REVIEW: Hadestown

If you’re a lover of musical theater or someone who appreciates the beauty of a unique and inspired vision, then Hadestown should be at the top of your must-see list. This Tony Award-winning musical, created by the brilliant Anaïs Mitchell, is a mesmerizing blend of myth, music, and magic that transports audiences to a world that is unlike any other, but also deeply familiar. Hadestown stands out as a unique and unforgettable theatrical experience like nothing I’ve seen before.

Hadestown captivates with its relatively simple yet stunning artistic scenery to support the story of the ancient Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone. The Depression-era industrial set design presents a gritty vision of Hades’ underworld. The lighting design is especially impressive–often intentionally stunning–with its dramatic contrasts and ethereal glows that enhance the mood and emotion of each scene. The interplay of light and shadow not only highlights the performers, but also plays with the very ideas of depth and dimension in the performance.

The performances in Hadestown gave me the impression that the cast is truly passionate about this show. I was especially impressed by Nickolaus Colon’s run as Hades. His deep, rich voice really captured the essence of the lord of the underworld. There was also something otherworldly in the tambre of Megan Colton’s voice that made her Eurydice a standout amongst the other excellent performers.

At the heart of Hadestown is a story about the power of love and music, told through a soulful and haunting blend of folk, jazz, and blues. I wouldn’t normally consider myself a fan of any of those genres, but Anaïs Mitchell’s score strikes a chord that rings both timeless and contemporary, with melodies that linger long after the blazing lights go dark. There’s nothing quite like Hadestown.

Hadestown is at the Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis through February 16, 2025.