“A’ight,”
The love story of a poor boy working on a song and a girl looking for something to eat, before being struck by tragedy. From the genius mind Anaïs Mitchell, “Hadestown” has been a hit musical on Broadway since 2019. Performed at the Walter Kerr Theatre, there have been over 2,000 performances since its debut project back in 2006.
“Hadestown” is brilliant in its own right, with subtle commentary on issues like capitalism and its negative effects on people. However, the musical can’t be defined by its social commentary alone.
The soundtrack has been stuck in my head since I first heard it in 2022, with songs like “Wait for Me,” “Wait for Me (Reprise),” “Chant” and “Road to Hell” being some fan favorites. Personally, my favorite songs are “How Long,” “Flowers” and “Wait for Me.” But it’s hard to choose from the vast number of options, because the entire soundtrack is so consistently astounding.
Beyond the soundtrack, “Hadestown” captivates audiences with its stunning visuals and innovative stage design. The stage effects are purely breathtaking, from the iconic revolving stage, the walls splitting apart during “Wait for Me” and the thrilling use of lighting and the clever set designs, it’s a visually pleasing show all around.
I had the pleasure of watching “Hadestown” on Oct. 1, with Jack Wolfe and Morgan Dudley starring as the lovers Orpheus and Eurydice. Without a doubt, this is one of the best castings since the Broadway debut actors Reeve Carney and Eva Noblezada. Besides Dudley and Wolfe, there was Kurt Elling as Hermes, Paulo Szot as Hades and Rebecca Naomi Jones as Persephone.
Jack Wolfe’s performance as Orpheus is somehow both haunting and innocent, as his facial expressions convey more emotion than any words. His interpretation of Orpheus is perfectly convincing, never failing to be a poet, a musician, a poor boy or any of the complexities Orpheus’ character has to offer. Not to mention, Wolfe’s astounding voice that shook the entire theater. By the end of “If It’s True,” I was already in tears from Wolfe’s phenomenal singing and his touching acting. I already knew Wolfe was a great singer and actor from his performance in “Next to Normal,” but he truly proved his dynamic range with this role.
But that’s no distraction from Morgan Dudley’s beautiful performance as Eurydice. Dudley’s voice is enchanting and clear, her acting during “Flowers” practically gave me chills. Dudley’s stage presence is unmatched. Not to mention, her rendition of “Wait for Me (Reprise)” was filled with such passion, I was hopeful that things would turn out well for Eurydice despite her situation. She truly proved the show as a deeply moving exploration of struggle, resilience, and hope.
Dudley and Wolfe’s stage chemistry is unrivaled, making it easy to love their dynamic. The show was filled with little heartwarming moments, such as embracing in the background during “Way Down Hadestown,” that deepened their romance as more than a plot point.
Kurt Elling, Paulo Szot and Rebecca Naomi Jones gave such unique perspectives to each of their characters, truly focusing on the gods’ dynamics which I never noticed in other productions of “Hadestown.” With Hermes’ hope intertwined with gloom, Hades’ charm and Persephone’s humor, each role is distinctive to their actor and gave me a newfound love for each character.
Overall, the current casting of “Hadestown” is extremely special, and if you’re seeking a musical that will move your heart and linger in your mind, “Hadestown” is a journey you won’t want to miss.
