10 Facts About Hadestown: the award-winning Broadway musical phenomenon

Hadestown has captured the hearts of Broadway musical lovers across the globe with its unique storytelling, enthralling music, and imaginative staging. Here are ten intriguing facts about this celebrated Broadway musical. Test your knowledge of Greek mythology with our crossword puzzle and learn how to get tickets to the show – coming to Purdue University February 6!

1. Roots in a Concept Album: Hadestown began as a concept album released in 2010 by musician Anaïs Mitchell. The album featured a range of artists, including folk icon Ani DiFranco and Bon Iver’s Justin Vernon, setting the foundation for the musical’s subsequent journey to Broadway.
2. A Long Journey to Broadway: The road to Broadway was a lengthy one. After the concept album, Hadestown premiered as a stage musical in 2006 at Barre, Vermont. It went through several productions, including Off-Broadway at New York Theatre Workshop in 2016, London’s National Theatre in 2018, before finally making its Broadway debut in 2019.
3. Award-Winning Production: Hadestown received numerous accolades, including eight Tony Awards in 2019, such as Best Musical and Best Original Score. It also won a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album in 2020.
4. Directed by Rachel Chavkin: The musical is directed by Rachel Chavkin, who is celebrated for her innovative and immersive theater work. She became the fourth woman to win the Tony Award for Best Direction of a Musical.
5. A Unique Blend of Music: The musical is known for its eclectic mix of musical styles, including folk, jazz, blues, and rock, creating a unique soundscape that immerses audiences in its world.
6. Inspired by Greek Mythology: Hadestown creatively reimagines the Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone, setting them in a post-apocalyptic, Depression-era America.
7. Environmental Themes: Beyond the mythological aspects, Hadestown delves into themes of climate change and the struggle between nature and industrialization, reflecting contemporary environmental concerns.
8. Innovative Stage Design: The set design by Rachel Hauck is renowned for its inventive use of space and dynamic elements, such as the rotating stage and imaginative lighting, which bring the underworld to life vividly.
9. Acclaimed Cast Performances: The original Broadway cast featured standout performances, including André De Shields as Hermes and Eva Noblezada as Eurydice, both of whom received critical acclaim for their roles.
10. A Global Phenomenon: Since its Broadway debut, Hadestown has embarked on national tours and international productions, enchanting audiences worldwide and solidifying its place in modern theatrical history.

Hadestown, the winner of eight 2019 Tony Awards® including Best New Musical and the 2020 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theater Album, will come to Purdue University on February 6, 2025 at 7:30pm in Elliott Hall of Music. BUY TICKETS