Honest Review of Hadestown on Broadway – Is It Worth Seeing?

Hello, this is Mizuki from the staff.
Today, I’m reporting on the musical Hadestown, now playing at the Walter Kerr Theatre. Based on an album by an American singer-songwriter and apparently inspired by Greek mythology, it’s hard to imagine what kind of show it is from that description alone. So in this report, I’d like to share my honest impressions and what the experience was really like inside the theater!

About the musical “Hadestown”

Among countless musicals, this one stands out for its remarkable artistry. At the same time, it poses profound questions about the nature of happiness and what an ideal world might look like. Hadestown became one of the most talked about musicals of 2019.

Set across the real world and the underworld (Hadestown), the story follows two pairs of lovers, Orpheus and Eurydice, and Hades and Persephone, interwoven through Greek mythology.

To get the most out of the show, it is worth checking out the synopsis, cast, and highlights on the detailed page below before your visit.

• See the detailed page for “Hadestown” >>

Hadestown is performed at the Walter Kerr Theatre

Walter Kerr Theatre

Located just steps from Times Square, the Walter Kerr Theatre is well known for hosting numerous Tony Award winning productions. The exterior is modest in color, making the vivid Hadestown sign stand out beautifully from the street. Although the theater is one of Broadway’s older venues, it doesn’t feel worn at all. On the contrary, it has a classic, stylish charm both inside and out.

Address: 219 W 49th St, New York, NY 10019

For a seating chart and more details about the theater’s features, check the page below.

• See the Walter Kerr Theatre details >>

Explore the elegant interior and exclusive merchandise before the show

The interior features neo Renaissance designs of golden leaves and arabesques, refined and timeless rather than flashy, evoking the elegance of medieval Europe. Though it is one of the smaller Broadway houses, it doesn’t feel cramped at all. You can enjoy the theater’s decor and view of the stage from anywhere, so arriving early is highly recommended!

Since I was already there, I stopped by the merchandise area located past the entrances to the first and second floors.

The cheerful staff immediately unfolded a T shirt and enthusiastically showed me around. Because audiences come from all over the world, even simple English works just fine, and photo displays make it easy to point at what you want. Most items are exclusive to the venue, so make sure to take a look before the show starts!

Click to enlarge images

Our seats for this performance

How to read your ticket: MEZZR C 4

Mezzanine Right = second floor mezzanine, right side
Row C (third from the front), seat number 4 (second from the aisle)

Unlike many Broadway shows, Hadestown doesn’t use a curtain, so the set is visible as soon as you enter the theater. Although the Walter Kerr Theatre is small, the seating felt spacious and comfortable. The mezzanine slope is gentle, but my view wasn’t blocked by anyone in front. Another unique feature is that the live band performs on stage with the cast.

Thoughts after watching Hadestown

It was an incredibly beautiful production, highly recommended for anyone who loves art and music.

Honestly, when I first heard the title, I had no idea what to expect. The mention of Greek mythology made it sound intimidating, and I worried it might be too difficult for someone like me with limited English. But once the show began, I was captivated by the visual beauty and the power of the songs.
Even if you don’t fully understand the lyrics, the story is easy to follow because it is told mainly through music and movement. As long as you know who the characters are and have a rough idea of the story flow, you’ll enjoy it completely.

A visually stunning stage unlike any other

The blue lit stage inspired by the underworld, combined with creative lighting effects, created a painterly sense of beauty that felt almost surreal.

Reeve Carney as Orpheus impressed with his clear high notes, while Patrick Page as Hades grounded the show with his deep resonant tone. Their contrast was breathtaking, and some audience members even gave a standing ovation mid performance. Because there is little dialogue, you can simply let the music carry you. The vivid colors and costumes make it a perfect choice for those who appreciate art and visual design.

The symbolism of the red anemone

Throughout the show, the red anemone appears repeatedly, symbolizing love. The meaning, “I love you”, becomes especially touching in the scene where Eurydice, holding the flower, sings in regret after making her deal with Hades.

Without spoiling too much, the same flower also appears in Hades’s hands, showing that beneath his cold exterior lies a man still capable of love and pain. He’s also a person facing strife in the harsh reality, and in his mind still dwells love. The two parallel love stories, both searching for an ideal world, make Hadestown deeply emotional and unforgettable.

Hadestown nominated for 14 Tony Awards

A few weeks after I saw the show, amazing news broke, Hadestown was nominated for a record breaking 14 categories at the 73rd Tony Awards (2019), including Best Musical.

The recognition felt completely deserved, though the number of nominations was still astonishing.

Broadway Musical Discount Tickets – On Sale Now!

Find the best Broadway ticket deals right here – faster, cheaper, and backed by local expertise. Get ready to experience the magic of Broadway!

1. Get discount tickets easily with instant booking
2. The most detailed musical guides and reviews
3. Dedicated support throughout your Broadway experience