Farewells and Fresh Faces in HADESTOWN

It’s not every day that you stumble upon a musical set in a post-apocalyptic underworld, layered with folk and jazz tunes, and woven around ancient myths. But that’s exactly what’s on offer at the Walter Kerr Theatre in New York, where HADESTOWN continues its triumphant run. With Tony wins under its belt and a cult following that seems to grow every day, HADESTOWN has become more than just a musical—it’s a cultural phenomenon. As if that weren’t enticing enough, major cast changes have recently shaken up the show, prompting eager theatregoers to plan their next visit. If you have yet to experience the magical journey of Orpheus and Eurydice (or if you’re hungry for more), now is the perfect time to do so.

In this article, we’ll guide you through the latest developments, tip our hats to the departing stars, celebrate the new arrivals, and explore why HADESTOWN remains an unmissable event on Broadway. Whether you’re a seasoned theatre buff or simply curious about the show that bagged eight Tony Awards, sit back, grab a warm drink, and let’s journey together into the mythic depths of HADESTOWN.

Origins of a Modern Myth

Before diving into the newest cast updates, it’s worth taking a step back and looking at how HADESTOWN came to be. The brainchild of singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell, HADESTOWN began life as a series of folk concerts in Vermont. Mitchell first explored the idea of blending the Orpheus and Eurydice myth with the tale of Hades and Persephone in a concept album released in 2010, featuring the likes of Justin Vernon (of Bon Iver fame) and Ani DiFranco.

From there, the musical’s journey continued in various workshops and developmental productions—most notably Off-Broadway at New York Theatre Workshop in 2016. In 2017, it graced the stage at the Citadel Theatre in Edmonton, Canada, and by 2018, it was enchanting audiences at London’s National Theatre. Finally, in 2019, it opened on Broadway at the Walter Kerr Theatre, where it garnered rave reviews and an impressive eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical. The show’s creative evolution is part of its charm, a testament to Mitchell’s commitment to refining and reimagining this timeless Greek myth for contemporary audiences.

Bidding Farewell to Beloved Cast Members

One of the most talked-about events in Broadway right now is HADESTOWN’s recent cast changeover. On 12 January, three of its leading players took their final bows. Jordan Fisher, celebrated for his roles in SWEENEY TODD, HAMILTON, and DEAR EVAN HANSEN, departed the role of Orpheus, while Maia Reficco—known for PRETTY LITTLE LIARS and her star turn in EVITA at New York City Center—performed her last show as Eurydice. Rounding out the trio of departures, Tony nominee Phillip Boykin (famed for THE MUSIC MAN, ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, and THE GERSHWINS’ PORGY AND BESS) stepped away from his role as Hades.

The departure of these three favourites has left fans with bittersweet emotions. Jordan Fisher brought a youthful spark to Orpheus, complementing his soulful vocals with boyish optimism—an ideal match for the innocent artist who journeys to the underworld in search of his lost love. Maia Reficco’s take on Eurydice was lauded for balancing vulnerability and defiance, perfectly capturing a character forced to make impossible choices. Meanwhile, Phillip Boykin lent a powerhouse presence to Hades, his commanding voice summoning the ominous atmosphere of the underworld. From the tender All I’ve Ever Known to the rousing Why We Build The Wall, these performers helped make each show an unforgettable event.

Welcoming a New Trio of Stars

Thankfully, HADESTOWN’s revolving door never leaves a gap for long. Beginning on 14 January, Tony nominee Hailey Kilgore (best known for ONCE ON THIS ISLAND) took on the role of Eurydice. Carlos Valdes (known for THE FLASH and ONCE) stepped up as the new Orpheus, and Tony nominee Tom Hewitt (acclaimed for THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW and CHICAGO) rejoined the company to reprise Hades.

So what can we expect from this fresh trio?

• Hailey Kilgore captured hearts as Ti Moune in ONCE ON THIS ISLAND, a performance that earned her a Tony nomination at just 19. Her vocal prowess and emotional depth promise to make her Eurydice a stirring presence on the Walter Kerr stage.
• Carlos Valdes, well-loved for his role as Cisco Ramon in THE FLASH, brings an earnest charm and impressive vocal abilities from his time in ONCE. His background in music performance (and experience with playing instruments live on stage) should seamlessly translate into Orpheus’ signature artistry—particularly the poignant Wait for Me, which stands as one of the show’s defining moments.
• Tom Hewitt returns to HADESTOWN after stepping away from the production. Known for his Tony-nominated turn as Dr Frank N. Furter in THE ROCKY HORROR SHOW, Hewitt’s stage presence and towering vocals will no doubt reinstate the formidable grandeur of Hades.

