the mommy avenger

Seeing the original Broadway cast of Hadestown was moving. The soulful retelling of Orpheus and Eurydice resonated with my heartstrings and harmonized with events occurring in my extended family. It moved me profoundly, earning a place among my top ten musicals of all time. 

One of the most powerful aspects of Hadestown is the excellent mix of soul and jazz influences with the traditional harmonies in musicals. From the trombone’s first slide to the fate’s reflection of soul music harmonies in their advice and prophecies, Hadestown breaks original ground on the musical front with great musical inclusivity. 

Over time, though, I wondered if my enthusiasm would wane. Listening to the soundtrack during travels or home projects, I wondered if it would remain a favorite or fade, like Chess or Jekyll and Hyde, whose magic dimmed with repeated exposure. This question scratched at the back of my mind as we headed to the Easton State Theatre, where the national tour of Hadestown was making a stop this weekend. 

For theater lovers in the New Jersey–New York–Pennsylvania area, Easton State Theatre is a gem. It offers high-quality productions at a fraction of Broadway’s cost, with minimal extras—a $1 toll and $1 for parking. Compared to the steep expense of a Broadway outing, it’s a bargain without sacrificing the magic of live theater.  

During this second viewing, some of the darker plot points and semi-political themes felt more pronounced, slightly shifting the tone for me. The conflict in the show comes from two main points. First, the conflict between poverty and wealth; and second, the difficulty of trust in relationships. Hades concern about losing Persephone becomes so great that he starts trying to control her and build her a gilded cage in hell, using the poor souls whose lives were so impoverished that they felt they had no other choice. He builds walls to protect and preserve freedom which in turn, enslave those he puts to work. His efforts merely push her away. Meanwhile, Eurydice leaves Orpheus to become one of these workers as he becomes myopically focused on his work. When they are reunited and his songs help resolve the conflict of others, her earlier betrayal and his lack of trust cause the story to reach its categorization as a Greek Tragedy. 

Great performances can elevate any production, and this cast did not disappoint. The on-stage band was exceptional, delivering each piece with precision and energy. Their synergy with the chorus singers, whose harmonies were impeccable, created a strong musical foundation that carried the show’s emotional weight. 

Three standout performers were Jaylon C. Crump as Hermes, Megan Colton as Eurydice, and Nickolaus Colón as Hades, each enhancing  every scene they were in. Colón’s portrayal, in particular, surpassed even the original cast recording, bringing depth and nuance to the role. Together with the chorus and the band, they set a high standard for the rest of the cast, making this performance memorable despite some faded impressions.  

Hadestown may have moved down a couple spots in my top ten musicals on second viewing, yet I still recommend seeing it. This ensemble’s performance is a great option for a wonderful evening.

^{*we were invited to facilitate a feature, all opinions are our own*}