Box Five: An Introvert at the Theatre: Review and theatre-going tips for Hadestown

"It's an old song... and we're gonna sing it again."
- Hermes, Hadestown

Amber Gray in Hadestown on Broadway

I've seen Hadestown twice now so I figured it was time to write something about it. Alright? Alright.

What did Erin think?

While I can't claim to be one of the oldest Hadestown fans out there (I have so much respect for you people who saw the musical at NYTW in 2016 and had to wait a year for the cast recording to come out, then another two years for the show to open on Broadway), I have been a fan since the release of the Off-Broadway cast recording last year, and needless to say I've been waiting with baited breath for Hadestown to hit Broadway.

I knew it would be good, because Rachel Chavkin and Anais Mitchell is a winning combination--especially when joined by Amber Gray, Eva Noblezada, and Patrick Page. Still, whenever you see a new incarnation of something you love, there's a fear that it won't be as good as you want it to be.

Never fear. Hadestown is that good. And better.

I can't even describe what the show made me feel--it's electric, thrilling, beautiful, and incredibly moving. Not only is it a cast and orchestra for the ages, it's directed by the daring, inspired Rachel Chavkin and it features one of the best original scores in recent Broadway history. Amid a flux of revivals, jukebox musicals, and movie adaptations, Hadestown is a relief--a bright star on Broadway and a sign that high-quality, original new musicals are still possible.

The powerful emotional force of this show was proven by the fact that I could hear sniffling throughout the whole theatre for most of Act II, and that at the climax, when the final tragedy happened, one person in the audience literally screamed: "NO!"

Go for the soul-stirring music, the gorgeous script, the monumental staging, the incredible actors, and the inspiring message about the power of art in an imperfect world.

Also, go for the swinging lamps.

How can I get cheap tickets?

Rush tickets are available for $42.50 each. These are given out at 12 PM for matinees and at 5 PM for evening performances. I haven't tried to rush this show so I'm not sure how early you'd have to get there, but I imagine pretty early. Standing-room only tickets are also available for sold-out performances, at $39 each. Again, it's limited to one per person.

There's also a lottery. You can win tickets for $42.50 each. But if you do, be prepared to sit in the literal worst seat in the theatre, from which you'll have a very limited view of the stage. (Speaking from personal experience).

Where should I sit?

I sat toward the back of the orchestra the first time I saw it and had a great view. I'm thinking the view from the mezzanine would also be very good. Just don't sit in the boxes, as you'll only have a partial view of the stage and with Rachel Chavkin's phenomenal staging, you'll want to be able to see everything.

How long is it?

2 and a half hours, including a 15-minute intermission.

What else do I need to know?

Bring tissues.

While you don't need to know the following, it might increase your enjoyment of the show:

Hadestown combines two Greek myths: the story of Orpheus and Eurydice and the story of Hades and Persephone. But you don't need to know anything about either myth before seeing Hadestown. Guided by messenger of the gods Hermes (Andre de Shields), who narrates the show, you're in capable hands for this masterfully told tale.

You might find yourself wondering where and when this story takes place, but as Hermes says, "Don't ask where, brother, don't ask when." This is a myth, and as such, time and place are irrelevant. It could happen today, or it could have happened thousands of years ago.

At this point, Hadestown itself has a long and storied history--which you definitely don't need to know before attending, but which you might find interesting.

Phase I: Concept Album

Anais Mitchell, an indie singer-songwriter, first envisioned Hadestown as a folksy concept album back in 2010. The album features Mitchell as Eurydice and Bon Iver as Orpheus. The soundtrack is still available for buying or streaming on multiple platforms, and you might find it worth a listen if you like the show.

Phase II: Off-Broadway at New York Theatre Workshop

In 2016, Hadestown played Off-Broadway at the New York Theatre Workshop under the direction of Rachel Chavkin. This time, Damon Daunno played Orpheus, with Nabiyah Be as Eurydice, Amber Gray as Persephone, and Patrick Page as Hades. A live cast album was recorded and released in 2017. It's well worth a listen, if only for Daunno's jaw-dropping vocals.

Phase III: Edmonton, Canada

Randomly, Hadestown next went to Canada, now with Reeve Carney in the role of Orpheus. Amber Gray and Patrick Page reprised their roles as Persephone and Hades, respectively.

Phase IV: London's National Theatre

In 2018, Hadestown played at London's National Theatre, this time with Eva Noblezada as Eurydice and Andre de Shields as Hermes. Carney, Gray, and Page all reprised their performances.

Phase V: Broadway

Hadestown opened on Broadway on April 17 at the Walter Kerr Theatre, with much of the cast from the London run still intact, though the Chorus and Fates are new to the production for its Broadway run. A Broadway cast album is slated for June 7.

Is it appropriate?

It is 100% appropriate and fine to take your kids to. No swearing, sex, or nudity. The only violence is a short choreographed sequence in the vein of West Side Story, and it's pretty mild.

Where's the stage door and who comes out?

The stage door is just to the right of the theatre as you exit, and it will be marked with barricades and probably lots of fans. Because of its history and the fact that many actors have been involved with the show for a while, Hadestown's cast has a pretty big following, so prepare for a crowd at the stage door. When I saw an evening performance during previews, everyone came out except for Amber Gray. When I went back and saw a matinee after the show had opened, everyone came out except Amber Gray, Patrick Page, and Andre de Shields. Eva Noblezada and Reeve Carney came out both times and were absolutely delightful. They'll sign and take pictures with you, and they seemed eager to talk to fans.