DETROIT – The national tour of “Hadestown” is wrapping up a short run at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit this weekend.
This was my first time seeing “Hadestown” -- but I am no stranger to the music. Before going to the show, I listened to every version of every song that I could get my hands on. The national tour cast didn’t just meet my expectations -- they exceeded them.
“Hadestown” tells a version of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice -- intertwining their tragic love story with that of King Hades and his wife Persephone. It also explores themes of class struggles, and social and environmental issues. It tells us not to give up -- to keep trying, and sharing these stories -- even if we know how they end. And even if the end isn’t everything we hoped for.
The show began as an indie theater project that toured Vermont. It blends American folk music with New Orleans-inspired jazz. It was created by singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and original director Rachel Chavkin.
“Hadestown” opened on Broadway in April 2019, where it played sold out houses nightly until performances were suspended due to the COVID pandemic. The show resumed in September 2021. It has won eight 2019 Tony Awards, including best musical and the 2020 Grammy award for best musical theater album.
“Wait for Me” might be the most well-known song from the musical, but the one that hit me the hardest was “If It’s True.” Bryan Munar was a wonderful Orpheus and he played the emotion in this song perfectly.
Sunday, Feb. 2, 2025, is the last day to see Hadestown at the Fisher Theatre in Detroit. Tickets are available online at broadwayindetroit.com and start at $76.
More information on other tour dates and locations can be found at hadestowntour.com
A live version of “Hadestown” is going to be filmed in London starting at the end of February. The principal cast of the film will include leads from the original Broadway cast.
