“Hadestown” is a soulful musical with book, music and lyrics by Anaïs Mitchell. It retells the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice’s tragic love story. Utilizing non-traditional music replacing musical theater style, there is a song for everyone, and it is exhilarating.
IU Auditorium hosted two performances of “Hadestown” on Feb. 4-5.
Growing up as a theater kid who lived only a 40-minute train ride away from New York City, I was able to see my fair share of Broadway productions. I’ve been impressed by just about everything I have seen, yet the new North American “Hadestown” national tour, which came to Bloomington this week, was different. It is now one of my favorite theatrical performances.
The tour’s powerhouse cast and killer band had the audience in the palm of their hands. If you want to witness vocal excellence, grab a ticket to their next performance.
From the moment the opening number “Road to Hell” began, the audience was immersed in the show’s world. The show is set in the midst of a harsh winter that has left its inhabitants starving and cold.
Greek god Hermes is our narrator, welcoming the audience to the show and introducing us to our cast. From the beginning he tells us, “This is a sad tale, but that they will sing it anyway.” He knows what will happen every time he tells the story, yet proceeds on with the hope that the tale will change.
Jaylon C. Crump, who plays Hermes in this production, found out that they had booked the role while on the subway going to their singing server job in New York.
“I just started bawling on the subway,” Crump said. “It was such a surreal experience”.
Crump is absolutely magnetic to watch. They are one of the youngest actors to play this role and command the stage with a swagger like no other and a voice that could sing just about anything.
Crump describes their portrayal as “the aunt or uncle who slaps you on the wrist whenever you’re doing bad and then gets to have fun”.
The best part of Hermes is that, as Crump said, their portrayal is “so inherently Jaylon.” The show is special as it allows actors to bring so much of themselves to the role. This is seen throughout the production, and it is a treat.
Hermes has been played by many veteran Broadway actors, each bringing a unique take to the character. The original Hermes from the 2019 production, Andre De Shields, starred in the original Broadway production of “The Wiz” as the titular role. Current Hermes, Lillias White, is famously known for her portrayal of Effie in Dreamgirls. Jon Jon Briones of “Miss Saigon” played the role in 2024 alongside his daughter Isa as Eurydice.
Orpheus falls in love with Eurydice from the moment he sees her. He is almost the opposite of her, shy and a hopeless romantic to Eurydice’s hungry, jaded persona. Orpheus promises Eurydice that he will write a song that will bring spring back, saving them both from the brutal lives they lead. When his melody magically conjures up a flower, she agrees to marry him and the two quickly fall in love.
Orpheus, played by Bryan Munar, is quite literally a rockstar. His portrayal of Orpheus is gentle, yet when he sings, his voice is raw and powerful. His rendition of my favorite song from the cast album “If it’s True” floored me. I couldn’t believe the sheer excellence with which the number was performed.
Megan Colton, who plays Eurydice, left the audience in awe when she sang. At moments, her voice sounded a little bit like Eva Noblezada, who played Eurydice in the original Broadway cast, but Colton brought her own distinct blend of rasp and sweetness to role. Her rendition of the ballad “Flowers” was hauntingly beautiful.
Together, the pair are beyond compelling to watch. They make the audience fall in love with their characters and their story so easily.
Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, returns to the surface from Hadestown, an underground factory where she is married to Hades. She brings springtime with her, bringing joy and prosperity to the land with the lively song “Livin’ it Up on Top.” All is well with our cast until Hades surfaces to bring Persephone back to Hadestown, bringing winter back to our cast.
With winter and hard times back, Eurydice is tempted into going down to Hadestown by the three Fates, a harmonious trio that serves as antagonists for our characters, constantly giving misguided advice. Eurydice listens to the Fates, dreaming of a life where she will not starve. Orpheus, engrossed in his goal to finish his music, has unintentionally neglected her. Feeling alone and desperate, Eurydice makes the choice to go to Hadestown. Upon discovering this, Orpheus heeds Hermes’ advice and takes the journey to rescue her in the showstopping song “Wait for Me.”
Act One ends as Eurydice finds herself in the not so glamorous Hadestown where she must work amongst other nameless (as they have forgotten them) workers to build a wall.
Hadestown is an important story that finds itself echoing the world we live in. Crump said this echo was why people needed to see the show.
“It’s a message that everyone can hold onto,” Crump said. “A message that hope, love, community and looking out for another matter. It is seeing how the world could be.” Some of Crump’s favorite words come from the original Broadway production’s Hermes, the iconic and wise Andre De Shields. While accepting the Tony Award for this role, De Shields said, “At the top of one mountain is the bottom of the next.”
“It rings true over and over again in this story,” Crump said. “Your work isn’t done, you still have more to do.”
