Hadestown overtakes Hamilton with record-breaking live theatre film debut

The road to hell has led to a new box office record for Hadestown.

The acclaimed musical’s filmed stage production has delivered a remarkable US$10.2 million opening weekend across 1,949 North American cinemas, making it the biggest debut ever recorded for a live theatre capture.

The result narrowly surpasses the previous record held by Hamilton, which earned US$10.1 million from 1,825 cinemas during its theatrical opening in September 2025.

Released in North America on 24 July, Hadestown: The Musical was initially scheduled as a limited five-day cinema event. Strong ticket sales have since prompted distributors Crosswalk, Bleecker Street’s event cinema division, and LD Entertainment to extend the run, with additional screenings being added in response to demand.

The cinema release was filmed during live performances at London’s Lyric Theatre in 2025 and reunites five of the production’s original Broadway principals. Reeve Carney returns as Orpheus alongside Eva Noblezada as Eurydice, André De Shields as Hermes, Amber Gray as Persephone and Patrick Page as Hades.

Although the capture was recorded in the West End, it preserves performances closely associated with the musical’s rise to international success. Several members of the principal cast had been part of the production before its 2019 Broadway opening, making the film a rare opportunity for audiences to experience the celebrated original company together again.

The achievement is particularly significant because Hamilton had already been available to viewers through Disney+ for several years before receiving its North American cinema release. By contrast, the theatrical release of Hadestown offered many fans their first opportunity to see its original principal performers in a professionally filmed version of the production.

Written by singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and developed with director Rachel Chavkin, Hadestown intertwines two ancient Greek stories, the romance of Orpheus and Eurydice and the troubled marriage of Hades and Persephone.

Set within an industrial underworld inspired by Depression-era America, the sung-through musical combines folk music with jazz, blues, gospel and New Orleans influences. Its story follows Orpheus as he journeys into Hadestown in an attempt to rescue Eurydice, while Hades and Persephone confront the deterioration of their own relationship.

The Broadway production won eight Tony Awards in 2019, including Best Musical and Best Original Score, before receiving the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album.

How to see Hadestown live on Broadway

For audiences wanting to experience the musical in person, Hadestown continues to play at the Walter Kerr Theatre at 219 West 48th Street in New York.

At the time of publication, tickets remained available for multiple Broadway performances throughout August, although availability was tightening following the film’s record-breaking opening. The least expensive standard tickets were listed from approximately US$70 for selected performances on Wednesday 19 August, Thursday 20 August, Tuesday 25 August and Wednesday 26 August.

Prices may change according to demand, seat location and performance date, so audiences should check the production’s official ticketing service before booking.

The Broadway production runs for approximately two hours and 30 minutes, including a 15-minute interval. It is recommended for audiences aged eight and over, with children under five not admitted.

Budget-conscious theatregoers can also enter the show’s digital lottery for the opportunity to purchase US$49 tickets. A limited number of US$39 standing-room tickets may be sold at the Walter Kerr Theatre box office on the day of sold-out performances. Some lottery seats may have an obstructed view, while standing-room availability is not guaranteed.

More than seven years after opening on Broadway, Hadestown is now attracting audiences in two different forms. Its cinema success has introduced the musical to viewers far beyond New York and London, while its continuing Broadway run gives fans the chance to follow the road to the underworld live, just as the story was originally intended to be experienced.