More Changes on the Horizon

The shake-ups don’t end there. From 18 February, Tony nominee Daniel Breaker joins the cast as Hermes, while BAFTA winner Merle Dandridge steps into the role of Persephone. Dandridge, notably, originated the role in earlier iterations of HADESTOWN, including the Off-Broadway run. Her return to the show she helped shape is already generating quite the buzz.

For many fans, this news is thrilling. Lillias White, currently portraying Hermes, is passing the baton to Daniel Breaker, who was widely praised for his comedic timing and vocal range in shows such as THE BOOK OF MORMON and PASSING STRANGE. Meanwhile, Merle Dandridge’s return as Persephone promises a nostalgic trip back to the roots of HADESTOWN, and her chemistry with Hades is sure to bring new layers to the beloved songs Our Lady of the Underground and Livin’ It Up on Top.

Until the next round of arrivals, the production’s current headliners include Jordan Fisher as Orpheus, Lillias White as Hermes, Phillip Boykin as Hades, Maia Reficco as Eurydice, and Allison Russell as Persephone. They are joined by Shea Renee, Jessie Shelton, and Brit West as the Fates, while the Workers’ Chorus features Emily Afton, Malcolm Armwood, Timothy H. Lee, Alex Puette, and Grace Yoo. Covering all manner of emergencies and special performances, the swings are Sojourner Brown, Brandon Cameron, KC Dela Cruz, Tara Jackson, Max Kumangai, and Tanner Ray Wilson.

Creative Powerhouses Behind the Scenes

While the cast is the beating heart of any performance, credit must also go to the creative team that made HADESTOWN possible. The show is a collaboration of some of the brightest minds in theatre:

• Rachel Hauck (Tony-winning set designer) has crafted an earthy, intimate stage that blurs the lines between the world above and the realm below.
• Michael Krass (Tony-nominated costume designer) gives the characters’ modern-gothic aesthetic just the right dose of timelessness, blending old-world charm with a contemporary twist.
• Bradley King (Tony-winning lighting designer) conjures an atmospheric glow that transports you seamlessly from a bustling café to the shadowy underworld in the blink of an eye.
• Nevin Steinberg and Jessica Paz (Tony-winning sound designers) ensure every note—be it a hushed lullaby or a thunderous ensemble number—resonates with crystal clarity.
• David Neumann (choreographer) uses movement to underscore the show’s emotional stakes, from the joyous Livin’ It Up on Top to the devastating finale.
• Liam Robinson (musical supervisor and vocal arrangements) curates a rich, soulful tapestry of voices, while the orchestrations by Tony winners Michael Chorney and Todd Sickafoose weave together folk, jazz, and musical theatre traditions.

This remarkable team came together under the visionary direction of Rachel Chavkin, who claimed the Tony Award for Best Director of a Musical for her work on HADESTOWN. And, of course, the shining star at the centre of it all remains Anaïs Mitchell, whose original book and score gave us such unforgettable numbers as Wait for Me, Way Down Hadestown, and Epic III.

A Modern Classic Worthy of Its Accolades

HADESTOWN was the talk of the 2019 Tony Awards, scooping up a total of eight wins. Among the accolades were Best Musical, Best Original Score (Anaïs Mitchell), and Best Featured Actor in a Musical (André De Shields, for his iconic turn as Hermes). Critics praised the production for its raw lyricism, enthralling score, and imaginative storytelling. Indeed, it’s not often a musical so boldly reimagines ancient mythology as an allegory for modern times, injecting commentary on politics, love, hope, and the power of storytelling itself.

Beyond the Tonys, HADESTOWN has accumulated a loyal fanbase, many of whom have returned multiple times to witness its evolving cast. The combination of enthralling music, a timeless message, and a cast that never fails to captivate makes the show a hot ticket for theatre enthusiasts around the globe.

All in all, HADESTOWN’s unique fusion of folk, jazz, and ancient myth has proven itself more than just a theatrical spectacle. It’s a moving exploration of humanity’s timeless hopes and fears, staged with boundless creativity and brought to life by a cast of remarkable talents. With recent and upcoming cast changes, the show retains an exciting, ever-evolving quality that keeps audiences coming back for more.

The myth of Orpheus and Eurydice has been told countless times, but HADESTOWN breathes new life into it with a clever blend of music, poetry, and stagecraft. Bidding farewell to the show’s departing stars is certainly poignant, but welcoming new performers offers a fresh take on these beloved characters. In the world of theatre, such transitions are a testament to the show’s longevity—it continues to thrive, adapt, and enchant.

So, whether you’re a seasoned fan, or someone who has yet to experience Anaïs Mitchell’s masterwork, there’s no better moment than now. HADESTOWN reminds us that even in the darkest corners of the underworld, love and hope endure—and that’s a message worth revelling in, again and again. After all, if there’s one thing that rings true in every retelling of this ancient story, it’s the power of music and love to transcend seemingly insurmountable odds. Go ahead, take the journey—just be prepared to leave a piece of your heart behind in the underworld.