Hadestown (rewatch)

As I descended "way down to Hadestown" once more, I couldn't contain my excitement to share one of my all-time favorite shows with my mom. The Walter Kerr Theatre buzzed with anticipation, and I found myself eager to experience this mythical tale anew, especially with the recent cast changes.

One of the most significant shifts was seeing a new Hades for the first time since Patrick Page's departure. I'll admit, I was initially apprehensive – Page's deep, gravelly voice had become synonymous with the role for me. However, Phillip Boykin pleasantly surprised me with his powerful presence and commanding performance. While different from Page's interpretation, Boykin brought a fresh energy to the King of the Underworld that I thoroughly enjoyed.

Jordan Fisher as Orpheus was another delightful revelation. His take on the character felt both familiar and innovative, bringing a contemporary flair to the lovestruck musician. Fisher's voice soared through the theater, particularly during "Epic III," leaving me and the audience in awe of his range and emotional depth.

I was also impressed by Pretty Little Liars star Maia Reficco as Eurydice. She beautifully captured the character's vulnerability and strength, her voice blending seamlessly with Fisher's during their duets. Reficco's portrayal added new layers to Eurydice's motivations, making her descent into the underworld all the more heart-wrenching.

Stephanie Mills as Hermes was a welcome addition to the cast. While it's hard to top Andre de Shields – one of my favorite actors of all time – Mills brought her own charm and wit to the role of our guide through this tragic tale. Her powerful vocals and commanding stage presence ensured that the show's narrative flowed smoothly, keeping the audience engaged throughout.

The timeless music of Anaïs Mitchell continued to captivate, with the entire cast breathing new life into familiar songs. The intricate choreography and stunning set design remained as mesmerizing as ever, transporting us between the harsh realities of the world above and the industrial bleakness of Hadestown.

As the haunting final notes of "Road to Hell (Reprise)" echoed through the theater, I turned to gauge my mother's reaction. The look of awe and profound emotion etched across her face mirrored my own sentiments from my inaugural viewing of the show. Introducing her to the enchanting world of Hadestown was a profound pleasure, and experiencing it anew through her fresh perspective rekindled my own passion for this extraordinary production. The moment when the stage undergoes its breathtaking transformation, seemingly expanding before our very eyes to reveal the imposing walls of Hades' realm, never fails to elicit a sense of wonderment within me. This masterful blend of innovative stagecraft and poignant storytelling serves as a testament to the enduring power of live theater. Witnessing my mother's captivation throughout the performance not only reinforced my own appreciation for Hadestown but also reminded me of the universal appeal of its themes. The timeless tale of love, loss, and redemption, set against a backdrop of hauntingly beautiful melodies, continues to resonate with audiences of all ages, proving that great art truly has the power to transcend generations.

While the faces may have changed, the heart and soul of Hadestown remain as powerful as ever. This latest visit to the underworld proved that the show continues to evolve and captivate, ensuring its place as a modern Broadway classic. As we left the theater, humming "Wait for Me" under our breaths, I knew that this wouldn't be our last trip "way down to Hadestown."