Swanky music with jazz vibes, strong brass instrumentals, and sweet sounds of the violin compliment soulful vocals at Austin’s Bass Concert Hall. A remarkable and immersive story of resilience, HADESTOWN is known for showcasing how “a song can change everything” while telling a version of the Greek story of Orpheus and Eurydice. Centered around hope, love, loss, and determination the musical won eight Tony Awards in 2019 and the 2020 Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.   

Opening with the words “To the world we dream about and the one we live in now” – I believe the musical is a great reminder that a little bit of kindness can go a long way. The musical mentions “the song that will bring spring.” This is symbolic for the reality of today’s world – as acknowledging others with intentional and kind words typically helps bright people up, which in return fills the world with more light.

Also, paying tribute to those who manage to bloom in darker circumstances, Orpheus is an example of persistence, and that it’s often worth continuing to try again and to hope for a better outcome.

I enjoy the hopefulness of HADESTOWN, which is also a great representation that even when things are on a downward turn – or in the musical’s words “the chips are down” – things typically will eventually get better and improve.

Regardless of what your own interpretation of HADESTOWN may be, the musical is worth a trip to Bass Concert Hall. Demonstrating a wholesome character, Chibueze Ihuoma plays an excellent and poetic Orpheus with Alex Lugo as Eurydice.

The theatrical effects for this production are off the chart – with a wide display of different dramatic levels of lighting and smoke. Produced by singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell and directed by Rachel Chavkin, the show is also scheduled to make a stop in Houston at The Hobby Center Oct. 4-9. The production runs in Austin through Sunday, Sept. 25. Tickets start at $30 and can be purchased online.

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Cover photo T. Charles Erickson

Britni Rachal lives in Austin, Texas. She is a freelance journalist, full-time marketer, and a Realtor®. In addition to writing, Rachal enjoys traveling, event planning, fashion, fitness and serving the Austin community.