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 was not a weak link in the entire cast (even in the ensemble because they were all amazing dancers). Hermes acts as a master of ceremonies on the road to Hell and Ezekiel Binkerd was incredibly charismatic in the role. I could not take my eyes off him as he strutted 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)" was very moving. 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) gave the best performance as this character that I have ever seen. Orpheus requires an impressive vocal range and most actors who play him are a bit tentative and soft. Madsen's voice was 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 tremendous 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 was an absolute hoot as she juggled her life above ground with her life with Hades in the underworld. She had the stage presence of someone much older and her versions of "Livin' It Up on Top" and "Our Lady of the Underground" definitely 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 played him as a bitter old man. His deep raspy voice was menacing in "Hey Little Songbird" and angry in "Why We Build The Wall" (this song always gives me goosebumps and the way the ensemble reacted to his rage in the final note was devastating). I loved how his expression slowly changed in "Epic III" and the way this characterization continued as he sang "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) harmonized 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 continually circled Eurydice throughout. In addition to the brilliant performances, I loved the staging because the ensemble was integrated more than usual in this production. Several couples mimicked 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 acted out the love story described in "Epic I," Epic II," "How Long," and "Epic III." Finally, I loved the choreography in "Wait For Me (Reprise)" and "Doubt Comes In" because the ensemble formed a maze that Orpheus and Eurydice must find their way through. Even though there were 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 production I will definitely be seeing more shows featuring the Academy in the future!
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