Yesterday both my sisters and I went to see Hadestown: Teen Edition featuring students from The Ruth Academy and we think it is the best version of this show we have seen! it might even be better than the Broadway touring production! The teens in this show are insanely talented and there is not a weak link in the entire cast (even the ensemble features some amazing dancers). Hermes acts as a master of ceremonies on the road to Hell and Ezekiel Binkerd is incredibly charismatic in the role. You simply cannot take your eyes off him as he struts around the stage in the songs "Road to Hell" and "Way Down Hadestown." I also really loved his interactions with the audience and the emotion in his voice in "Road to Hell (Reprise)." Orpheus is a poor boy with the gift of music who sees the world as it could be and William Madsen (who played Hermes in SCERA's recent production) gives the best performance of the character I have ever seen. Orpheus requires a tremendous vocal range and most actors who play are a bit tentative and soft. Madsen's voice is incredibly clear and powerful, without losing any vulnerability, and I was amazed at his enunciation (my sister and I commented that this is probably the first time we've heard all of the words to "Epic I," "Epic II," "If It's True," and "Epic III"). Eurydice is a hungry girl who has only experienced the world as it is and I loved Sarah Kenny's performance because her voice reminded me of Eva Noblezada (she originated the role of Eurydice on Broadway). She sang all of her songs with a lot of passion, including my favorite "Any Way the Wind Blows," but her rendition of "Flowers" was on another level (it brought tears to my eyes). Persephone is the vibrant goddess of spring and Claire Hendershot is an absolute hoot as she juggles her life above ground and her life with Hades in the underworld. She has the stage presence of someone much older and her versions of "Livin' It Up on Top" and "Our Lady of the Underground" got the crowd cheering. Hades is the ruthless ruler of the underworld who believes he is keeping his people safe by keeping them oppressed and Jackson Marsh plays him as a bitter old man. His rich baritone is menacing in "Hey Little Songbird" and angry in "Why We Build The Wall" (this song always gives me goosebumps and the way the ensemble sings the final note is heartbreaking). I loved the way his expression slowly changes in "Epic III" and the way this characterizations continues as he sings "His Kiss, The Riot." The Fates act as a Greek chorus who whisper their doubts in the ears of the characters and Fletcher, Jane Pollard, and Lexi Williamson (she performed this role in SCERA's recent production) harmonize beautifully in "When the Chips Are Down" and "Doubt Comes In" but I was especially impressed by their a capella performance of "Nothing Changes" (more goosebumps). I was also struck by how they are continually circling Eurydice throughout. In addition to the brilliant performances, I loved the staging because the ensemble is integrated more than usual in this production. Several couples mimic the movements of Orpheus and Eurydice during "Come Home With Me," "Wedding Song," and "All I've Ever Known" and I think this really emphasizes their connection. I also loved the addition of a Young Persephone (Jocelyn Schrader) and a Young Hades (Jacob C. Parson) who act out the love story described in "Epic I," Epic II," "How Long," and "Epic Three." Finally, I loved the choreography in "Wait For Me (Reprise)" and "Doubt Comes In" because the ensemble form a maze that Orpheus and Eurydice must find their way through. Even though there are no live musicians performing on stage (which has always been a highlight for me), I found this show to be absolutely exhilarating! I would shout from the rooftops for people to go see it but, unfortunately, the run ended yesterday. After this incredible experience I will definitely be seeing more shows featuring the Academy in the future!
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