Little Lark of London

There are some stories that stay with us for hundreds, even thousands of years. Sometimes they are heartbreaking tragedies that leave the audience weepings. Other times they are love stories that can bring hope to the world. And some are an incredible combination of both, making for a story full of love and pain that takes audiences on a powerful journey. 

With music, lyrics and book by Anaïs Mitchell and direction by Rachel Chavkin, Hadestown is a musical adaptation of the Greek myth of Orpheus (Dóna Finn) and Eurydice (Grace Hodgett Young). Our narrator, the god Hermes, is played by the brilliant Melanie La Barrie, who begins the show with an “Alright?” to all of the performers and to the audiences themselves, allowing them to give permission for the story to begin.

Finn is a truly beautiful Orpheus, immediately charming the audience with his voice, just as his character does to all he meets. Orpheus may be a “poor boy,” but he is rich in terms of love to give, working on a song that he believes will make the world right again. His lover, Eurydice, is a “hungry girl” who has been fighting for survival and is finally opening herself up to the world. Hodgett Young plays her wonderfully, allowing the audience to see how Orpheus starts to crack her hardened exterior. 

But Orpheus and Eurydice are not the only lovers in this show. Their story is reflected by the one of Hades (Zachary James), the God of the Underworld, and Persephone (Gloria Onitir), the Goddess of Spring. James is a force to be reckoned with as Hades, a growl in his voice and desperation to keep Persephone with him dripping from every word. Onitir, on the other hand, has desperation in her voice, but for the opposite reason – to get away from the hell that Hades has created for her. 

The main characters are joined by the Fates – played spectacularly by Bella Brown, Madeline Charlemagne and Allie Daniel – who guide each character towards their . . . fate, whispering in their ears and following them even when they believe they are alone. The ensemble, who make up the mortals and the workers, were composed during this performance of Lauren Azania, Simon Oskarsson, Beth Hinton-Lever, Waylon Jacobs and Christopher Short, who take David Neumann’s choreography and apply it to the story.

The story of Hadestown is only enhanced by the incredible set. Designed by Rachael Hauck, audiences are transported into a new world of gods and men, one seemingly based on a jazz club in a place like New Orleans. Both the turntables and the lift in the centre of the stage are used at perfect moments, never taking away from the scenes they are in, instead only enhancing already powerful scenes. Lighting Designer Bradley King has incorporated the light into the scenes in unique ways as well, including a moment during “Wait For Me” in which lights become a part of the choreography! Michael Krass’s costumes are beautiful reflections of each characters, with examples like Persephone arriving in a bright green dress and Hermes having a pin with wings on it on their suit. 

And of course, no musical would be complete without its musicians, especially in Hadestown when they are on stage with the performers! Tarek Merchant, the Music Director, plays both the piano and accordion and is joined by Ros Stephn (Violin), David Kadumukasa (Cello), David Delarre (Guitar), Daniel Higham (Trombone/Glockenspiel), Nick Davenport (Double Bass) and Brad Webb (Drums/Percussion).

When I saw Hadestown on Broadway while living in New York, I thought the show was decent, but did not understand the hype that had been built around it. But, sitting in the Lyric Theatre watching the tale unfold for a second time, everything seemed to click. I found myself hanging onto every word, even gasping at the moment of heartbreak we all know will happen, as it is indeed a tale that has been told many times before. 

Ultimately, Hadestown is a beautiful and tragic tale that will leave you heartbroken yet hopeful, as it is a tale that is told again and again, allowing the characters to live on forever. The West End production is truly a marvel that should be seen by everyone. 

Hadestown runs at the Lyric Theatre. Tickets can be purchased here.

Photo Credit: Marc Brenner