Stage Write

  It’s rare to find a musical that can truly make the old feel new. So many productions feel like a simple spin on something that’s been done before. Hadestown, on stage now with Broadway Across America (BAA), is one of those uncommon gems. Perhaps that’s why it takes a minute to adjust to the show's distinct blend of jazz and ballads. From a train station above to the industrial prison below, the dramatic story is a retelling of a Greek myth familiar to many. The set has a New Orleans vibe with a balcony and a live band on the stage. The musicians give a club feel to the show like you’ve stumbled into a hidden spot in the French Quarter. The set doesn’t constantly change like some BAA shows but it’s beautifully done with some dramatic lighting moments, and it makes great use of the turntable on the stage. Our narrator and guide through the tale is Hermes (Will Mann). He has a beautiful voice and a playful sense of humor. The three Fates are dressed like 1920s flappers and come...