Hadestown Reviews - Page 7

[ChildofEarth]

Posted: 5/3/19 at 3:10pm

I cannot imagine not finding an intense feeling (other than the obvious hatred you felt) in this show. Epic III? Wait for Me Reprise? Why We Build the Wall? None of it? Sadness, elation, loss? The spinning stage was all you had?

The problem is you, then, and not the show. I downright hate DEH and The Band’s Visit and even I can recall moments of beauty from both shows.

[Robbie2]

Posted: 5/3/19 at 8:07pm

Interesting bit: I was talking with my agent friend and he told me that they cut the size of the workers chorus from 7 to 5 for the Broadway production in order to pay the 5 leads more $$$.

[dramamama611]

Posted: 5/3/19 at 9:51pm

It MIGHT be more about the difference in expectations between Equity and British Union.  Tickets there are much cheaper so perhaps so are pay scales.

I've not seen any production but the b'way one, and thought the number of people on that stage was pretty perfect.

[suicidalmickeymouse]

Posted: 5/4/19 at 12:24pm

I hear Eva’s u/s debuted. How was she?

[MikeK3]

Posted: 5/4/19 at 12:53pm

Robbie2 said: "Interesting bit: I was talking with my agent friend and he told me that they cut the size of the workers chorus from 7 to 5 for the Broadway production in order to pay the 5 leads more $$$."

That is interesting.  I know it was assumed that the five principals from London would transfer to Broadway, but it seemed to me that it took an awfully long time for the official announcement.  At the time, I was very curious as to what was going on behind the scenes.  I could swear that for a little while all pictures of Andre de Shields were removed from the show's website.  I really wanted to see Andre as Hermes, and it made me anxious that they weren't coming to an agreement.

[BwayinVan]

Posted: 5/5/19 at 9:22pm

So I saw this afternoon’s performance before heading to the airport. I went into it not knowing anything about the story of any of the characters and had no problem following along. This show has a very strong cast The music and their voices hit you in the face from the minute it starts and it continues throughout. I first saw Eva in Miss Saigon and loved her but I think she has only gotten better since then. Amber Gray is enchanting and you can’t help but watch her whenever she is in the stage. Patrick Page had a presence about him and that voice...he is a very commanding Hades. I think of the 5 leads Reeve is defintiely the weakest. No doubt the boy is talented and his voice melts like butter. If anything it says more about the other four as opposed to him.

Like many I see this winning a lot of Tonys and I will definitely be getting the OBC when it comes out.

One tip: I was in row K and I really enjoyed the view however I think the front row of the mezzanine would be the best view in the house.

[Robbie2]

Posted: 5/6/19 at 12:22am

BwayinVan said: "So I saw this afternoon’s performance before heading to the airport. I went into it not knowing anything about the story of any of the characters and had no problem following along. This show has a very strong cast The music and their voices hit you in the face from the minute it starts and it continues throughout. I first saw Eva in Miss Saigon and loved her but I think she has only gotten better since then. Amber Gray is enchanting and you can’t help but watch her whenever she is in the stage. Patrick Page had a presence about him and that voice...he is a very commanding Hades. I think of the 5 leads Reeve is defintiely the weakest. No doubt the boy is talented and his voice melts like butter. If anything it says more about the other four as opposed to him.

Like many I see this winning a lot of Tonys and I will definitely be getting the OBC when it comes out.

One tip: I was in row K and I really enjoyed the view however I think the front row of the mezzanine would be the best view in the house."

 

Having seen the show 2x...Actually, we sat in the orchestra center-aisle K101-102 and it was a perfect view close enough but far enough back that you can see facial expressions clearly but front mezzanine row A 105-106 gives you the amazing visual from above that really is breathtaking giving another dimension-perspective from above looking down. I highly suggest getting front row mezzanine-center section!

[Lot666]

Posted: 5/6/19 at 8:22am

Robbie2 said: "Interesting bit: I was talking with my agent friend and he told me that they cut the size of the workers chorus from 7 to 5 for the Broadway production in order to pay the 5 leads more $$$."

