaks to the resilience of people and the overcoming of grief. It also modernizes this Greek myth, making the universal story more accessible to a wider audience, adding to the genius that is Hadestown.
Complex characters help ground this Tony-Award winning musical
This show thrives on complexity, not only in its storytelling but in the performances that bring these timeless characters to life. It’s an emotional rollercoaster, at times thrilling and at others gut-wrenching, but always beautiful. Every actor on stage contributes something irreplaceable to the larger vision, and this production is no exception.
Randy Cain as Hades commanded the stage with an enigmatic power that made it impossible to look away. His portrayal of the god of the underworld wasn’t just the ruthless ruler you might expect; Hades was a layered character. Yes, he was what some might consider “evil,” a figure who seemed to hold sway over everything, but there was also a quiet sadness about him. Cain’s performance was understated yet chilling, capturing Hades’ internal conflict between control and love with a delicate balance that made him feel all the more real, particularly in the second act. His voice, deep and gravelly, rumbled through the theater, particularly in his powerful number “Hey, Little Songbird,” where he exerts his dominance over Eurydice, only to reveal his own vulnerability in a tender, haunting way.
Alongside Cain, Miriam Navarrete as Persephone gave a performance full of heart and complexity. Persephone is not merely the queen of the underworld; she is a woman caught between two worlds: one of light and one of darkness. Navarrete’s interpretation of the character was a beautiful blend of strength and fragility. She brought a playful yet poignant quality to the role, especially in her rendition of “Our Lady of the Underground,” where her voice floated effortlessly through the verses, the melody echoing the cyclical nature of her existence. Her chemistry with Cain’s Hades was a push-and-pull of longing and resentment, and together, they made the tragic nature of their relationship all the more powerful. Navarrete’s performance captured Persephone’s complicated role as both a ruler and a woman torn between her love for her husband and the isolation of her prison.
In the role of Eurydice, Megan Colton was an absolute revelation. From the moment she stepped on stage, Colton commanded attention, embodying a character who is as much a survivor as she is a dreamer. Eurydice’s journey in Hadestown is one of betrayal and loss, and Colton brings all of that to life with raw intensity. When she sang “Any Way the Wind Blows,” her voice carried the weight of the world, expressing a profound sense of resignation mixed with a flicker of hope. It was in this song that her talent truly shone, a moment of vulnerability that sent a powerful current of emotion through the audience. Colton’s Eurydice wasn’t just a passive figure caught in Orpheus’ wake. She was a woman with agency, wrestling with the choices she makes, both good and bad. Her arc was one of the most compelling elements of the show.
Jaylon C. Crump’s portrayal of Hermes, the messenger god, was easily the best I have ever seen. The energy of the entire production seemed to shift into high gear every time Crump was in the spotlight. Crump infused Hermes with such charisma and charm that it was impossible not to be drawn to him.
As the narrator of the show, Hermes is responsible for guiding the audience through the tangled web of fate, and Crump’s performance felt like a breath of fresh air. His joyful delivery and witty lines kept the narrative from becoming too heavy, while his vocal performances, particularly during “Journey Home,” showcased his impeccable range and control. Crump’s Hermes felt like a guide, not just through the underworld but through the emotional landscape of the entire show.
Then, of course, there was Bryan Munar’s portrayal of Orpheus, the idealistic and driven musician whose passion for Eurydice leads him to the very gates of hell. Munar’s Orpheus was tender and earnest, portraying the character’s naivety and optimism in such a way that you couldn’t help but root for him. His performance in “Epic I” was a standout, showcasing his vocal prowess and ability to capture Orpheus’ heart-wrenching devotion to Eurydice. The contrast between Orpheus’ purity and the stark reality of the underworld is what makes his journey so tragic, and Munar makes us feel every bit of that pain.
The Fates (Julia Schick, Mikaela Rada, and Alli Sutton) were nothing short of mesmerizing. These three actresses created a presence that was at once ominous and captivating. With their sharp harmonies and perfectly synchronized movements, they weaved an eerie tension into the show that had the audience hanging on their every word. Their role as the weavers of fate was reinforced by their movements, which were fluid and unnerving, like shadows in the corner of your vision. The Fates played their parts with chilling precision, and their collective energy added an entirely different dimension to the show, one that felt almost mythologically omnipotent.
Hadestown is a stunning piece of theater magic
The creative team behind this stunning production deserves immense praise as well. Anaïs Mitchell’s music and lyrics are the heartbeat of Hadestown. The songs, ranging from the foot-stomping energy of “Wait for Me” to the haunting “Why We Build the Wall,” are not just melodies. They’re vehicles for the emotional currents running through the show. Mitchell’s ability to blend folk, jazz, and blues creates a sound that is both timeless and incredibly relevant to the musical’s themes.
The choreography by T. Oliver Reid is as smooth as it is evocative, and it enhances the story without overwhelming it. The dance numbers often feel like a visual representation of the emotional battles being fought by the characters; each step, each movement, carefully placed to enhance the story’s overall tone.
Under the direction of Keenan T. Oliphant, the use of space, lighting, and set design all add layers to the world of Hadestown, helping to visually distinguish the realms of the living and the dead. The costumes by Michael Krass are equally striking, blending the gritty Depression-era aesthetic with the mythical elements in a way that feels both contemporary and timeless.
I want to mention the special effects used in this production, particularly the strobe lighting. During the performance, there is a strong use of very bright strobe-style lighting effects that face the audience (and when I refer to strong, I mean blinding). A song or two before the Act 1 finale, there was a medical emergency in the balcony due to these effects. First, I want to give a shoutout to the house managers and house staff for immediately jumping into action to address the situation. Secondly, I want to commend the stage management, crew and cast for seamlessly pausing the production, removing themselves from the stage, and returning once the matter had been addressed. As a former usher, I know how intense and scary those moments can be, especially when the theater is almost completely black. So kudos to The Fisher Theater and their team!
All in all, this Hadestown production is an unforgettable journey into the underworld. With its powerhouse cast, captivating music, and brilliant direction, it’s a production that resonates long after the final curtain. It’s a story of love, fate, and the choices that define us.
Catch Hadestown when it arrives in a city near you! This show is running through February 2, in Detroit, so grab your tickets at the Broadway in Detroit website, along with any of the other great shows coming up, such as Clue: Live!, Come From Away, and Parade!
Broadway Beats: Hadestown Cast Album Review
