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HADESTOWN Stars Eva Noblezada And Reeve Carney Light Up The West End

They first captured our hearts with their enchanting performances as Eurydice and Orpheus in HADESTOWN, and now Eva Noblezada and Reeve Carney are about to grace London with an intimate concert that already has theatregoers abuzz. Fresh from Grammy-winning success and a string of outstanding performances on both sides of the Atlantic, the duo have announced a one-off show at His Majesty’s Theatre on Sunday 9 February at 3pm. With a strictly limited and—unsurprisingly—sold-out return engagement in HADESTOWN kicking off just two days later, it’s safe to say London’s theatre scene is in for a spectacular February.

Settle in for the inside scoop on why this concert has everyone buzzing, how these two performers have captivated audiences time and again, and what it all might mean for the future of musical theatre—both here in the UK and beyond. Whether you’re a fan of the genre, a follower of these rising stars, or simply love a good live performance, there’s plenty to keep you hooked. So, grab a seat, and let’s delve into the details of this special event.

Noblezada And Carney’s HADESTOWN Origins

HADESTOWN’s path to Broadway is almost as legendary as the Greek myth it reimagines. Created by singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell, it began as a concept album in 2010 before evolving into an Off-Broadway show, followed by further development in Canada and finally a London bow at the National Theatre in 2018. It was there that Eva Noblezada and Reeve Carney first emerged together as star-crossed lovers Eurydice and Orpheus, enchanting British audiences with their chemistry and vocal prowess.

The London run was met with critical acclaim—an early sign of the success that awaited the show. When HADESTOWN transferred to Broadway in 2019, the pair reprised their roles, bringing along their mesmerising synergy to American audiences. That synergy proved unstoppable: the production garnered a raft of accolades, including a Tony Award for Best Musical. In early 2020, the original Broadway cast album won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album, adding yet another layer of success for the team. Now, after achieving such heights, Noblezada and Carney return to the West End to remind us why we fell in love with them in the first place.

Shining Solo Careers

Though HADESTOWN propelled their profiles to new heights, both Noblezada and Carney have impressive track records that speak to their individual talents. Eva Noblezada, for instance, burst onto the scene in the 2014 West End revival of MISS SAIGON, a role that later took her to Broadway and earned her a Tony Award nomination at the age of just 18. She followed this remarkable debut with another Tony-nominated turn in the Broadway production of MISS SAIGON in 2017, then continued her streak of captivating performances with the Tony-winning revival of the classic musical LES MISÉRABLES. Most recently, she’s been thrilling audiences as Daisy in THE GREAT GATSBY on Broadway, a role she’s soon to conclude as she heads back to London for HADESTOWN and later this year, CABARET, in which she’ll take on the iconic part of Sally Bowles.

Reeve Carney, meanwhile, is no stranger to demanding musical roles. He famously portrayed the eponymous role in SPIDER-MAN: TURN OFF THE DARK on Broadway, a high-profile project featuring music by Bono and The Edge of U2. Beyond his theatre work, he has an active music career, recording and touring with his band. Through stage and music pursuits alike, Carney has cultivated an ardent fan base that loves him for his emotive vocals and magnetic stage presence.

A One-Off West End Concert

It’s not every day two Broadway stars decide to join forces for a single, intimate performance—especially in the midst of hectic schedules and upcoming engagements. That’s precisely why their show at His Majesty’s Theatre on 9 February is generating so much excitement. Slotted just hours before the WhatsOnStage Awards at the London Palladium (scheduled for 7pm that same evening), the timing makes this event especially convenient for theatre enthusiasts looking to soak up as much top-tier entertainment as possible in one day.

The show is billed as a personal, stripped-back concert, offering fans the chance to see these performers outside their HADESTOWN roles. While no official setlist has been confirmed, one can only hope for a few beloved numbers from HADESTOWN, as well as selections that highlight the breadth of their musical interests. Perhaps we’ll hear a solo from Noblezada in the vein of Summertime—a track she’s covered to much acclaim—or a new arrangement of a HADESTOWN favourite such as Wait For Me. And if we’re really lucky, maybe they’ll treat fans to original compositions or soulful covers that show off the range of their vocal talents.

HADESTOWN’s Rise And Recognition

To appreciate the significance of this reunion, it helps to see just how far HADESTOWN has come. While many musicals adapt well-trodden stories, HADESTOWN’s folk-and-jazz-infused retelling of the Orpheus myth set in an industrial underworld felt refreshingly original. Drawing from real-world themes, its story of love, hope, and perseverance resonated with audiences who found solace and inspiration in every note.

  • Critical Acclaim: Critics lauded HADESTOWN for its inventive staging, emotive storytelling, and hauntingly beautiful music. Publications like The New York Times praised it for combining “folk, gospel, blues and Broadway influences” into a cohesive tapestry of sound.
  • Commercial Triumph: According to Broadway League statistics, HADESTOWN consistently drew strong ticket sales, enjoying near sell-out audiences weekly in its early run. Its popularity soared thanks to word-of-mouth raves.
  • Award Haul: Aside from the Grammy and the Tony Award for Best Musical, HADESTOWN was nominated for 14 Tony Awards altogether, winning eight in total. Here in the UK, it’s also nabbed several Olivier Award nods. At this year’s WhatsOnStage Awards, it holds four nominations.

This remarkable track record is part of what makes Noblezada and Carney’s return such a big deal. There’s an element of “coming home” involved—where it all began, back in London. And with their busy calendars, it seems this window of time is the perfect moment to celebrate the show’s achievements and their shared musical journey.

What Noblezada And Carney Represent

The theatre world may focus on big stars, but it’s the synergy of talent and innovation that truly drives the industry forward. Noblezada and Carney personify this synergy. They are multi-faceted artists who thrive on pushing boundaries—be it in the form of new material or reinterpretations of time-honoured classics. By seamlessly transitioning between pop-rock ballads, traditional show tunes, and more experimental arrangements, they capture a wide audience.

Their success also points to the evolution of musical theatre, where storytelling, genre-bending music, and strong thematic resonance have become more important than ever. HADESTOWN’s folk-rock vibe opened the door for a new generation of musicals like SIX and & JULIET—shows that aren’t afraid to toy with popular music influences or retell classic stories in imaginative ways. Noblezada and Carney stand at the forefront of this movement, their upcoming concert a living testament to how artists can merge personal artistry with beloved show tunes to create a unique experience.

London And Beyond

As award season looms and speculation swirls around new productions, London remains the epicentre of theatrical excitement. In addition to the spectacle of HADESTOWN returning, 2024 sees major shows shuffling around the West End. With musicals such as FROZEN, THE PRINCE OF EGYPT, and the classic revival of CABARET drawing in crowds, it feels like a golden era for theatre. If Noblezada and Carney’s special appearance hints at anything, it’s that the West End is only growing in its ability to attract and retain top-level talent.

And this trend isn’t limited to British shores. As soon as the industry picks up on a hot ticket, global interest tends to follow. Broadway, London’s West End, and major cities in Australia all keep a keen eye on each other’s successful productions. This cross-pollination can lead to more frequent transfers, tours, and collaborations that give theatre fans worldwide something to look forward to.

 

Belaid S

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