Get ready, Broadway fans! Grammy-winning artist Allison Russell is set to make a triumphant return to the Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown at the Walter Kerr Theatre later this year. This is exciting news for anyone who appreciates incredible talent and a captivating show!
Russell, who initially graced the Hadestown stage in November 2024, will once again embody the role of Persephone. If you're not familiar with her, Russell is renowned for her stunning Americana and roots albums, Outside Child and The Returner. She's stepping back into the role starting December 16th, succeeding the current Persephone, Rebecca Naomi Jones, who will take her final bow on December 14th.
Reflecting on her initial Broadway debut, Russell shared her deep connection to the musical. She recalled being mesmerized by Anaïs Mitchell's performance of 'Why We Build The Wall' back in 2008. She was immediately captivated and felt a strong premonition that the show would be something truly special.
Russell expressed her profound feelings about joining Hadestown, stating how meaningful and uplifting it is to play Persephone, a goddess and archetype she's explored in her own poetry and music since childhood. She feels honored to be part of the extraordinary ensemble and the legacy of the show, calling it a dream come true.
Hadestown currently stars Jack Wolfe as Orpheus, Kurt Elling as Hermes, Paulo Szot as Hades, and Morgan Dudley as Eurydice, alongside Jones as Persephone. The cast also includes Marla Louissaint, Jessie Shelton, and Kay Trinidad as the Fates, with a chorus of Workers played by Emily Afton, Malcolm Armwood, Jeffrey Cornelius, Sydney Parra, and Alex Puette. The company also includes swings Sojourner Brown, Brandon Cameron, Ayla Ciccone-Burton, KC Dela Cruz, Alex Lugo, Eddie Noel Rodriguez, and Tanner Ray Wilson.
But here's where it gets controversial...
Hadestown is currently celebrating its sixth year on Broadway and its second year in the West End. The North American tour recently concluded its three-year run, and productions have opened across the globe. This widespread success shows how deeply the story resonates with audiences.
At its core, Hadestown is a folk- and jazz-infused musical crafted by Anaïs Mitchell. It cleverly weaves together the classic myths of Orpheus and Eurydice with Hades and Persephone, exploring the actions and consequences of both gods and mortals. It's fascinating how Mitchell transformed her theatrical concert into the beloved production we know today.
The creative team behind Hadestown is packed with talent, including Tony-winning set designer Rachel Hauck, Tony-nominated costume designer Michael Krass, and Tony-winning lighting designers Bradley King, Nevin Steinberg, and Jessica Paz. The show's choreography is by David Neumann, with dramaturgy by Ken Cerniglia. Liam Robinson handles musical supervision and vocal arrangements, while Michael Chorney and Todd Sickafoose provide arrangements and orchestrations.
Hadestown earned a remarkable eight Tony Awards in 2019, including Best Musical, Best Director, Best Featured Actor, and awards for lighting, scenic design, sound design, orchestrations, and original score. It's a testament to the show's exceptional quality.
What do you think? Does Allison Russell's return make you even more excited to see Hadestown? Share your thoughts in the comments! Are you a fan of the show, or is this your first time hearing about it? What do you think about the show's interpretation of the classic myths? Let's discuss!
