HADESTOWN Previews- Page 11

[sm33]

Posted: 3/30/19 at 10:09am

Saw this last night and enjoyed it immensely - easily the best show of my current trip, and probably my favorite new musical since Comet. The most exposure I’d had to it previously was listening to the album on shuffle to get a feel for the songs, so I didn’t have any preconceived notions of what it should be or sound like. It’s not perfect, but it’s a beautifully staged show with a talented cast and catchy songs, and I can’t wait to see it again. 

I strongly agree with the suggestion mentioned previously to end Act I with “Wait for Me” and open Act II with “Why We Build the Wall” - it just seems like the logical choice. The loudest applause of the night was after “Wait for Me”, and it would have been good to go to intermission with that energy, and Act II could use a big number at the start.

This show solidifies Rachel Chavkin as my favorite director working right now - the staging was effective and moving. And the cast is extremely well utilized, particularly the Fates. I hope this show does well! 

[Blockhead24]

Posted: 3/30/19 at 10:40am

sm33 said: "
I strongly agree with the suggestion mentioned previously to end Act I with “Wait for Me” and open Act II with “Why We Build the Wall” - it just seems like the logical choice.The loudest applause of the night was after “Wait for Me”, and it would have been good to go to intermission with that energy, andAct II could use a big number at the start."

They tried it but it didn't work Patrick Page tweet

[LxGstv]

Posted: 3/30/19 at 10:49am

I feel like I’m in the minority, but I have no issues with the wall being the end for act 1... it establishes Hades domain, it shows that there’s trouble coming and it sets up everything in motion for the second act...

Wait For Me is beautifully staged and it’s the strongest song they have, but its Orpheus journey to the underworld, it doesn’t really raise the stakes for the second act...

[getupngo]

Posted: 3/30/19 at 12:07pm

WOO! FINALLY got a ticket to this. Walked up to the BO and asked for any seats left and she offered me a box seat for $99. its stamped as partial view- does anyone know how obstructed it is?

 

thanks!

[magictodo123]

Posted: 3/30/19 at 12:19pm

Question about seating for those who have seen it: I’ve heard to avoid the balcony (and I think those seats are pretty much sold out anyway?) so would you recommend the right mezzanine or back of the orchestra? There’s a seat I’m looking at but I’m relatively short and I don’t want to miss anything.

[bettyco]

Posted: 3/30/19 at 12:25pm

magictodo123 said: "Question about seating for those who have seen it: I’ve heard to avoid the balcony (and I think those seats are pretty much sold out anyway?) so would you recommend the right mezzanine or back of the orchestra? There’s a seat I’m looking at but I’m relatively short and I don’t want to miss anything."

The Kerr is so small that I think you'd be fine with either, but the rake in the mezzanine is steep enough that your view shouldn't be obstructed.

[all_that_jazz]

Posted: 3/30/19 at 12:29pm

I thonk if anything u may not see a member of the band. But as far as action from what i saw the other night you shouldnt miss anything. I saw agentlemans guide from the boxes and based on that and how this set is should be great.

Updated On: 3/30/19 at 12:29 PM

[Markecib]

Posted: 3/30/19 at 1:04pm

About to head out toward the theater now. Really looking forward to this!

[B.JAMES]

Posted: 3/30/19 at 2:13pm

getupngo said: "WOO! FINALLY got a ticket to this. Walked up to the BO and asked for any seats left and she offered me a box seat for $99. its stamped as partial view- does anyone know how obstructed it is?



thanks!"

I was in Box A I think?  All I missed was part of the band on my side.  You'll be fine :)

[getupngo]

Posted: 3/30/19 at 3:27pm

Thanks BJames and Jazz! :)

[Bwaydreamer3]

Posted: 3/30/19 at 4:53pm

I just bought a ticket for a trip in July. Honestly, I was very skeptical about this show. It just didn't seem like the thing for me, but the more I've looked into it, the more it's peaked my interest. I'm looking forward to seeing it. I just started listening to the concept album so I don't know much about the structure of the show. For anyone who does know more than me, is the entire show sung through? From the album it sounds like it could be

[Markecib]

Posted: 3/30/19 at 5:04pm

I just got back from the matinee and wow is this show good! From the first moments the cast comes out the audience was ready. Lot’s of applause during the intros. Some audience members gave “Wait for Me” a standing O, not many, but there was long extended applause after that scene.

I’m not going to go into everything, but this is the best show I’ve seen this year and I’ve been to most of them. There was an audience member crying during bows in the front row and Andre pulls out a tissue and passed it to her. The cast during the bows just looked around at everyone as there was a very long standing ovation before the curtain call. A great afternoon and I hope I can get back to see it again after it officially opens, but glad I was able to see it now.

[Ourtime992]

Posted: 3/30/19 at 5:11pm

Bwaydreamer3 said: "I just bought a ticket for atrip in July. Honestly, I was very skeptical about this show. It just didn't seem like the thing for me, but the more I've looked into it, the more it's peaked my interest. I'm looking forward to seeing it. I just started listening to the concept album so I don't know much about the structure of the show. For anyone who does know more than me, is the entire show sung through? From the album it sounds like it could be"

There is some spoken dialogue, but no book scenes, per se. The dialogue is spoken like poetry, in stanzas, and the rest of the show (like 95% of it) is sung-through. The concept album is wonderful, but if you're looking to understand the structure and plot of the show, the live recording from the NYTW production would be a better intro. I have listened to both albums in rotation for months, and both are wonderful in their own way.

For anyone who's been to the last couple of shows, has Raise Our Cups been part of the bows?

[LightsOut90]

Posted: 3/30/19 at 5:20pm

Any updated rush reports, thinking of trying next weekend.