To be fair, Timothy Hughes probably counts as two. 

[Rainah]

Posted: 5/6/19 at 12:44pm

MikeK3 said: "Robbie2 said: "Interesting bit: I was talking with my agent friend and he told me that they cut the size of the workers chorus from 7 to 5 for the Broadway production in order to pay the 5 leads more $$$."

That is interesting. I know it was assumed that the five principals from London would transfer to Broadway, but it seemed to me that it took an awfully long time for the official announcement. At the time, I was very curious as to what was going on behind the scenes. I could swear that for a little while all pictures of Andre de Shields were removed from the show's website. I really wanted to see Andre as Hermes, and it made me anxious that they weren't coming to an agreement."

Very interesting. I spoke to Andre about halfway through the London run and he was very confident and happy to tell me that the five leads were transferring to Broadway. I would have been surprised to learn that they were having issues coming to an agreement, unless it was to do with equity rules or something. I know he did talk about how the rest of the London cast couldn't come with them because of union issues and we had a conversation about how all that worked in general.

I know that salaries on broadway are much higher than the west end in general, for a lot of reasons. Both equity minimums and stars. They likely had to pay the leads more just to keep even with broadway averages.

The Kerr is smaller too, I seem to remember. Either way, 5 chorus fills it fine. And it's good to keep costs down.

Posted: 5/10/19 at 9:00am

Finally saw this last night with my daughter. I'm normally a TDF guy, but I sprang for full price tickets when the buzz started and that option disappeared. Best decision, as the show was a thrilling night of theater and my seat price already rose $100 after my purchase. I am not a skilled reviewer like most on this board, but wanted to contribute with my random thoughts.

I was hooked from the moment Andre glided across the stage and began the story and introductions. Among the male performers, his performance for me was the most memorable.

Amber Grey - WOW! she is Persephone. I can not recall any female supporting performance as amazing as this. I had a huge smile on my face any time she was on stage. She literally embodies the character with her acting, singing and dancing. It almost felt like she was a lead.

The lighting and scenic design was so immersive I truly was transported to somewhere else. I normally don't notice those elements, but they added so much to the overall experience they were hard to ignore. The two songs at the end of Act 1 Wait for Me and Build the Wall were truly magical for me and will be at the top of the list of best moments in my theater memories.

I found the length and pacing perfect and was never bored. I thought Act 1 flew by. 

The score was breathtaking and poignant. The band, especially the trombone player, were all top notch and added to the overall atmosphere of the show. I hate unexpected tears, but the Orpheus song to Hades literally crawled inside my head and heart. I am also team Carney, but my daughter who does not stalk the board like I do did comment that his performance felt "out of place and kinda bland" and questioned if it was a directing choice. While she liked the score she was not as overwhelmed as I was.

This show will stick with me and is easily in the Top 5 shows of my theater experiences.

With all that said, my daughter and I had an interesting discussion comparing Hadestown to Tootsie which we also enjoyed. We agreed apples to oranges and it should be interesting to see how Best Musical pans out.

[denali.fire]

Posted: 5/11/19 at 2:04pm

Anyone with the live cd recording notice if there are many lyric changes or songs added or dropped?

I'm really enjoying the music just wondering if I'll have. Haven'to relearn much once the 2 cd recording is released

[Ourtime992]

Posted: 5/11/19 at 2:20pm

There are many changes, some of them quite substantial.

The live recording is incomplete, containing only 70-80% of the show as it was performed at NYTW. There are probably 15 minutes of missing material early in Act II alone. Some of that material can be found on the original (concept) album.

They also added material and revamped other songs. The biggest changes were made to the 3 Epics, which have a different function and message now.

That having been said, the piece is much stronger as a whole now, and I can't wait for the 2-CD album in June!

[sppunk]

Posted: 5/11/19 at 3:25pm

I’m here now and it’s intermission. Jessie Shelton is on for Eva and is doing a fantastic job. First time seeing it so nothing to compare to however.

