Hadestown Reviews - Page 6

[Ourtime992]

Posted: 4/28/19 at 5:41pm

QueenAlice said: "Caught the show last night. It’s 20 minutes too long but otherwise I loved it. And I’m definitely in Camp Carney. I thought his voice was gorgeous and the one thing that seems imperative to the character - completely unique. I think the show will win Tonys for Musical, Score, Director, and possibly lighting, orchestrations, and a couple of supporting performances."

I think it's a strong contender for Lighting and Scenic Design, and if there is enough sentiment going its way and against Beetlejuice, will probably snag those awards too. Of those you listed, I think Director will be the biggest challenge due to the Oklahoma.

[victoriafr]

Posted: 4/28/19 at 5:56pm

Agreed about lighting and scenic design! I think it has a shot at taking those awards over Beetlejuice also because Beetlejuice essentially did exactly what everyone expected them to do for scenic design. The set pieces aren't carbon copies of the movie set, but they're all Tim Burton-esque, so they're surprising no one with the set (same goes for lighting). Hadestown, on the other hand, got really creative with the set: it wasn't totally obvious what the set should be.

[Mike3]

Posted: 4/28/19 at 6:20pm

I don’t say much here, but I just saw the matinee this afternoon. This was a deeply fulfilling theatrical experience. I was so moved by André De Shields. I was taken with Chris Sullivan in the NYTW recording, and I worried I would struggle with his very different interpretation. (I know those on this board know what it’s like to fall in love with an early cast recording.) De Shields was captivating from the moment he took the stage. I want to return and spend an entire show just watching his choices. I won’t comment on the others, except to say I definitely do not understand those who found this production too long. To each her or his own, but I found the production lean and clear, and would not cut one moment. I was skeptical when I heard about the post-curtain song. Wrong again. I loved it. I will entrust myself to Ms. Chavkin any day, any time. Last comment: I almost always prefer the orchestra. The mezzanine in the Kerr is a treat. (Oh, and thanks to the band!)

[poisonivy2]

Posted: 4/28/19 at 7:36pm

I was there this afternoon. Mind totally blown by how original it was and how touching the score was. If this doesn't win best musical ...

https://humbledandoverwhelmed.blogspot.com/2019/04/hadestown-aka-orpheus-and-eurydice-opera.html

By far the best thing I've seen in theater all season.

[Robbie2]

Posted: 4/28/19 at 10:27pm

 

Dame ~ For you 

Updated On: 4/28/19 at 10:27 PM

[Robbie2]

Posted: 4/28/19 at 10:38pm

Johnm2 said: "I have been reading all of the comments on here over the past few weeks and finally saw the show last night for the first time since downtown. WOW is all I can say.

It's got the simplicity of The Band's Visit and Fun Home (as opposed to a huge splashy musical) but boy is it gorgeous. I was not bored for a single moment although it moves at its own pace. But there was always something to captivate and hold attention, I thought.

Andre De Shields... what a master of his craft. I really hope he wins a Tony for this performance. It's so perfect. And the rest of that cast. Patrick and Amber... I love them and truly were the emotional center of the story for me... had tears at the end about them.

Now all of these comments about Reeve Carney have me baffled. He's great! He's sort of a bit of a simpleton... that's the point, right? Isn't the whole description and theme that we should see the world through his eyes? He's optimistic and innocent and unjaded, unlike the rest of the characters. He gives us hope. I looked at him like a Forest Gump type of person. And that voice! Yes...he sings in his high voice... that's what Reeve does! He's known for that, right? Loved him... no complaints at all.

I really can't wait to see the show again. I don't usually rush back to shows, but I just want to see it again. It's so friggin beautiful and mesmerizing. And that music.

I recommend this to anyone...



"

Aha...

[mailhandler777]

Posted: 4/28/19 at 11:14pm

I was there too this afternoon. I was mesmerized throughout. I would love to see Jessie Shelton on for Eva and John Krause on for Reeve but I'm not paying those insane prices to do so. I think it's a bit overhyped but I'm glad I went.

[theatretenor2]

Posted: 4/29/19 at 12:32pm

Let me start by saying that I am not typically a fan of Greek mythology. We actually only saw HadesTown because Shoshana and Jeremy were out of Waitress and we were able to get a refund. While the score throughout was amazing, I did not connect to the story or characters for quite some time, but once that glorious staging during "Wait For Me" started, I was hypnotized. That's the only way I can describe it. I literally felt like I was under a powerful musical theatre spell. It grabbed me so suddenly. Everything about this production is perfect. The way the ensemble is used is very fresh and the way this production uses lighting is breathtaking. I can't wait to get the cast recording to play it over and over as I do with Ragtime, Spring Awakening and a few others.

