This is a quick post to discuss my viewing of Hadestown at the Lyric Theatre. The tickets were a rushed purchase, but really quite affordable. Aleah and I made our way to the theatre after the day’s walking tour through Leicester Square, arriving with plenty of time to admire the set sans-actors. I’d seen Hadestown once before, so I was startled by the set. It was different yet similar, in unexpected ways.
Once the show began and actors started filling the stage, my second surprise of the evening appeared: Hermes was being played by a trans white woman, rather than a black man! I thought this was a bold choice at the time, but later learned Allie Daniel was an understudy to Cedric Neal. The way they changed the script to include her was striking to me, but would be unnoticeable to someone who had never seen the show. It worked perfectly with her in the role.
Intermission arrived, and I was struck with an idea. I would draw the set during this time, both as practice and as a keepsake. It was challenging, but I think I captured the vibe of the set without getting too stuck in the muck about details.
The show ended, and we made our way to the stage doors to meet the cast. I originally intended to just say hi: I get nervous in situations like this, and typically elect for the path of least resistance. But tonight, with my funny little sketch in-hand, I decided to get just a few signatures on it. I had Allie Daniel, Femi Akinfolarin, Michelle Andrews, Lauren Rae, Sebastian Lim-Seet, and Lindo Shinda sign it. I focused on trying to gather the Ensemble casts signatures, because in my reading of the play they feel much more connected to the set than the main cast of lovers.
Hadestown holds a special place in my heart. I listened to the original concept album from 2010 since it came out. That means I’ve been listening to this musical for 15 years now. 15 years, and it feels more special and wonderful every time I listen to it. Seeing the show live again refreshed the sounds in my memory, and updated them to include new voices and instrumentations. I’m glad I saw this show, and I hope you will see it too.
Theatre in London U of A 