[denali.fire]

Posted: 5/12/19 at 2:38pm

Ourtime992 said: "There are many changes, some of them quite substantial.

The live recording is incomplete, containing only 70-80% of the show as it was performed at NYTW. There are probably 15 minutes of missing material early in Act II alone. Some of that material can be found on the original (concept) album.

They also added material and revamped other songs. The biggest changes were made to the 3 Epics, which have a different function and message now.

That having been said, the piece is much stronger as a whole now, and I can't wait for the 2-CD album in June!"

Thanks for this .  Ill just have to wait for the new cd and relearn lyrics then.  

[Lot666]

Posted: 6/4/19 at 9:42am

Can anyone who's seen the show recently tell me whether they are still handing out the flowers afterwards?

[the.hard.part]

Posted: 6/4/19 at 10:27am

Yes, we got flowers at the stage door on Sunday

[Lot666]

Posted: 6/4/19 at 12:01pm

the.hard.part said: "Yes, we got flowers at the stage door on Sunday"

Thank you!

[SFFrontRow]

Posted: 6/4/19 at 5:15pm

ELot666 said: "Robbie2 said: "Interesting bit: I was talking with my agent friend and he told me that they cut the size of the workers chorus from 7 to 5 for the Broadway production in order to pay the 5 leads more $$$."

To be fair, Timothy Hughes probably counts as two."

Ironically, I saw this tall guy on the sidewalk outside the theater on Saturday afternoon and he caught my eye (he was bending down to hug this tiny older woman). Then I see him onstage Saturday night. His dancing was just incredible.

And, not related to his size, I think 7 chorus workers would crowd the stage some.

Updated On: 6/4/19 at 05:15 PM

[dramamama611]

Posted: 6/4/19 at 5:33pm

No, not wrong...i think.many of us feel that!

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 8/28/19 at 1:57pm

Inside the theatre now. WOW is the mezzanine STEEP!!!

Amber Gray is definitely out for the show, Afra Hines is in. Stage view from my seat G107 is perfect! It’s even the next to last row. Dead center.

Had to have my tickets reprinted because I grabbed the wrong envelope. Will have to do the same later for Moulin Rouge! when I leave from here.

Bought the magnet and that’s pretty much it since I already have the window card at home. Didn’t see the souvenir program.

Any questions please let me know and I’ll check back at intermission.

[EllieRose2]

Posted: 8/28/19 at 2:20pm

Yes, Amber is on her vacation all week. August is pretty dodgy on Broadway since most people take their vacations around this time. Is Eva in today? Hope you are enjoying the show! 

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 8/28/19 at 3:27pm

Full cast with the exception of Amber.

It’s intermission and the show has exceeded my expectations, which were pretty high when I walked in the door. Simply breath-taking, mesmerizing, and incredible.

Another note about the mezzanine seats: there’s little to NO room to move around between rows and they’re very cramped. I’m 5’10” 185lbs and my knees hurt already. Line to the men’s room (down from the house right mez) went really quick.

Most everyone I’m overhearing in the rows around my seat and in the men’s line are raving about the show.

Almost time for Act 2.

More later.

[dmwnc1959]

Posted: 8/28/19 at 5:18pm

Act 2 - Depressing. Remarkable. Sublime. I’ll write a longer review when I get home tomorrow.

There’s one complaint. This one guy, with the dark beard, tall. Sooooooooo distracting. Those moves. Those rippling, sweaty, muscles of steel...um...

I gotta go get some dinner.

Updated On: 8/29/19 at 05:18 PM

[serenity86]

Posted: 8/29/19 at 7:43am

Any indications of when Amber Gray will be returning? I'll be going to the matinee this Saturday (8/31) and would of course love to see her. Understand that everyone needs a break though!

[CarmenA3]

Posted: 8/29/19 at 1:10pm

If anyone is looking for tickets, tickets are crazy priced (from $73 for eve, $57 for matinee) on 2/26/2020 directly in Ticketmaster.

Does anyone know why this one day is blue-light-special priced? 

Updated On: 8/29/19 at 01:10 PM