Way down, Hadestown! That’s exactly where the pro-shot version of Hadestown: The Musical is headed; more specifically, way down to movie theater screens for five nights only. Last year, the London production of Hadestown got back five of the original Broadway cast for an absolutely unforgettable live performance that they filmed for eternal enjoyment. Having seen the show once before on Broadway, this was super nostalgic and heartwarming to watch. Full body chills during “Wait For Me” and “Epic III” were anticipated, but boy does the cinematic experience elevate Hadestown around every lamp-swinging, stage-rotating event. The audience at the Tribeca screening ate it all up too, giving rousing applause after almost every musical number, and standing ovations for the curtain call, just as it should be. Cinematically satisfying and potently powerful, Hadestown: The Musical brings the stage to theaters with stylish flair and killer vocals.
During the Tribeca Q&A, one of the film’s directors claimed to have been inspired by one night only events and concert films in her approach to this dynamically-shot Broadway redux. For the uninitiated, Hadestown recalibrates ancient Greek mythology with a jazzy twist, opting more for a metaphorical type of narrative rather than a traditional one. The film is narrated by Hermes, played by Tony-winner André De Shields. Hermes acts as a constant throughout the two hour plus runtime. His bold tuxedo outfit really stands out among the crowd. There’s a New Orleans type feel right from the outset, and Hermes is directly responsible for establishing this tone.
In the wise words of Hermes, this story has been told time and time again, and the ending tragically always seems to stay the same. The main plot focuses on Orpheus (Reeve Carney) and his love for the wayward Eurydice (Eva Noblezada). As Orpheus, Carney utilizes his unique vocal range, complete with full falsetto. There is truly no other voice on Broadway like it. I have been enamored with Carney’s voice since seeing him in Broadway’s Spider-Man: Turn Off the Dark many many moons ago, and my enthusiasm for his work continued when he started in Showtime’s Penny Dreadful. Chemistry with his wife, Eva Noblezada-Carney, reverberated off the walls of my theater with power. Even their first kiss had the audience roaring with cheer. They have worked together onstage many times over, including a current run in The Great Gatsby. Noblezada has a traditionally belty, extremely impressive vocal range. She adds a lot to a character that, on paper, could be rather threadbare. Thankfully, Eurydice soars as one of the best characters, and she even gets a solo! The relationship between Orpheus and Eurydice is still the most compelling element of the story. When they end up in the underworld, each under a separate set of circumstances, the show gets even more compelling. Hermes always lingers to interject a sassy bit of musical dialogue or a stray piece of advice.
The other standout in the cast is theatre veteran Patrick Page. He plays the deep-voiced Hades with an indescribable swagger that still comes across on the screen. He is a complex character who is far more than a cookie cutter villain. Persephone (Amber Gray) is interesting, but she doesn’t get quite as much depth as one would expect. Instead, her character is relegated to little more than a enthusiastic drunkard. I recognize this is probably not a popular opinion, but Persephone has never grabbed my attention in the same way as others. That does not diminish Gray’s performance as Persephone because she truly understands the assignment. Eventually, her bond with husband Hades evolves into something beautiful that blossoms into profundity.
As far as the set design is concerned, Hadestown thrives on the simplicity. The Tony-winner for Best Scenic Design remains, not-so-shockingly, very impressive. The cinematic quality to this professional shoot actually adds even more depth than allowed on a stage. There are many overhead shots utilized and even some under, standing in for Hades underworld. This adds an extra layer of drama when cast members are lowered into its depths. Every great opportunity to expand and extend the impact of Hadestown through this new medium has been embraced by directors Rachel Chavkin and Brett Sullivan. There aren’t any dazzling special effects, however, a healthy mixture of intimate close-up and wide shot angles that give viewers unforeseen access to the show’s depth.
Finding any faults in the filmmaking process seems like a fools errand. This is a flawless, relatively straightforward depiction of Hadestown on stage. That means any issues you may have had with the original production will still be here for critique. The finale when Orpheus and Eurydice are making their final trek through the underworld is beautifully realized, and looks absolutely stunning. Like with the production, the only real issue that I had was concerning the narrative itself. Without familiarity in mythology, it is extremely hard to follow at times.
The Grammy-winning beauty of these songs remains the crowning achievement. There is nothing else like this show playing on the Broadway stage, making this Hadestown iteration that much more unique. In a land landscape flooded with revivals and adaptations of films, it’s no wonder the show still runs on Broadway. One thing is for sure: Hadestown has become a must-see theater event, best watched in a theater filled with like-minded theater nerds who will really appreciate the cinematic and emotional connections. Whether experiencing the magic for the first time or looking to nostalgically revisit your past, Hadestown has something for everyone. There can be no denying the power of the vocals or lyrics, or its unique staging.
The show has endured for years for a very specific reason. People see themselves in the hopeful yet tragic story of Orpheus and Eurydice, and the music really stays with you. The visual spark remains intact and still incredibly impactful. This iteration of Hadestown will ensure the show lives on through multiple different mediums, and it allows us a window into the incredible performances from the Original Broadway Cast. This is a rarity, especially nearly a decade removed from the original rehearsals. Hadestown is a terrific, engaging show with a bold beating heart and plenty of symbolism, one whose cyclical nature will drive audiences to book plenty of return visits down the winding railroad track to Hell.
Hadestown debuted at 2026’s Tribeca Film Festival. It travels through the underworld exclusively in theaters for five nights only starting Friday, July 24th.
