Hadestown at Orpheum Theatre Minneapolis

This winter, Orpheum Theatre in Minneapolis will present the long running Broadway phenomenon Hadestown. This mythological tale follows a couple, Orpheus and Eurydice as they navigate the challenges of love and poverty while their lives cross the path of Hades, the Greek god of the underworld. Tickets for this Saturday 15th February 2025 showing start at $76 per seat.

History

Hadestown originated in 2006 with a regional performance. Years later, 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 went on to successfully tour 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 Broadway production at the Walter Kerr Theatre by early 2023. Hadestown began a North American tour beginning in 2021. It was unknown when it opened off-Broadway in 2016. Today it has developed into a highly respected and admired musical for many fans.

Story

The mythology of the Hadestown musical opens by showcasing Orpheus and Eurydice. Orpheus proposed to Eurydice, but she is hesitant because both of them live in poor conditions. Eventually, they become lovers despite their problems. 

Meanwhile, Hades and Persephone enter the picture when Hades visits the world above to return Persephone to the Underworld against her wishes. During this time, Eurydice becomes intrigued by working with Hades as a way out of poverty. Hades is frustrated arguing with Persephone about the advantages 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 finding Eurydice. She chooses to join Hades in the Underworld, leaving her partner, Orpheus behind.

When Orpheus discovers about Eurydice's departure, he decides to travel to the Underworld to bring her back. By the time he arrives in the Underworld, Eurydice figures out working in the Underworld is not the enjoyable 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 subsequent decision and journey tests the love Orpheus and Eurydice have for each other.

Recognitions

Reviewers offer high praise of Hadestown. The Hollywood Reporter called it “a furnace-like blast of creativity,” while Forbes declared it “an epic celebration of music, togetherness, and hope.” It received Tony Awards in 8 different categories, including Best Musical and Best Original Score. Hadestown earned 14 Tony Award nominations in all.

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