Review: HADESTOWN, Ensemble Arts Philly - US tour

Photo credit: T Charles Erickson

Tragic and hopeful, mega hit Hadestown is back in Philadelphia after about a year on its North American tour'; the theatre filled with fans wearing red carnations for Orpheus and flower crowns for Persephone. Audience members who had never seen the show revelled in the excitement as they waited for the show to begin.

Orpheus (John Krause) is working in a club where Hermes (Will Mann) is the emcee. Hermes weaves together the story of Orpheus and Eurydice (Amaya Braganza) with Hades (Matthew Patrick Quinn) and Persphone (Lana Gordon), proclaiming it a “sad song” but also some of the most famous love stories of all time. The story reflects modern themes such as capitalism and environmental destruction as the couples delve deep into the belly of the underworld, searching for love and power with a side of idealism.

Compared to previous renditions of Hadestown, the current cast brings some slight differences that both add and detract from the show. Orpheus appears weak and fragile, similar to the way he was played on Broadway but not similar to his portrayal on recent tours. Rodriguez draws sympathy in ‘Come Home with Me’ and ‘Promises’ as the audience crosses their fingers that love will survive. Braganza is magnificent and angsty, her voice is powerful and gives life to ‘All I’ve Ever Known’ and ‘Hey, Little Songbird’. Gordon plays Persephone as quite the raucous character with an energetic voice that hits every note, with dancing reminiscent of Vaudeville fun. She and Quinn play off one another and their characters bring charisma and brightness than could easily be darkened by the dark, malevolent depths of Hadestown.

The technical elements of Hadestown are what creates such a stunning show. The collaboration between set designer Rachel Hauck and lighting designer Bradley King create an exceptionally unique scenic landscape that pulls the audience in. With the use of strobe lights, flashlights, lamps and haze, not much on the stage actually changes even though there are many different scenes. The most fascinating part of the set is the rotating stage centre, where having a balcony or mezzanine seat is actually beneficial as you can see the actors crawling, stomping and trudging along with it. Orpheus often goes against it, but isn’t that the point?

Hadestown highlights the power of hope and strength that comes from believing in what could be. While Persephone brings the spring, Hadestown is the perfect story for all seasons.

***** Five stars

Reviewed by: Jamie Flowers

Hadestown plays at Ensemble Arts, Academy of Music until 14 April before touring. For more info, please click here.