Greek myth meets modern sound in MSHS Theater's “Hadestown” performances

The Marquette Senior High School Theatre Department is preparing to open its fall musical, “Hadestown,” a folk opera retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Set to a mix of blues, jazz, and folk-inspired music, the show explores two intertwined love stories, one young and idealistic, the other older and weathered by time.

Kurt Hauswirth

Hadestown began as a folk opera concept album written by singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell, first released in 2010. Rooted in Greek mythology, it reimagines the ancient story of Orpheus and Eurydice through the lens of a modern, Depression-era world filled with blues, jazz, and folk influences. The project evolved into a full-stage musical directed by Rachel Chavkin, premiering off-Broadway in 2016 before opening on Broadway in 2019. Its innovative blend of myth, music, and social commentary earned widespread acclaim, including eight Tony Awards, among them Best Musical.

Listen to one of Anaïs Mitchell's original Hadestown songs:

Assistant Director Lisa Elzinga says the production balances modern musical storytelling with timeless myth, blending styles and creative approaches from the directing team. She describes the students’ work ethic as remarkable, noting that the cast has risen to meet the show’s demanding vocals, choreography, and emotional depth.

Playing Hades, senior Jonah Hardenbergh portrays a character both powerful and deeply human. He sees Hades as driven by love for his wife, Persephone - love that becomes controlling as he tries to hold onto what’s already fading. The rich, low tones of the music help shape his performance, adding gravity to the role.

Watch the Hadestown Broadway Trailer:

Nate Wood, who plays Orpheus, serves as the emotional counterpoint to Hades. His portrayal highlights Orpheus’s idealism and hope, expressed through high, lyrical melodies that contrast the darker tones of the underworld. Wood says the role demands a wide range of emotions, from joy to despair, and calls it both challenging and deeply rewarding.

Public Radio 90's Kurt Hauswirth spoke with Wood, Hardenbergh, and Elzinga about Hadestown:

As the cast and crew prepare for opening weekend, all three hope audiences will find the story resonant. Elzinga hopes the show encourages people to look up from their routines and connect more deeply with each other. Hardenbergh hopes viewers see the message of awareness and perseverance through struggle, while Wood hopes audiences take away a sense of forgiveness and the belief that there is always hope, even in difficult times.

Hadestown runs Friday, November 14 at 7 p.m.; Saturday, November 15 at 1 and 7 p.m.; and Sunday, November 16 at 1 p.m. at Marquette Senior High School. Tickets are available at NMU Ticketing.