Very rarely do I go into the theater blind. Not ever having heard the premise or the music. But, such was the case when I was invited to see Hadestown last night. Now, I have heard a lot of rumblings about this musical, because it was starting to really get going on Broadway at the end of 2019, but of course, 2020 stopped the world and my chance to see it in New York City. Thankfully, Hadestown is making its way around the country to tell the mythical tale to audiences and we are lucky enough to have it grace the stage at the Eccles in Salt Lake City.

If you paid attention in English classes back in high school, perhaps you are already familiar with the story of mortals Orpheus and Eurydice and King Hades and his wife Persephone from Greek mythology. If you don’t remember or have never heard, not to worry, the actors and music explain it very well.

Welcome to HADESTOWN, where a song can change your fate. Winner of eight 2019 Tony^® Awards, this acclaimed new musical by celebrated singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and innovative director Rachel Chavkin (Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812) is a love story for today… and always.

Never would I have imagined Greek mythology being told through jazz musical stylings. In fact, I’ve never actually heard a musical that sounded this way. It is completely unique and surprising. From start to finish, this musical is unlike any I have seen before. The set designs are very interesting, French Quarter meets industrial. I really liked them. I love that the band plays on the stage for the duration of the musical, giving off intimate jazz club vibes.

From the opening scene, Hermes, played by the extremely talented Levi Kreis, immediately pulled me in. I knew listening to him that we were listening to something special when he crooned “Road to Hell”. Now that I’ve been able to listen to the original Broadway recording, after seeing the show, I am all the more blown away at his performance and how much he brought to the stage. Now, don’t get me wrong, the original cast was incredible. I’m just letting you know how spectacular Levi’s performance is. We were extremely privileged to get to experience his rendition of Hermes.

We were, in fact, very lucky to enjoy the talents of all of the main characters. Each part was cast perfectly with strong voices. Hades( Kevyn Morrow) was very powerful. Persephone (Kimberly Marable) was colorful and full of personality. Euridyce (Morgan Siobhan Green) and Orpheus (Chibueze Ihuoma) portrayed their complicated emotions through every note they sang. The Fates (Belen Moyano, Bex Odorisio, and Shea Renee) did a superb job dishing out misery and suffering with beautiful harmony.

We thoroughly enjoyed the show and recommend seeing it while it is in Salt Lake City at Broadway at the Eccles, now through August 7, 2022. You can still grab tickets to see the show by visiting their website. You can also follow Hadestown on instagram, Facebook, and Twitter.

While you are at it, consider picking up season tickets or individual show ticket for this current season. There are so many incredible shows coming to Salt Lake City, I can’t wait to see them! The Lion King, Hairspray, Dear Evan Hansen and Les Miserables are just some of the spectacular shows on the lineup that you will not want to miss! I so enjoy going to the theater and The George S. and Dolores Doré Eccles Theater is a fabulous venue to see any show in. Comfortable seating, great views and acoustics make for a wonderful experience each and every time.

^{*we were invited to see the show to facilitate a feature, all opinions are my own*}