Despite the fact it didn't completely connect with me for the first 45 minutes, this was one of the best musicals I've seen in a long, long time. 10/10

[Melissa25]

Posted: 4/29/19 at 9:51pm

I saw the Saturday matinee and loved everything about this show.  So exciting to experience an original sung through musical with fantastic staging, lighting and set.  The theatrical artistry moved me to tears several times.  

Highly recommended.  I have already purchased tickets for a return visit in June.

 

[broadway86]

Posted: 4/30/19 at 11:29am

Echoing what others have been saying, I thought this was extraordinary. The passion, heart, and ingenuity on and off that stage was palpable, and I would recommend in a heartbeat to anyone who appreciates bold, risk-taking theatre.

[BalconyClub]

Posted: 4/30/19 at 12:42pm

I love how this show pulls you in immediately. The fourth word of the script is said by the audience.

Up in the balcony, it was fun looking deep into the pit. Near the end of Act 2, the circular lift is loaded for an upcoming scene by a hooded Jawa.

[poisonivy2]

Posted: 4/30/19 at 11:13pm

This better win best musical. 

[Robbie2]

Posted: 4/30/19 at 11:14pm

poisonivy2 said: "This better win best musical."

It will!!!

[BenElliott]

Posted: 5/1/19 at 8:52pm

Dear God. This was phenomenal.
If you want to find the best musical of the year, look no further. That score is beautiful, thrilling, heartbreaking, and unconventional. I've been a fan of the concept album for a while and it was great to see the actual show, finally.

The cast is incredible. Andre DeShields and Amber Gray should be winning their categories. They're just brilliant. Amber's physicality is just great. It's like watching Eartha Kitt perform this role. I enjoyed Eva Noblezada in Miss Saigon, but I just loved her here. I thought she lacked a bit of personality and presence in Miss Saigon, but she's grown a lot as a performer and she's got such a presence now and is absolutely heartbreaking. Speaking of heartbreaking, Reeve Carney has been savaged by just about everyone, but he's really wonderful here. I think he's just got a bit of a grittier voice than what we tend to see in a Broadway musical. He's got more of a real rock voice and I thought he had a really great character. He's a bit of a goofball and I liked that choice. He was surprisingly funny. Patrick Page is truly terrifying with that almost disembodied deep voice and dark sunglasses. It's just a brilliant performance. The whole ensemble was just ON FIRE.

The set was incredible. I won't spoil anything, but there was definitely a Phantom chandelier/Miss Saigon helicopter moment near the end of act one that took my breathe away. Also shoutout to the gorgeous lighting, the gorgeous costumes, and that absolutely killer band.

I think this belongs next to the other great "staged song cycle" works like Evita, Jesus Christ Superstar, and Les Misérables. Rachel Chavkin has shown that she's the queen of staging the unstageable. I think the Tony will be her's.

This is a must see and I think this musical will be around for quite some time.

[BalconyClub]

Posted: 5/1/19 at 11:01pm

BenElliott said: "..,, I won't spoil anything, but there was definitely a Phantom chandelier/Miss Saigon helicopter moment near the end of act one that took my breathe away."

IMO, it's a fine moment, but not epic.

[BenElliott]

Posted: 5/1/19 at 11:06pm

I have to disagree. I was down in the orchestra and it was definitely epic.

[B.JAMES]

Posted: 5/2/19 at 12:00pm

BenElliott said: "I have to disagree. I was down in the orchestra and it was definitely epic."

I concur. 4th row center. It was epic.

[broadway86]

Posted: 5/2/19 at 12:05pm

BenElliott said: "Speaking of heartbreaking, Reeve Carney has been savaged by just about everyone, but he's really wonderful here. I think he's just got a bit of a grittier voice than what we tend to see in a Broadway musical. He's got more of a real rock voice and I thought he had a really great character. He's a bit of a goofball and I liked that choice. He was surprisingly funny."

Agreed. I thought he was lovely, the character totally came across and his vocals were on point.

