hadestown

I will say it's pretty strange hearing the progression of a musical in reverse but quite poetic.

Having heard Hadestown's 2017, 2019 and 2024 cast recordings (and seen 2024 cast live) I didn't think my life could be more changed by this show - I was WRONG. Hadestown's concept album brings that familiarity of the tunes, but gift an entirely new experience. The vocals and the instruments create something palpable, an atmosphere you don't quite get on the polished studio albums.

It's rough and raw like a secret tale you aren't supposed to know. The addition of SFX really brought it to life, with wind chimes, dog sounds and the whispering with Wait for Me. Unlike the stage productions albums, it feels like an intimate telling of the myth, as if Anaïs Mitchell herself is sitting across from me, leaning in to tell the fated story of Orpheus and Eurydice.

It's eery and comforting all at once and Anaïs' rendition of I Raise My Cup To Him, has to be my favourite (and one of my favourite finale's in any show ever).

I am so deeply attached to the OBC and especially the West End versions of Hadestown.

As a huge fan of the musical, I am so thrilled there are so many different versions of the show to listen to. Hearing the lyric changes and how the shows evolved over time is soooooo interesting and solidifies my love for this show ten-fold. Dare I say this version of Epic III is the best? The different lyrics are sooooo beautiful, I love it so much. Damon Daunno does a fantastic job at portraying Orpheus in the first staged production of the show and you can definitely see his influences on Orpheus' since. His voice is ANGELIC!!!!

I don't think I could put into words how much I ADORE this musical.

Hadestown is truly one of the best musicals of the 21st century and I'd recommend it until my death bed. A beautiful retelling of the Greek Myth infused with jazz, blues and folk, it's themes become more prominent by the day. You can tell the music is written with such love and passion, it just bleeds through effortlessly.

Anaïs Mitchell is a gift to this industry - Reeve Carney and Eva Noblezada are a perfect Orpheus and Eurydice (made even better as they're married in real life.

I love the London cast recording, but the OBC will always have my heart. I'm never getting over Chant and Chant (Reprise). #1 Chant lover over here. Literally on the EDGE of my seat for the proshot... Hadestown4ever.

As I saw this cast live back in 2024, I have such a soft spot for this cast recording! I will admit, there was a little frustration when it was announced that the album would not have every song from the show in it, but they released Our Lady of the Underground last week so I STILL HAVE HOPE!

Anyway. Donal Finn's Orpheus really makes you FEEL the love and passion and torment his character goes through. His yells through sobs in If It's True are so visceral you truly feel the weight of this tragedy. Melanie La Barrie provides such a compelling performance as Hermes, no other Hermes will ever live up to her... (I am biased but shhhhh).

It's your dream when you see a musical live that the cast you see (and get attached to) gets a cast recording so I truly treasure this CLOSE TO MY HEART!!!!!!

10/10 cast. 10/10 songs. 10/10 show. I love Hadestown.