Hadestown – About the Show
Highlights of Hadestown – Must-See Moments
Tony Award-Winning Excellence
Tony Award-winning Hadestown is more than a musical – it is an extraordinary journey. Through a masterful blend of music, lighting, and sound, the production draws audiences into an intimate yet otherworldly theatrical experience.
An Underground World That Sparks Wonder
Set between the living world above and the underworld, the musical intertwines two legendary love stories: Orpheus and Eurydice, and Hades and Persephone. Its unique vision invites audiences into a world unlike any other on Broadway.
The Red Anemone and Its Meaning
The red anemone featured on the show’s poster carries a Greek-inspired meaning of “I love you.” Watching the story unfold with the image of a hand holding this flower in the darkness adds an emotional layer to the theatre experience.
What is Hadestown (The Underworld)?
The title of the show refers to the city of “Hadestown,” ruled by Hades, the god of the underworld. While it may initially seem like a frightening place, the musical presents it as more complex than simple good or evil (see table below).
Hades created Hadestown as a response to poverty and instability. Though he rules with strict control, his vision is driven by order and security rather than cruelty.
| Hadestown (Underworld) | World Above | |
|---|---|---|
| Strengths | Basic needs like food, shelter, and clothing are guaranteed | No personal freedom in daily life |
| Weaknesses | Life is guided by love and freedom | No guarantee of survival |
Rather than presenting a clear villain, the story asks audiences what they value more: stability or freedom, security or love.
Show Info of Hadestown
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Theater Location
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Walter Kerr Theatre
Address：219 W 48th St, New York, NY 10036 (Map) -
Duration (How Long the Show)
- Running time: 2 hours 30 minutes with an intermission
During intermission, you can browse theater-exclusive merchandise or grab refreshments. -
Age Limit
- 4 years and older *Child pricing not available
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Translation/Subtitles
- English, French, German, Japanese, Korean, Portuguese and Spanish（Audien）
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Must-Know Info Before Watching
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- Dress Code: There is no specific dress code. You may want to bring an extra layer, as the theater can feel cool due to air conditioning.
- Bag Policy: Small bags or backpacks that fit under your seat are generally allowed, but large bags and oversized backpacks are not permitted. Please bring only essential items.
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Type of the Show
- Stunning Songs Emotional・Touching Tony Award Winner
Show Time of Hadestown
Regular weekly schedule for the Broadway musical Hadestown. Click “Book Tickets” to view the full schedule with upcoming show dates and times.
Please scroll to the right to see the complete schedule.| Performance | Sun | Mon | Tue | Wed | Thu | Fri | Sat |
| Matinee (Daytime)
Soiree (Night) |
2PM
7:30PM |
Closed |
7PM |
7PM |
7PM |
7PM |
2PM
8PM |
Hadestown – Story
The Plot / Summary of Hadestown
Eurydice is a weary city girl who has endured poverty for so long that hope feels distant. When she meets Orpheus, love briefly lifts her spirits, but hardship soon returns. As poverty weighs heavily on their lives and Eurydice grows increasingly anxious, Persephone tempts her with the promise of steady work. Tempted by the promise of steady work, Eurydice accepts an offer from Hades and descends into Hadestown.
Though life in Hadestown frees her from hunger, it strips away her freedom. Realizing she has vanished, Orpheus journeys into the underworld to bring her back. Moved by his song, Hades agrees to release Eurydice under one condition.
Realizing Eurydice has vanished, Orpheus bravely descends into Hadestown to find her. Bound by her contract, Hades refuses to let her go and forces Orpheus into labor alongside her.
In despair, Orpheus sings the song of love that once won Eurydice’s heart before the people of Hadestown. His voice is so moving that even Hades relents, agreeing to free her under one fateful condition.
What is this condition, and will Orpheus have the strength to overcome it?
Hadestown – Cast
Characters in Hadestown
Characters in the Broadway musical Hadestown. You can find today’s cast listed in the Playbill, available inside the theatre.
