Hadestown tour caps run at Pittsburgh's Benedum Center with strong reviews

The national tour of the musical Hadestown will conclude its run at the Benedum Center in Downtown Pittsburgh on November 1. The production, which is part of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust’s PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh Series, opened to strong local acclaim following its Tuesday night premiere. The show has already achieved major box office success in its film adaptation, which became the highest-grossing professionally shot stage musical in cinema history before extending its theater run.

Based on the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, the musical was written by Anais Mitchell and previously earned 13 Tony Award nominations in 2019, winning eight. The Pittsburgh production features a cast that critics described as delivering a standout performance. Rudy Foster plays Hermes, the narrator and Greek god, a role that serves as the emotional anchor for the audience. Foster was named the standout performer for his vocal range and stage presence.

The cast includes Jose Contreras as Orpheus and Hawa Kamara as Eurydice. Kamara received specific praise for her acting range, shifting between fragility and despair through her singing. Contreras portrays Orpheus as a mortal musician attempting to fix the broken seasons with a powerful song. The role of Persephone, the goddess of spring, was split between two actresses during the Tuesday performance. Namisa Mdlalose Bizana performed the role in the first act, while Miriam Navarrete took over for the second act.

Nickolaus Colon plays Hades, the god of the underworld, who is depicted as a ruthless industrialist in this version of the myth. Colon’s deep voice was noted for commanding the theater, even during short lines. His character maintains a strained marriage with Persephone and extends the winter seasons on Earth. The plot follows Eurydice, who accepts a deal with Hades to work in his factories after Orpheus neglects her due to his creative ambitions.

Direction for the tour is led by Keenan Tyler Oliphant, based on the original Broadway concept by Rachel Chavkin. The technical production includes scenic design by David L. Arsenault, costume design by Michael Krass, and lighting design by Aja M. Jackson. The lighting uses warm and cool colors to create distinct emotional scenes. Choreography by T. Oliver Reid, based on David Neumann’s work, features fluid movement in early numbers such as Livin’ It Up On Top.

The musical draws modern parallels from its ancient setting, including allegories for global warming and labor rights. One notable example is the song Why We Build The Wall, which was written before Donald Trump’s 2016 presidential campaign. The production emphasizes the emotional connection between the characters, particularly in duets like All I’ve Ever Known and Promises. The onstage band performs ragtime styles for numbers such as Way Down Hadestown and Road to Hell.

Navarrete’s performance in the second act number Our Lady of the Underground was described as enchanting and intense. The show combines epic storytelling with tender moments, maintaining a hopeful tone despite the tragic source material. Tickets for the remaining dates are available through the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust website at trustarts.org. The final performance will take place on Sunday, November 1.