Hadestown Tour Ends in Pittsburgh

The national tour of the musical 'Hadestown' concluded its Pittsburgh engagement on Tuesday, Oct. 28, at the Benedum Center. The production runs through Sunday, Nov. 1, as part of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh Series. This local stop comes after the show’s film version became the highest-grossing professional shot of a stage musical in cinema.

The film’s commercial success followed the summer box office performance of 'The Odyssey,' a trend that has increased public interest in Greek mythology adaptations. The original 'Hadestown' musical, written by Anaïs Mitchell, previously received 13 Tony Award nominations in 2019 and won eight. The current tour adapts the Broadway concept designed by Rachel Chavkin.

Rudy Foster plays Hermes, the narrator and Greek god who guides the audience through the story. Foster’s performance anchors the production, utilizing a wide vocal range to handle both the show’s darkest and most splendid moments. Jose Contreras portrays Orpheus, while Hawa Kamara plays Eurydice. Kamara displayed the most acting range in the cast, shifting from fragility to despair through her singing.

Nickolaus Colon performs Hades, the god of the underworld depicted as a ruthless industrialist. Colon’s deep, resonant voice commands attention, particularly in the Act One closing number 'Why We Build The Wall.' The song, written before the 2016 presidential election, has drawn comparisons to modern political rhetoric regarding labor rights and global warming. Persephone is played in the first act by Namisa Mdlalose Bizana and in the second act by Miriam Navarrete.

Direction for the tour is led by Keenan Tyler Oliphant. The production features scenic design by David L. Arsenault, costume design by Michael Krass, and lighting design by Aja M. Jackson. T. Oliver Reid handles choreography, based on the work of David Neumann. The technical elements work together to create emotionally resonant scenes, such as the fluid movement in 'Livin’ It Up On Top.'

The show tells the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, ending with the mortal poet’s tragic fate. Despite the dark storyline, the production maintains a tender and hopeful tone. The onstage band performs ragtime numbers like 'Way Down Hadestown' and the horn-led opener 'Road to Hell.' Tickets for the final performances are available through the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust website.