Hadestown – Courtesy of T. Charles Erickson. Used with permission.
As I viewed Tuesday’s opening night performance at Clowes Hall, of “Hadestown” the national touring company presentation of the multiple Tony winning musical. I could not help but reflect on its originality and its status as a true work of art. A sung through musical with music, lyrics and book by Anais Mitchell, the work premiered on Broadway in 2019 to critical acclaim. The current North American tour has been out since 2021.
Hadestown – Courtesy of T. Charles Erickson. Used with permission.
“Hadestown” is based on the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. In this adaptation, Eurydice is a young girl looking foraging for food, who goes to toil in an industrial version of the Greek underwood to escape poverty and the frigid cold, and Orpheus her gentle, poor singer-songwriter, who journeys to the underworld rescue her.
Like all Broadway in Indianapolis touring shows that come through these parts, this one directed by Rachel Chaykin, replicates the high artistic quality of that which one would see in New York City. The leads— Amaya A. Brazanza (Eurycide), Lana Gordon (Persephone), John Krause (Orpheus), Will Mann (Hermes) and Matthew Patrick Quinn (Hades) were only first-rate actors but also some of the finest vocalists I have heard in any show Their performances were all simply electrifying. As an aside, Mitchell’s dynamic score reminded me a great deal of Johathan Larsen’s music in “Rent.” Standing out was the trio, consisting of Marla Louissant, Lizzie Markson and Hannah Schreer who played the fates. As far as the show’s distinctive choreography, the triple threat performers execute so effortlessly. Also, superb was the eight-piece band, featuring virtuoso trombone player Emily Frederickson who turned in a killer solo.
Hadestown – Courtesy of T. Charles Erickson. Used with permission.
As far as the show’s sets which reflected a New Orleans’s flavor, the mixed period costumes, and effective lighting and sound, one was easily transported to Manhattan’s theatre district —such was the outstanding caliber of the production values.
Tickets for “Hadestown” which continues through until Sunday are available at Indianapolis.broadway.com.
