Hadestown: The Musical

I really love the musical Hadestown so, even though I had just attended a production the day before, I was thrilled to see the pro shot now playing in theaters last night.  It is absolutely amazing and I felt like I was inside the Lyric Theatre in London where it was captured but with a much better seat than I could probably afford (I wanted to applaud after every number along with the audience).  I loved the dynamic camera work and editing because you really get a feel for the entire experience with lots of wide shots of the entire stage and the crowd along with close upd of the cast which emphasize details that may have been missed during a live performance.  I was particularly struck by a shot of Hades and Persephone sitting on the balcony during "Epic I," because my eyes are normally on Orpheus during this scene and it was interesting to see their current dynamic as he sings about their early romance, and by the shot of Orpheus writing his song during "Hey Little Songbird," because my focus is usually on Hades and Eurydice as he tries to lure her to the underground and seeing Orpheus so oblivious makes Eurydice's decision more relatable.  Of course I also loved seeing the five original members of the Broadway cast and all of them gave me goosebumps at various points.  Strangely, Andre de Shields is probably the most restrained Hermes I've seen but I think this really works for the character because he is reacting to the narrative as it unfolds along with the audience.  I especially enjoyed his voice and facial expressions as the tone becomes darker in "Way Down Hadestown (Reprise)," "Wait For Me (Reprise)," and "Road to Hell (Reprise)." I have always found Reeve Carney to be a bit tentative (I have listened to the Original Broadway Cast Recording hundreds of times) but seeing his performance changed my mind about his interpretation because he is absolutely captivating (I couldn't take my eyes off him during all of his songs).  I was impressed by his facial expressions and physicality during "Doubt Comes In" but I was blown away by his vocal performance of "If It's True" because, even though it is restrained, it is still incredibly powerful.  I get his appeal now!  I love Eva Noblezada's voice so I think I got goosebumps during every one of her songs but her emotional version of "Flowers" just about destroyed me (I had a similar reaction when she calls out for Orpheus during "Wait For Me (Reprise)" because it is so plaintive).  Her chemistry with Carney (her real-life husband) is off the charts in "All I've Ever Known."  Amber Gray is a force of nature as Persephone (see what I did there?) and she absolutely owns the stage in her over-the-top rendition of "Our Lady of the Underground."  I have always been a big fan of Patrick Page (I was able to see him in the title roles for Macbeth at the Utah Shakespeare Festival and Cyrano de Bergerac at PTC) and I am so happy that he was able to perform after rupturing his Achilles tendon (I think the boot and cane he uses makes him even more menacing).  I also got goosebumps during every one of his songs but the smirk on his face when the Workers first respond to him in "Why We Build the Wall" is especially chilling because it shows that he enjoys having them under his complete control.  One of the most poignant moments for me was when Hades and Persephone dance at the end of "Epic III" because Gray cannot hide her emotions when an injured Page is able to execute the choreography!  Finally, I also enjoyed seeing the current West End cast members integrated into the production.  Allie Daniel, especially, is mesmerizing as Fate 3 and I liked seeing each of the Workers (Lauren Azania, Tiago Dhondt Bamberger, Waylon Jacobs, Christopher Short, and Ryesha Higgs) have a moment to shine as individuals in "Chant (Reprise)."  I loved this (it is up there with the pro shot of Hamilton for me) and I cannot recommend it enough, especially for anyone who has not seen a live performance of the show.  It is in theaters for a limited run (but I've heard rumors that it has been extended).

Note:  I saw this with The Odyssey (my fourth viewing!) as part of a Greek mythology double feature that the kids are calling "Hadessey."  I spent over six hours sitting in a theater but I regret nothing!