Hadestown

The story of Hadestown

Hadestown retells the myth of Orpheus, a poor young musician, and Eurydice, the woman he loves, whose desperation leads her down to the underworld ruled by Hades. Orpheus follows her there, hoping his music can persuade Hades to let her go, all while the story is narrated and guided by the messenger god Hermes.

Because it draws on ancient myth rather than a specific historical period, the show exists in a kind of timeless space, part Depression-era work camp, part eternal underworld, letting its themes of love, doubt, and economic hardship feel both ancient and immediate.

The music and the makers

The score was written by singer-songwriter Anais Mitchell, who originally conceived the material as a folk album before it grew into a full stage musical. Her songs blend folk, blues, and jazz influences into something warm, earthy, and hypnotic, driven by storytelling melodies and a strong sense of groove.

That folk and roots foundation gives Hadestown a distinct sound on Broadway, closer to a concept album brought to life than a traditional book musical, with a live-band feel that runs through the entire score.

Hadestown on Broadway

Hadestown arrived on Broadway in 2019, after years of development from small folk-opera stagings into a full Broadway production, and it quickly became known for its immersive design and inventive staging of the underworld setting. It represents a modern strand of Broadway storytelling that reaches back to myth for material that still speaks to present-day concerns.

Its appeal lies in that combination of an ancient, familiar story with a wholly original musical language, drawing audiences who love both traditional theatre and contemporary singer-songwriter music.

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