With a live band, a fully functioning stage turntable, and the largest stage extension in Dana Hall Theater history, Dana Hall is bringing one of Broadway’s most acclaimed musicals to life on May 16 and 17 at 7:30 p.m. in Bardwell Auditorium: Hadestown Junior.
A Myth Retold
Hadestown is a modern retelling of two classic Greek myths: Hades and Persephone, and Orpheus and Eurydice. The story of Hades and Persephone acts as the backdrop—Hades, god of the Underworld, abducts Persephone to his realm, where she spends half the year in perpetuity. Her time in the Underworld brings winter and her return to the Earth’s surface brings spring.
Set in this world of changing seasons, Hadestown follows the myth of Orpheus, a young musician, and Eurydice, the woman he loves. When Eurydice dies, Orpheus decides to go to after her in the Underworld, hoping that his music can bring her back. Hades agrees to let Eurydice go on one condition: Orpheus must lead her out of the Underworld without looking back to see her. Just before reaching the surface, he turns — and loses her forever.
The two myths form the foundation of Hadestown, where the musical casts them in a new light. Originally written as a concept album by Anaïs Mitchell in 2011 and inspired by the Great Recession, Hadestown grew into a full Broadway production that opened in 2019.
Dana Hall’s Take
As one of the only schools currently licensed to perform Hadestown Junior, Dana Hall’s production brings the old tale of Orpheus and Eurydice to the stage in our own way.
“It is very different from what we have put on stage before,” said Daniel Morris, Director of Theater. “It is bigger in a lot of ways.”
Designed with a gritty, post-industrial look, Hadestown Junior features “the largest set [extension] the school has built to date,” according to Michelle Wetherbee, Director of Technical Theater. With a cast of 29 students, four raised platforms were constructed to ensure visibility for every performer. New lighting equipment was also brought in specifically for the show.
And, for the first time, the production features a fully functioning stage turntable, built by the technical theater class. “It’s one thing to put a turntable on the stage,” said Ms. Wetherbee, adding that it’s another thing to use the turntable to create moments that feel magical.
Mr. Morris said that this production stands out because “it is really showing the talent here. Not just on stage—Ella [Madan ’27] doing the lights, Maya [Boyne ’27] doing the mics. It is showing what we’re capable of doing.”
He added, “My favorite moment is the end of Act One. Because I think we took what happened on Broadway and made it ours.”
A Story That Resonates
Set against the backdrop of ancient myths, Hadestown explores themes that feel especially relevant today.
“The whole show is about dreaming about what could be, while also living in the present,” said Mr. Morris. “There are moments that feel especially timely for our school. A story about people facing obstacles, working through conflict, and still choosing to move forward together—that’s something I think will resonate with people right now.”
Hadestown opens up space for conversations about love, resilience, and the role of art in a world shaped by commerce—or, as the show itself puts it: “To see how the world could be in spite of the way it is.”
Image sources: Broadway World, Maia Schor ’27