"It's a sad song, it's a sad tale, it's a tragedy, it's a sad song but we sing it anyway." Indeed they do. In Hadestown, the myth of tragic lovers Orpehus and Eurydice is turned into a folk and jazz musical, courtesy of writer Anais Mitchell. With direction by Rachel Chavkin, this myth takes on new life in the beautiful production now playing at the Walter Kerr Theatre.
Eva Noblezada and Reeve Carney play the tragic lovers, alongside Patrick Page as Hades himself, singing what are probably the lowest songs on Broadway; Amber Grey as Persephone, his wife; and Andre de Shields as Hermes, who guides Orpheus on his journey to bring his love back to him.
While Hadestown has made its way through three previous productions before landing on Broadway, it is as stunning and beautiful as you would hope. Entirely sung through, it flows seamlessly from one song to the next thanks to Chavkin's stellar direction and flawless casting. The five core actors are fantastic bringing nuance and depth to their respective parts. Even if you know the fate of Orpheus and Eurydice, you will still be completely enraptured by the story as it unfolds onstage. They are supported by a small ensemble who execute David Neumann's choreography flawlessly.
It is also visually gorgeous, from the New Orleans-esque sets to the fog and lighting design that will send chills down your spine. While it remains and ancient tale, it blends flawlessly into the more modern setting, making Mitchell's words feel as if they could apply to us, as well as the characters we are watching onstage. It's tragic, beautiful, interestingly timeless; as well as being a night of theater you won't soon forget.