OBSERVER: Hadestown The Musical
A massive musical feast of rhythm, song, dance and soul-enriching music awaits audiences at Hadestown the Musical, now playing at Her Majesty’s Theatre.
The wonderful show’s lyrics, music and book were created by contemporary American songwriter/musician Anaïs Mitchell, starting as a community theatre project before developing over time to reach Broadway and London’s West End.
Presented by Opera Australia with fabulous musical narration from dynamic Christine Anu (Hermes), two Greek mythical love stories entwine into a reimagined interpretation – young and naïve Orpheus and Eurydice, and nasty king of the Underworld Hades and his wife, Persephone.
Directed by Rachel Chavkin, the impressive set designed by Rachel Hauck incorporates the dark, industrial Underworld of Hadestown, and ‘above hell’ in the surface world of Depression-era New Orleans.
Bradley King’s evocative lighting design is integral to the show’s storytelling, as is David Neumann’s splendidly nuanced choreography.
The onstage musicians and their instruments immerse with the narrative as characters. Particularly outstanding is the showmanship of trombone-player Griffin Youngs.
On opening night, Eliza Soriano was delightful as Eurydice (also portrayed by Abigail Adriano), the impoverished, vulnerable young woman who falls in love with poet/musician Orpheus. Tenor Noah Mullins plays Orpheus with sensitive perfection, utilising his incredible falsetto vocal range.
Adrian Tamburini’s rich, deep voice strengthens his powerful presence as Hades, while vibrant triple threat Elenoa Rokobaro sparkles as his wife, Persephone, who enjoys spending time up above with the ‘mortals’.
The three Fates (Sarah Murr, Jennifer Trijo and Imani Williams), an omniscient, prophesying Greek Chorus, wow with their multi-talents of playing instruments, superb singing and movement.
The versatile moves and voices of the Workers – Jessie Monk, Afua Adjei, Sam Richardson, Joshua Kobeck, Devon Braithwaite, Molly Bugeja and Jack Lyall (Swing) – add another layer to the musical storytelling.
From beautiful, intricate harmonies to toe-tapping honky tonk, blues, American folk music and jazz, Hadestown the Musical will please all music lovers.
An unmissable musical theatre experience.
Performance Details: Until July 6
Venue: Her Majesty’s Theatre, Exhibition St., Melbourne
Bookings: hadestown.com.au
Review by Cheryl Threadgold
Abigail Adriano (Eurydice), Christine Anu (Hermes) and Noah Mullins(Orpheus) in
Hadestown the Musical.
Photo: Lisa Tomasetti