New York Theatre Workshop presents a folk opera based on the 'Orpheus' myth using songs from Anaïs Mitchell's concept album of the same name. More…
Set in a post-apocalyptic America, this sung-through musical chronicles Orpheus' mythical quest to overcome Hades and regain the favor of his one true love, Eurydice. We travel from wide open plains where love and music aren't enough to sustain the residents, down to Hadestown, an industrialized world of mindless labor and full stomachs. Inspired by traditions of classic American folk music and vintage New Orleans jazz, Mitchell's beguiling melodies and poetic imagination pit nature against industry, faith against doubt, and love against death. Directed by Obie Award-winner Rachel Chavkin.
See it if You enjoy modern, innovative musicals
Don't see it if You prefer traditional staging
See it if you would enjoy an uneven musical that is so well staged and performed that it keeps you engaged
Don't see it if you would be frustrated with a show that engenders little emotional reaction and in the end feels rather facile but enjoyable
See it if you want to see a strong piece of theatre
Don't see it if you don't seem interested by the subject matter
See it if you want to fall in love with a gorgeous, melancholy, lush, and trenchant musical about love, money, and American myths.
Don't see it if you need jazz hands in a musical
See it if you like reimagined old tales told through contemporary music.
Don't see it if you have a short attention span or if you want character development through dialogue (for which there was practically none).
See it if You like innovative staging, non-linear melodies, modern and traditional harmonies, and immersive theatrical experiences.
Don't see it if You need a traditional performance experience with standard melodic and harmonic lines and a single visual point.
See it if You are are looking for a riveting theater experience, spellbinding vocals, enjoy jazzy, bluesy music with a folk, nolo kind of sound.
Don't see it if If you only enjoy traditionally staged musicals
See it if you want to see an absolutely genius show. Folk opera. Greek mythology. This show is a complete masterpiece.
Don't see it if you want traditional Broadway vocal styling and elaborate sets and staging. This is an interactive engaging experience. See it!
See it if you like to discover original shows.
Don't see it if you are a traditionalist.
See it if You are a fan of Rachel C. . . (the director of Natasha . . Comet) You appreciate amazing story telling in the form of a musical.
Don't see it if You don't have any interest in Greek Mythology or creative story telling.
See it if you appreciate incredible harmonies brilliant music.
Don't see it if you are looking for a new and inspired book. It's the same old story of Orpheus and Eurydice.
See it if you want to see a well-staged retelling of a classic Greek myth with phenomenal music and a fantastic cast.
Don't see it if you aren't interested in Greek mythology or if you listened to and disliked the concept album.
See it if you are a fan of the album or the writer, you love the story and want to see a new version of it, you are into unique staging.
Don't see it if you value distinct fast-paced plot over other qualities, you don't like sung through musicals, you are a staunch traditionalist.
See it if You like bluegrass, folk, jazz; smart staging and bright performances
Don't see it if You need a happy ending - spoiler alert.
See it if You like close harmonies in a folksy, bluesy take on a classic tragedy. Could see this transferring successfully.
Don't see it if You want high production value, comfortable chairs, or an original reimagining.
See it if You like amazing theatre staged beautifully and performed creatively. You love folk/jazz/contemporary music. You like great mythology.
Don't see it if You don't like seating in the round. You are specifically seeking dance heavy material. You prefer vanilla.
See it if you love greek myths, modern reinventions, beautiful folk music, hipsters, excellent voices, funky costumes, cool looking people.
Don't see it if you're looking to be totally lost in the storytelling. References to modern politics seem strangely misplaced and under-dealt-with.
See it if You want to see a wholly original musical.
Don't see it if You like more traditional musicals.
See it if If you want to see an intimate lovingly directed modern take on the classic Greek tragedy of Orpheus with a beautiful and melodic score.
Don't see it if You can't follow a story line by listening to lyrics and watching the actors or if you need razzle dazzle or ofher spectacle in a musical.
See it if you're a fan of director Rachel Chavkin (Great Comet), or ambitious new musical theatre in general.
Don't see it if you want to miss out on the best new musical of the season.
See it if You love jazz and want to see a crushingly beautiful retelling of Orpheus and Euridice
Don't see it if Sung through musicals are unapealing
See it if you want to see a refreshing and engaging musical; a modern and current take to the Greek Myth.
Don't see it if some uneven acting.
See it if You liked the direction of The Royale, want to see something fresh, engaging and pure delight.
Don't see it if You don't like musicals, don't come to the theatre to engage or be entertained.
See it if you want to broaden your idea of what musical theater can be
Don't see it if you're expecting old-fashioned music and staging
See it if A fresh, modern take on a classic tale. Amber Gray and the entire cast are perfection. Wonderful singing and staging.
Don't see it if It's almost like an opera, in that it's all sung. You won't like it if that's not your thing.