I was given the amazing gift of seeing a performance of HADESTOWN from the National Broadway Tour. It was playing in the majestic Paramount Theatre in Seattle. (A 24-hour jaunt and adventure there and back to Spokane.) What made it all so magical was that my former theatre student was one of the leads. He was a god…a king. He was the powerful Hades. Matthew Patrick Quinn was spectacular. Being in the audience of this entertaining, creative production, and watching Matt command that stage was something I will never forget for the rest of my life. It was a full circle moment for both of us as we cried and laughed tears of joy at being reunited once more. He was the “one.” I knew from the moment he stepped on my stage that he was special and oh, so phenomenally talented. Talking with him for over two hours after felt like “old times.” I am so proud, and I know I am kvelling with delight. This is what I saw as I sat in a darkened theatre experiencing the originality of HADESTOWN.
From the moment the lights came up, I knew I was in for a special treat from a cast of talented actors. The voices were magnificent and were filled with emotional intentions. The beats…the breaths mesmerized the audience, and broke the 4th wall a few times, as they had to hold in place for all the resounding cheers and applause after each number. The fine-tuning of the three Fates was sheer perfection. Hermes’s energy and teasing flirtations were off the chart. Eurydice was mind-blowing with her beguiling body movements and outstanding pipes. Orpheus brought tears to my eyes as he lulled the audience with his spectacular tenor tones. Persephone made my heart ache for her life choices and her heartfelt singing. Hades was a devil who could bring the house down with his masterful renditions. Yet he also projected that softer, vulnerable side when he gazed upon his wife. It was palatable.
The transitions from scene to scene were creatively seamless, due to the exquisite chorus of dancers and choreography. The sets were simple and allowed the ensemble to move freely between hell and the real world. The use of the turn table gave depth and delineation. It showed “walking way down” and the life that can be found in our everyday world. Having the musicians on stage was a plus for everyone. It was fun seeing this talented group up close and personal doing their thing. The lighting and sound effects made it all appear real and raw. Kudos to the entire team.
I am still processing this phenomenal experience. The audience seemed to agree with me. It was a Broadway moment on a rainy night in Seattle. HADESTOWN will be touring across the United States through next May. Don’t miss this stunning show. It is worth your time, your attention, and your standing ovations. Soulful joy will fill your hearts. Isn’t that what life is all about?