The 2022-2023 PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh Series kicked off last month with Disney’s Frozen. But if I’m being completely honest, I was really counting down to the day when I could finally see Hadestown on stage. I knew it was kind of a big deal after the show won eight 2019 Tony Awards® including Best Musical and the 2020 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theater Album. But I didn’t know this acclaimed musical from celebrated singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and innovative director Rachel Chavkin was ultimately a love story… for today and always.
Hadestown takes you on a journey to the underworld and back while intertwining the tragic love story of Orpheus and Eurydice with the notorious romance between King Hades and his wife Persephone. The show may be based on ancient Greek myths, but its themes relate heavily to issues in today’s world such as famine, poverty and climate change.
Above ground, the story is set in a New Orleans-esque jazz club where winter seems never-ending. Down below, we find a factory setting where workers toil and sweat to build a wall for Hades. Worlds and characters collide when Persephone comes above for her annual six-month reprieve and Eurydice chooses to go below, provoking Orpheus to set out on a seemingly futile rescue of his lover.
Performed by an incredibly talented ensemble of just 19 actors, dancers and musicians who remain on stage throughout the entire performance, Hadestown is a haunting and hopeful theatrical experience that will stay with you long after you’ve left the theater.
Additionally, single show tickets are now available for several other shows included in the 2022-2023 PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh Series. From Tony® Award-winning modern musicals to popular revivals, there is something for everyone to enjoy this season. Theater fans who appreciate dynamic female leads with powerhouse voices in particular are sure to be pleased with this season’s lineup!
In addition to season specials Les Misérables (Tue, Nov 22 – Sun, Nov 27, 2022) and Dear Evan Hansen (Tue, May 2 – Sun, May 7, 2023), the remaining Broadway shows making a stop in the Steel City as part of the 2022-2023 PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh Series are:
- Hairspray: Tue, Jan 3 – Sun, Jan 8, 2023
- Jagged Little Pill: Tue, Jan 24 – Sun, Jan 29, 2023
- Beetlejuice: Tue, Feb 21 – Sun, Feb 26, 2023
- Six: Tue, Mar 14 – Sun, Mar 19, 2023
- Tina – The Tina Turner Musical: Tue, Apr 4 – Sun, Apr 9, 2023
Hadestown may be a tough act to follow, but I’m already warming up my vocal chords to sing along to some of my favorite show tunes when I see Hairspray in the New Year. See you at the theater!
Disclaimer: I was provided press passes for the show and all opinions shared here are my own. Photo credit: pittsburgh.broadway.com