Hadestown: The Myth. The Musical


Kara Green, Staff Writer


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Hadestown: The Myth. The Musical was released as a stage musical adaptation in 2016 of the stage opera which was released in 2010 and is coming to Broadway March 22nd, 2019. It was performed in New York Theatre Workshop in May 6th, 2016 and ran through the end of July. The musical follows the story of Orpheus and Eurydice in the era of the Great Depression. It also follows the relationship of Hades and Persephone who have relationship troubles. This musical was thoroughly enjoyable due to the music and storyline.

The music in “Hadestown” was in the format of a more jazzy and Motown style of music. For musicals, it was a theme that was not often used. One large example of this was in the opener to the musical, “Road to Hell” which includes many different types of instruments and different types of singing. The song also includes a singer who sings with a more gruff voice that is used more in that style of music. Since most musicals are composed with a more fun and poppy style of music, “Hadestown” was a refreshing change to the usual musical theme. Some of the songs that include the best styles of jazzy music are “Road to Hell”, “Hey Little Songbird”, and “Our Lady of the Underground”. Another thing that was amazing about the show was the singing. Every singer in the show had an incredible voice for their roles. Two of the most impressive roles were played by Patrick Page who was Hades and Damon Duanno who played Orpheus. Both of these roles had very hard notes and were pulled off incredibly. One of the songs Hades sings is “Hey Little Songbird” which is entirely low notes that are sung well. A song that Orpheus is showcased in is “Wait for Me”. This song shows off the high notes that Damon Duanno can hit comfortably. All of the songs mentioned can be found on YouTube.

“Hadestown” also had a storyline that added to the creativity and fun of the musical. The story follows the love lives of both Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone. It follows the dissatisfaction of Persephone who lives in Hadestown with her husband. Due to his wife’s frustrations, Hades goes in search of someone who will enjoy Hadestown with him. He finds Eurydice. Eurydice is starving due to the musical being set in the Great Depression and due to her lover, Orpheus, who can’t pay for anything. After being offered a comfortable life in Hadestown, she goes to hell and lives with Hades. The musical then follows Orpheus and his attempts to rescue and be reunited with his love. This story is truly lovable. There are so many layers and emotions that are told through the songs and acting that build an abstract and wonderful storyline.

This musical is amazing in so many ways. With its fantastic soundtrack and the insanely talented artists who sing in the show, it is truly a musical for all ages and lovers of theatre. I give it 5/5 stars.

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