Orpheus
A hopeful young musician whose voice said to be touched by the gods. His love for Eurydice drives him on a daring journey to Hadestown.
Eurydice
A weary city girl who longs for security. Her romance with Orpheus brings light into her life, but hardship leads her to make a fateful choice.
Hades
Ruler of the underworld and husband to Persephone. Stern and calculating, he created Hadestown as his answer to poverty and chaos.
Persephone
The spirited queen of the underworld. Torn between two worlds, she shows compassion toward Orpheus and Eurydice.
Hermes
A charismatic guide and storyteller who leads the audience through the twists of this mythic tale.
Original Cast & Stars of Hadestown
The principal roles in the original Broadway production of Hadestown, which opened in 2019, are as follows:
| Character | Original Cast |
| Orpheus | Reeve Carney |
| Eurydice | Eva Noblezada |
| Hades | Patrick Page |
| Persephone | Amber Gray |
| Hermes | Andre De Shields |
Hadestown – Theater
Walter Kerr Theatre – Home of Hadestown
The Walter Kerr Theatre is a historic venue located just steps from Times Square in the heart of New York. Built during the theater boom of the 1920s, it was created as a sister theater to the Ambassador Theatre.
Is the Walter Kerr Theatre area safe for visitors?
The Walter Kerr Theatre is located about five minutes from Times Square (TSQ), a popular area filled with tourists that remains lively with visitors well into the evening. Even after a Hadestown performance ends around 10 PM, most guests can return to their hotels comfortably.
Hadestown – Best Seat
The Seating Chart of Walter Kerr Theatre
*Click to view larger image
Seating is divided into Orchestra, Mezzanine, and Balcony. Because the theatre is relatively small, most seats offer a clear view of the stage.
Best Seats for Hadestown
With its effective use of the entire stage, Hadestown can be enjoyed from both the Orchestra and Mezzanine. The Mezzanine sits higher and may feel slightly farther from the stage, but it still offers a clear and excellent view.
Hadestown – Movie Trailers
The YouTube Trailer of Hadestown
Here is the promotional video for the Broadway musical Hadestown. Experience the show’s distinctive world and unforgettable music.
Hadestown – Review
Our Local Team’s Review of Hadestown
Our team shares firsthand impressions of Hadestown, including ratings, seating tips, and details on exclusive merchandise available at the theatre.
Our team, completely captivated by Hadestown, shares their firsthand report on the magic of this show!
Hadestown Broadway show review
Reviews & Ratings for Hadestown
Seen Hadestown on Broadway? Rate it with one click voting below! Your vote updates instantly.
Audience Feedback & Testimonials for Hadestown
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If you're going to see this production, I definitely recommend getting seats on the first floor. If you're not familiar with Greek mythology, I recommend doing a little research beforehand. I'm not an expert either, so I had a little trouble understanding it. There were lots of surprises and it was fun!
Thanks to At New York, I was able to see the play in a good seat. I hope to see you again if the opportunity arises.
I didn't understand Greek mythology at all, so after reading the theater reports on this site, I was able to understand, "Oh, that's what it was about." (You should read and know the story before watching the show) But even so, the stage was beautiful with an indescribable contrast, and I found myself enjoying the show without falling asleep. If you're not confident, it's definitely a good idea to do your homework. The explanations on this site were more useful than I expected.
I enjoyed this story, as there are no stories based on Greek mythology in Japan.
This was my first time seeing it, and I was worried about not understanding the film, but to be honest, I ended up enjoying it more than I expected. My friend was completely moved, so I wasn't able to get into it with the same enthusiasm, but I'm glad I went.
I perform on stage as an actor back home, and this was a great learning experience for me. I think it's no wonder that it won a Tony Award last year. The music, stage direction, and story are all perfect.
Hadestown – Explore
Behind the Scenes of Hadestown
14 Nominations, 8 Wins at the 2019 Tony Awards
At the 2019 Tony Awards, Hadestown won Best Musical.