[Moreski93]

Posted: 5/3/19 at 6:39am

You know when I saw The Bands Visit last may and fell head over heels for the show and rooted for it to win best musical, I was absolutely dumb founded when I just heard the constant hate from everyone I knew who had seen it and hated it. With the exception of critics, there’s not a lot of people who I trusted for good theater opinions that liked The Bands Visit yet for the first time I knew, yeah that’s gonna win best musical and it deserves it. Well last weekend I finally saw Hadestown, and I now know what everyone felt last season. Now I know, we’ve got a packed best musical race, but I REALLY don’t wanna see Hadestown win. What in the actually <<edited by BWW staff>> ! It’s SO BORING! And I love new takes on greek mythology. Yes I know a show isn’t for everyone, but what the **** am I missing. <<edited by BWW staff>>, The Prom, basic as it was, actually kept my attention. Again I understand slow burns, and waiting for the pay off, but what the actually ****? I left the theater truly angry. How does anyone like this? My boyfriend asked me what was my favorite part about it like he always does, and all I could say was the revolving ****ing hole in the stage! We ask for originality in a movie-to-stage adaption/jukebox musical ridden season year after year and to be quite honest I was looking forward to this season as we had so many original concepts hitting broadway, but after disappointing shows like The Prom and Be More Chill, I was looking forward to this as I’ve heard that this has the Best chance to take home the trophy for best musical. But hell I think this will be the first season I root for a cash grab. Beetlejuice is honestly the Best musical of this years nominees. Fight me on 42 street and bring those dancing feet pretty boy! HADESTOWN SUCKS! And gosh darn it **** would it absolutely kill Reeve Carney to show even just a little bit of range. I felt like he took off his jacket from Spider-Man turn off the dark, hid in a closet for 8 years until his agent went to go get him and drag him to this ****!

Updated On: 5/3/19 at 06:39 AM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/3/19 at 7:50am

So, you didn't like hearing hate from non-lovers of Band's Visit, but decided to unload on Hadestown? 

 

I so don't understand the ire.  How does it make you angry that you didn't care for this?  Is it because many people DO?   I didn't care for most of the shows I saw this year, and put nearly everything in the "meh" pile: including Beetlejuice, The Prom, Head Over Heels and I pretty much despised BMC.  But why go ape<<edited by BWW staff>> over it?  It's not good for your blood pressure.

Sorry you didn't like it, but if there was ever a time for this to be said, it's now:  Calm the <<edited by BWW staff>> down.

Updated On: 5/3/19 at 07:50 AM

[BWAY Baby2]

Posted: 5/3/19 at 9:07am

Moreski93- So glad you wrote your review. And do not calm down- the passion and commitment you have for theater is wonderful- and if you feel strongly about a show- please do express. I live in Atlanta and go back to NYC- where I grew up- a few times per year- and always hit a few shows. Hadestown is one I am on the fence about. The reviews are great- but not sure I really want to see it. I did pass on Band's Visit- just did not interest me. Hadestown sounds interesting- but to tell you the truth- seeing Audra in Frankie and Johnnie interests me a lot more. Hadestown tix are extremely expensive for the first few rows- where I always sit- so I gotta really want to see it. I have Moulin Rouge tix for October- and those based on word of mouth- anyway- thank you for your reveiw- glad to read someone who did not like- balances out all the others and gives me something to consider.

Updated On: 5/3/19 at 09:07 AM

[Broadway61004]

Posted: 5/3/19 at 9:39am

Moreski93--I agree with you that I personally found Hadestown incredibly boring and overrated.  Great design, great staging, but a horrendous book and mediocre score with average performances.

With that said, though, it will probably win Best Musical and that is okay.  There are far more important things in life to get angry over than what musical a random group of a thousand people think is best.  So I love your passion, but I assure you, everything is okay.

[kmissa]

Posted: 5/3/19 at 12:13pm

This is why I take the recommendations on this board with the TINIEST grain of salt, lol. I go in with the lowest expectations that way I'm not disappointed. It sucks you didn't like it. I enjoyed it, but I think with this round of nominations there is not guarantee that it will win Best Musical. 

[GeorgeandDot]

Posted: 5/3/19 at 2:19pm

Moreski93, I'm shocked the mods didn't just take your post down. It's way over the top and is very uncalled for. Just say you didn't like it and explain why.

Anyways, I also loved both this and The Band's Visit and it's remarkable the sort of strong best musical winners and nominees we've had recently. Sure there's plenty of crap, but the last few years have given us Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, The Book of Mormon, The Great Comet, Once, The Band's Visit, Hadestown, Matilda, Kinky Boots, Come From Away, Waitress, and Fun Home. What a great group of shows.

I don't think any of the nominees this year are absolutely perfect, but Hadestown is still the best of the bunch. It's got a great score, great designs, and a great cast. I think it's winning in a landslide. None of the other shows can even hold a candle to it.

[Robbie2]

Posted: 5/3/19 at 2:50pm

BalconyClub said: "BenElliott said: "..,,I won't spoil anything, but there was definitely a Phantom chandelier/Miss Saigon helicopter moment near the end of act one that took my breathe away."

IMO, it'sa fine moment, but not epic."

 

Wait for Me and the Wait for Me reprise in Act 2 are chill induced-goose bumps moments...thrilling!!!