Hadestown at Orpheum Theatre Minneapolis

Coming up in February, Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis will present the long running Broadway phenomenon Hadestown. This mythological narrative follows a couple, Orpheus and Eurydice as they navigate the trials of love and poverty while their lives become intertwined with Hades, the Greek god of the underworld. Tickets for this Tuesday 11th February 2025 showing start at $74 per seat.

History

Hadestown originated in 2006 with a regional performance. Several years afterward, the creator, Anaïs Mitchell, stuck with her idea, which she said was inspired by Les Misérables. After enhancing character backgrounds, it eventually opened off-Broadway in 2016. 

The production had successful runs in Canada and London in the next couple of years. Its debut on Broadway in 2019 and went on to set a record for the longest-running show at the Walter Kerr Theatre by early 2023. It opened a North American tour beginning in 2021. It was unknown when it opened off-Broadway in 2016. However, it has developed into a highly respected and admired musical for many fans.

Story

The Greek mythology of the Hadestown musical opens by showcasing Orpheus and Eurydice. Orpheus asks Eurydice to marry him, but she is hesitant because both of them live in poverty. Eventually, they become lovers despite their problems. 

Meanwhile, Hades and Persephone enter the picture when Hades comes to the surface to take Persephone back to the Underworld. During this time, Eurydice sees an opportunity working with Hades as a way out of poverty. Hades is frustrated arguing with Persephone about the charms of the Underworld. He decides to go to the world above to try to find someone who will learn to like working in the Underworld before discovering Eurydice. She decides to join Hades in the Underworld, leaving her love of Orpheus behind.

When Orpheus learns about Eurydice's departure, he decides to travel to the Underworld to bring her back. By the time he arrives in the Underworld, Eurydice discovers working in the Underworld is not the positive experience Hades made it appear to be. Orpheus and Eurydice meet with Hades about releasing Eurydice from her contract and letting her return to the above world. The journey tests the love Orpheus and Eurydice share.

Recognitions

Critics offer constant praise of Hadestown. The Hollywood Reporter called it “a furnace-like blast of creativity,” while Forbes said it’s “an epic celebration of music, togetherness, and hope.” It won Tony Awards in 8 different areas, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. Hadestown garnered 14 Tony Award nominations in all.

The writers behind Hadestown used a blend of folk and jazz music to tell the modern take on the Underworld from Greek mythology. At the 2020 Grammy Awards, Hadestown won an award for the Best Musical Theater Album. This collection features the Broadway cast recording of the musical’s songs. Some people see the show after buying the album, while others experience the music for the first time when attending a performance.