The band performed live onstage for the whole show, and their ad lib interactions with the cast brought a vibrant, genuine aspect to the world. Though some of these aspects could have benefitted from more workshopping, the staging of the show on a fairly small stage was impactful and creatively done. The end of Act One - where Eurydice went into Hades’s (Matthew Patrick Quinn) office to sign a contract - is similarly uncomfortable, as this production suggested a distinctly sexual dimension to Hades’s manipulation of Eurydice, but unfortunately was uninterested in investigating this exploitative dynamic further, as the moment was quickly forgotten in Act Two in favor of Persephone’s (Lana Gordon) admittedly brilliant rendition of “Our Lady of the Underground.” Eurydice’s and Orpheus’s reunion and Hades remembering the song of his love are particularly perplexing examples - ill-timed humor completely undercut their potential power. Several emotionally powerful moments were sacrificed for laughs. In fact, issues of comedic timing continued throughout the show. This negative effect was most egregious when Hermes gargled after Orpheus’s impassioned toast about hope for the future in spite of strife during “Livin’ It Up On Top.” Though his performance was entertaining and his vocal talent was clear, his choice to playfully overdramatize Hermes provided some tonal incoherence throughout the show. Nathan Lee Graham brought a sense of camp to the character of Hermes. Whitley’s performance was convincing throughout, and played a delightfully gentle but abrasive iteration of Eurydice. His performance was particularly stunning during the desperate ballads “Wait for Me” and “If It’s True.” Ihuoma also had a subtle but touching chemistry with his love interest Eurydice (Hannah Whitley) as the two demonstrated a very clear and natural romance onstage even when they were not the focus of the scene.
Chibueze Ihuoma in the leading role of Orpheus brought a palpable earnestness and naivety to the character, making his disillusionment over the course of the story even more heart-wrenching.
Featuring strong performances and creative choreography, the North American Tour is mostly successful in bringing the gorgeous musical to life. Part of the North American Tour of “Hadestown,” the musical retelling of the Greek tragedy of Orpheus with music, lyrics, and book by Anaïs Mitchell, came to the Hanover Theater and Conservatory in Worcester, MA from March 28 to April 2.
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