The production received 14 nominations, the most of any show that year. It went on to win 8 awards, including Best Score, Best Featured Actor, Best Scenic Design, and Best Lighting Design.
Following the Tony Awards, the show’s reputation grew even stronger. Tickets sold out months in advance, cementing Hadestown as one of the most talked-about shows on Broadway.
From a Small Theater to Broadway’s Best musical
Hadestown began Off-Broadway in 2016 with a short two-month run.
The unique world it created struck a chord with audiences. The show then moved to Canada, followed by a run in London. Finally, in March 2019, it made its Broadway debut.
The show has been compared to the film Blade Runner. By blending futuristic staging with Greek mythology, it creates a musical that feels both timeless and new.
The Greek Myths Behind the Story
Hadestown draws heavily on Greek mythology. Two myths in particular shape its story: the tale of Persephone and the changing seasons, and the tragic journey of Orpheus and Eurydice. Understanding these myths adds even more depth to the experience.
Myth 1: Persephone and the Seasons
Persephone was taken to the underworld by Hades because of her beauty.
While there, she ate four pomegranate seeds. In Greek mythology, anyone who eats food from the underworld cannot return fully to the world above.
A deal was struck. Persephone would spend four months of each year in the underworld and the remaining eight months on earth. Her return brought spring and summer, while her absence brought autumn and winter.
In Hadestown, Persephone’s departure causes hardship in the world above. This hardship ultimately leads Eurydice to accept work in the underworld.
Myth 2: Orpheus in the Underworld
Orpheus was a gifted musician who married Eurydice. Soon after their wedding, she died from a snake bite.
Determined to bring her back, Orpheus traveled to the underworld. He played and sang for Hades, whose heart was moved by the music. Hades agreed to let Eurydice return under one condition: Orpheus had to walk ahead and never look back until they both reached the surface.
As they climbed, doubt began to grow. Was Eurydice really following? Just before they reached the light, Orpheus turned. It was too soon. She had not yet crossed over. With the words, “Why did you look back?” she disappeared into the shadows forever.
Hadestown retells this myth. Will it end the same way, or take another path? That is for you to find out in the theater.
Songs and Music from Hadestown
Hadestown is filled with unforgettable music. Each character brings their own stunning voice to the stage, singing with beauty, strength, and passion.
“Way Down Hadestown”
“Wait for me”
Original Broadway Cast Recording Soundtrack
The original cast recording of the Broadway musical Hadestown. Click the link below to view the album.
Hadestown – Buy Show Tickets
Book Tickets for Hadestown
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Buy discounted tickets online
$59～
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Group discount ticket order for parties of 10 or more >>
Before You Book: Important Information
| Booking Deadlines |
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| Cancellation Policy |
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| Notes |
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Hadestown – FAQ
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Can I buy tickets for Hadestown (Broadway show) on the day of the show?
Tickets are available for purchase until the day before the show through our booking page. See more details about Hadestown tickets.
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How much are tickets for Hadestown (Broadway show)?
Tickets for the Broadway musical Hadestown start at $59 with our discounted prices. See more details for Hadestown tickets.
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Is the English in Hadestown (Broadway show) hard to understand?
The musical Hadestown has a slightly higher level of English difficulty. We recommend reading the synopsis before you go. For other recommended shows, please refer to the Broadway Musical Selection Guide. You’re sure to find a show you’ll love from among the many musicals in New York.
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Do you have a summary or synopsis of Hadestown (Broadway show)?
The story and synopsis of the Broadway musical Hadestown are introduced in the Hadestown Story section. Reading this beforehand will help you easily understand the storyline.
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Who is in the cast of Hadestown (Broadway show)?
You can check the cast of the Broadway musical Hadestown in the Playbill distributed at the theater on the day of the show. The characters of Hadestown are introduced in the Hadestown Characters section.
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