[treblemakerz]

Posted: 3/30/19 at 6:05pm

Yes, Raise Our Cups was included last night!

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 3/30/19 at 6:36pm

All bow down to Rachel Chavkin and Anaïs Mitchell! Not only is Hadestown the best new musical of the season that I’ve seen so far, but it’s also one of the best musicals I have seen on Broadway in quite some time. This ranks up there with Hamilton and The Great Comet. The last time I remember the energy in a theatre being this palpable both onstage and in the audience was when I saw the OBC of Hamilton shortly after the 2016 Tony Awards. 

After seeing what Rachel Chavkin did with The Great Comet, I thought she had reached the peak of her career as a director. I didn’t think it was humanly possible for her to match that level of brilliance again. Well, she most certainly proved me wrong! The staging is brilliant with all the design elements meshing together perfectly. The turntables, elevator, and even certain lighting elements are integrated into the movement and choreography.

I have been a fan of Reeve Carney and his unique voice since Spider-Man, and I have loved Eva Noblezada since the Miss Saigon revival. They are both great as Orpheus and Eurydice. Amber Gray is incredible, and I really hope she wins the Tony for her performance in this. Patrick Page and Andre de Shields both have commanding stage presences that work great for their characters.

As I mentioned earlier, the design elements are stellar. The lighting is gorgeous. Subtle, dark, and subdued at times and then overwhelming, bright, and in your face at other times. The sound design is impeccable. I was able to make out every lyric and every instrument in the orchestra.  

Anaïs Mitchell’s score is a gold mine of glorious songs. I truly loved every single song. I had listened to concept album a couple times before seeing this, and l liked it quite a lot. That being said, seeing the score performed live in the context of the show added a whole new level to my enjoyment and appreciation of this ingenious score.

After a really slow start to this season, it’s been refreshing to finally see some really exciting new shows hit the boards, and Hadestown is probably one of the most exciting ones in my book. It’s haunting, original, thrilling, and energetic beyond belief. I would recommend getting tickets for this now while you still can. Once word of mouth kicks in and the Tonys hit, this is going to be an extremely hot ticket.

[hveasey]

Posted: 3/30/19 at 7:11pm

I saw the show Tuesday night and was blown away. Beautiful from start to finish and all of the cast are excellent. I was a fan of the original concept album from years ago (which I knew of because I’m a big Ani Difranco fan) but hadn’t listened to it in forever and was pleasantly surprised at how great all the songs new and old were.

Wait For Me was the obvious stand out for both staging and performance.

The one thing that should be done to improve the show is to make the ending a little more clear for those who don’t know the story. The women behind me didn’t get it at first and started talking about it during what should be an intense emotional moment, and the audience reaction (which was great all other times) didn’t rise to the level I’d expect and I think that’s due to the staging.

I would be shocked to see this not get a load of Tony nominations and a few wins.

[LS7188]

Posted: 3/30/19 at 7:28pm

Does anyone know what the actors' schedules are? I'm looking to buy tickets and want to see if I can go on a night that Eva is scheduled to be on. Thanks!

[dramamama611]

Posted: 3/30/19 at 8:14pm

Unless otherwise stated, all actors should be expected at all performances. There hasn't been any talk that I'm aware of indicating any role needs an alternative.

[CedricOates]

Posted: 3/30/19 at 8:19pm

I’ve been thinking. I saw the 3/28 preview performance (review to come shortly)

I noticed T. Oliver Reid covers both Hermès and Hades. Hermès is a tenor in the show, hitting notes in full belt. My question is, if he is singing tenor, how could he ever sing the songs of Hades. Hades is a true base, hitting as low as an low f.

Maybe, since Patrick Page is the only one who could actually hit that low notes. The two covers for Hades do both sing bass notes, but i don’t think they could sing every song of the show in the bass. Maybe an octave higher.

While I was sitting and watching, I thought that the voice is made Hades so menacing and sexy that i don’t know if i would view him in the same light and think the same with someone not hitting those notes in the show. But then again they could act in a way that would bring the same aura. Or a new interpretation of Hades.

So interesting, i love it.

[starcatchers]

Posted: 3/30/19 at 9:11pm

CedricOates said: "
I noticed T. Oliver Reid covers both Hermès and Hades. Hermès is a tenor in the show, hitting notes in full belt. My question is, if he is singing tenor, how could he ever sing the songs of Hades. Hades is a true base, hitting as low as an low f.”

 

he covered Philip Boykin when he was in Once On This Island, so I imagine he’s got at least some of the low range.  

 

[getupngo]

Posted: 3/30/19 at 9:14pm

Intermission and...

Hermès feathers caught on fire from the candle Eurydice lit LOL One of the fates had to put him out.

The walls separating and the swinging lights were so cool.

The cast is phenomenal- especially Hermès... but reeve carney is coming across kinda creepy. Would have much preferred Damon in the role. Also amber grey is kinda... meh? Idk let’s see what act 2 holds

[Daddy Warbucks]

Posted: 3/30/19 at 9:46pm

For those who attended this week, did the show look sold out?

[Clyde15]

Posted: 3/30/19 at 9:53pm

The orchestra seemed completely sold out except for 2 seats on Wednesday evening. Not sure what the mezzanine or balcony looked like

[BJR]

Posted: 3/30/19 at 10:01pm

getupngo said: "WOO! FINALLY got a ticket to this. Walked up to the BO and asked for any seats left and she offered me a box seat for $99. its stamped as partial view- does anyone know how obstructed it is?



thanks!"

Box seats are pretty great, especially if you're on House Right. You cannot see the upstage corner, but most entrances and staging occur Stage Right, so House Right is ideal and you'll miss very little Stage Left.

Show looked pretty near fully Sold Out when I went last night.