Acclaimed West And and Broadway musical phenomenon Hadestown is coming to Melbourne next year, and is set to premiere at Her Majesty’s Theatre in May 2025.
The musical by singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell has been seen by three million people around the world and streamed more than 350 million times, and won eight Tony Awards when it opened in 2019. It’s still playing to packed houses five years down the track.
The Australian production is presented by Opera Australia and Jones Theatrical Group, and broke Theatre Royal Sydney box office records for its 2024 Sydney season, with a similar demand anticipated when it comes time for Melburnians to snap up tickets.
Originating as Anaïs Mitchell’s indie theatre project, along with her artistic collaborator, Rachel Chavkin, Hadestown was transformed into a genre-defying musical that blends modern American folk music with New Orleans-inspired jazz to reimagine the sweeping ancient tale of Orpheus and Eurydice. The hit musical also won a Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album.
Hadestown retells the Greek myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone. In a world of poverty and hardship, Orpheus, a gifted musician, falls in love with Eurydice.
When she is lured to Hadestown, an industrial underworld ruled by Hades, Orpheus sets out on a perilous journey to rescue her with his music. Meanwhile, Hades and Persephone’s tumultuous relationship affects the seasons above. Orpheus’s music touches even Hades, leading to a chance for freedom, but the story’s tragic ending hinges on trust, doubt, and the power of love and sacrifice.
Suzanne Jones of Jones Theatrical Group said: “Melbourne audiences embrace musicals like no other city and in return musicals delight in performing here due to the rousing receptions and support that they receive.”
“Hadestown will be no exception. Creator and writer Anaïs Mitchell is such an extraordinary talent and her musical is magical, bold, exciting and full of love and promise,” she said.
Casting announcements will be made in the coming months. For further information and to sign up to be the first to purchase tickets for the Melbourne season, visit www.hadestown.com.au
