Hadestown is a Tony award winning musical that retells the story of Orpheus and Eurydice from Greek mythology. With music, lyrics, and a book by Anaïs Mitchell, Hadestown has received critical acclaim and become hugely popular on Broadway. But is it worth seeing? Here we’ll examine what the show is about, the highlights audiences rave over, and some of the potential downsides to help you decide if Hadestown is worth seeing for yourself.
What is Hadestown about?
Hadestown is a folk opera that transports the ancient tale of Orpheus and Eurydice to a post-apocalyptic, Depression-era setting. The story follows young dreamer Orpheus and his lover Eurydice, who get entangled with underworld king Hades and his wife Persephone.
When Eurydice is lured to the underworld by Hades with promises of plenty, Orpheus travels to bring his love back. Hades challenges Orpheus to test his faith in the power of music and love. The movie musical elements transport audiences from the mythic past to a haunting near future where climate change has ravaged the land.
What are the highlights that audiences love?
The music
The folk and blues inspired music of Hadestown is one of its biggest draws. Anaïs Mitchell’s melodies and lyrics are haunting and emotional. The songs advance the tragedy of Orpheus and Eurydice while retaining the feel of an old-time folk ballad.
Popular numbers praised by critics include the opener “Road to Hell”, upbeat “When the Chips are Down”, and the romantic ballad “All I’ve Ever Known”. The cast album reached #1 on Billboard’s Broadway chart, and “Wait For Me” won the 2020 Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album.
The staging
Director Rachel Chavkin uses inventive staging to realize the evocative Depression-era underworld. The set has an industrial, metal frame look inspired by the welding art of sculptor Rachel Feinstein. Dramatic lighting and smoke effects transport audiences from the barren overworld to the fiery factories of Hades.
The choreography by David Neumann cleverly incorporates percussive movement and instrumentation into the show’s flow. Reviewers praised the visceral, immersive nature of the production.
The performances
Hadestown has featured powerful casts, including Tony winners André De Shields as Hermes and Eva Noblezada as Eurydice. Patrick Page’s Hades exudes menace and charisma, while Reeve Carney’s emotive Orpheus tugs at the heartstrings.
The show was tailored to its original cast’s talents, with Anaïs Mitchell calling it “both intimately human and epic.” Audiences connect with the raw passion of the actor’s performances.
The themes
While based on Greek myth, Hadestown resonates with contemporary relevance. At its core is a timeless tale of romance and resilience. But it also touches on modern themes like:
– Socioeconomic inequality and the struggle of workers
– Environmental damage and sustainability
– The redeeming power of art and hope
These strong themes grounded in classics and modernity help explain why the show strikes a chord.
What are the downsides of Hadestown?
No show is perfect, so here are some of the critiques leveled at Hadestown to help set expectations:
The tone
While praised as a haunting folk opera, some found the music too homogenous. The tone stays melancholic throughout. So audiences looking for more variety and uplift may be disappointed.
The story changes
Myth purists took issue with some of the changed elements. Most significantly, Orpheus in the original myth succeeds in rescuing Eurydice. So the tragic ending was controversial for altering the iconic ancient love story.
The length
At 2 hours and 40 minutes including intermission, Hadestown is one of the longest shows on Broadway. The slower pacing and sparse staging isn’t for those looking for spectacle and snappy songs.
The price
As a top Tony-winning show, Hadestown commands premium ticket prices. Unless you luck into a lottery seat, expect to pay $100+ per seat – a significant investment for a theater outing.
Is Hadestown still worth seeing?
Despite a few critiques, most reviewers and audiences strongly recommend taking in Hadestown. Here are some key reasons why it is worth seeing:
The music stands out
Whatever your take on the tone, the music of Hadestown is undeniably well-crafted. Even critics conceded the score is one of the best in years, making it worthwhile to experience live.
The performances connect
Reviews consistently praise the acting, singing, and chemistry of the cast. They make the classic tragedy feel vibrant and human. The chance to see Tony winners live justifies the ticket price.
The set is unique
You’ve likely never seen a set like Hadestown’s bleak industrial underworld before. The lighting and smoke effects create an otherworldly atmosphere you can’t replicate listening to a cast album.
It’s visually engaging
From the choreography to costumes to set design, Hadestown is hailed as a feast for the senses. The visuals work with the music to create an immersive world.
The themes resonate
Many find Hadestown’s modern connections to inequality and climate change lend it emotional weight beyond just a myth retelling. It strikes philosophical chords that linger and provoke thought.
The story is still strong
Even with the changed ending, at its core Hadestown tells a timeless, moving tragedy of love, trust, doubt and regret. The way it retells that iconic tale earns acclaim.
Conclusion
Hadestown certainly isn’t suited for everyone’s tastes. But for those allured by Anaïs Mitchell’s folk opera vision and wanting to experience a multiple Tony-winning Broadway phenomenon, Hadestown is absolutely worth seeing live at least once. Just brace yourself for a melancholy journey to the underworld that will resonate long after leaving the theater.
| Pros of seeing Hadestown live | Cons of seeing Hadestown live |
|---|---|
| Stellar music and songs | Melancholic tone throughout |
| Powerful acting and vocals | Story changed from original myth |
| Unique, vivid set design | Slow pace tests patience |
| Visually stunning spectacle | High ticket prices |
| Poignant themes and relevance |
Key Info
- Show length: 2 hours 40 minutes
- Opening year: 2019 (current run)
- Music & lyrics: Anaïs Mitchell
- Book: Anaïs Mitchell
- Director: Rachel Chavkin
- Original Broadway cast: Reeve Carney, André De Shields, Amber Gray, Eva Noblezada, Patrick Page
- Notable awards: 8 Tony Awards (2019), Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album (2020)
Getting Hadestown tickets
If you’ve decided Hadestown is worth seeing, here are some tips to get tickets:
Buy early
Given its popularity, tickets often sell out weeks or months in advance. Booking as far ahead as you can ensures you get seats.
Aim for weeknights or matinees
Tickets for Tuesday-Thursday and matinee shows are high in demand but generally cheaper than peak weekends. Flexible scheduling can save money.
Check for deals and lotteries
Some seats are sold via daily lotteries and rush tickets for $40 or less. Check theater websites for details to possibly score big discounts.
Avoid resale markups
Resale sites often double prices. Book direct via the theater’s site when possible. But if reselling is your only option, verify tickets before purchasing.
Compare multiple sellers
Prices can vary across authorized sellers like Telecharge and Ticketmaster. Check multiple outlets.
Act fast once onsale
Popular dates sell out within hours or minutes once tickets go onsale. Sign up for alerts and be ready to pounce when your preferred dates appear.
Consider standing room
If sold out, standing room tickets are available day-of for a low price. You won’t have an assigned seat but still get to experience the show live.
With its beautiful music, vivid staging, and emotional performances, Hadestown is a Broadway standout – if you have the fortitude for a haunting tragedy. Brace yourself for an unforgettable underworld journey and book your tickets today before the run sells out!
