Hadestown is taking you to the world that is. Get ready for a bumpy adventure through mythology like you never seen it before. The premise is based on love, trust, and what we allow us to distract us from the goals in mind. If you have never seen this story unfold this is a must see. Be prepared to go through the most soulful singing that you need to her. Here is your before you go and more.
Before you go and See Hadestown
As always make sure that you get your ticketstickets for the show before as you run the risk of having them sell out. The last time it came to Ensemble Arts Philly I was sick and missed it. Nothing beats a first-time experience at a show and this one tipped the scale. The show is about 2.5 hours long with an intermission. Get your concessions including the signature cocktail, Livin’ it up. There is also plenty of Hadestown swag so if you are interested get there in enough time to grab all the things and get settled.
The show will start out with the stage already open as the cast joins. The show is recommended for ages 8 and up however I would take a child 10 and up if the child is mature. There is talk about stressors in life and that may not be suitable for a younger audience. There is large amounts of strobe lights and fog. It can be intense at times.
Hadestown and The Singing of it all
Before I can even break down my thoughts on the show, I mustgive credit and honor to whom it is due and that is to the entire cast for their chops. The way that each cast member owned and held their own it makes their voices a starring character. I have said it once and I will say it again, music is important to musicals. You will not be disappointed.
The Production Team deserves their flowers
So often during a performance we focus on the cast. If they do their job, it makes sense. However, keep in mind that the production team in this show needs their flowers. I was impressed at the simplicity of the production, but the biggest elements were the lighting. The lighting added so much character to the intense show. At one point without the lighting some parts wouldn’t have had the necessary emphasis.
Stand out Cast Members
The Fates had my attention the entire time. I will get to the main characters shortly. However, the fates the notes, the dancing, the movement etc. was phenomenal. I had to contain myself many times from not hollering out. The notes never missed. Impressive is the only word that I can think of that would give it justice. You will be blown away. The element that The Fates brought made my experience that much more. In addition, the same could be said about the Worker Chorus. Nothing will grab and hold my attention like good music.
Let’s Talk about the Themes in Hadesdown
You have Amaya Braganza who plays Eurydice who falls in love with Orpheus played by John Krauss. In the midst of their budding love story there are mini-issues that take place. To trust someone to love you in a way that brings pure joy is beautiful and complicated. Orpheus has a gift but in order to showcase it, he must make a song and sing it. As he works, his girlfriend, Eurydice wants his attention. As that increases and her desire and hunger for more causes her to make a decision that changes their relationship.
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Photo credit T. Charles Erickson, courtesy of Ensemble Arts Philly
Will Mann who plays Hermes had me in a chokehold. His stage presence is dynamic in every way. I appreciated his demeanor and the way he made you see him. However, there is one that stood out that I must make full mention of and that is Lana Gordon who plays Persephone. Her voice never really needed a mic its powerful and engaging. I loved her. She is married to Hades played by Matthew Patrick Quinn. You’re essentially supposed to love him as he represents everything that is wrong in the world however, I really loved him. It could be his character, the voice, or the stage presence-either way I was here for him.
The takeaway in Hadestown
There are many themes. Things like trust, greed, good vs evil so many themes. You will take away what resonates with you. I took the fact that if you don’t stay the course in life and let distractions that aren’t more important than the goal stop you-you don’t always get a second chance.
Either way Hadestown owes me nothing. I was impressed and left with my mouth off the ground. The ending, will shock, frustrate, and keep you talking. My group chat from the show is on fire. Thank you to the Hadestown team and Ensemble Arts Philly for having me.
