André De Shields to depart 'Hadestown' in May

Q: Who wrote Hadestown?

Anaïs Mitchell wrote both the script and the songs of Hadestown. She had been working on the musical since 2006, when an early version premiered in Vermont, and worked with director Rachel Chavkin to turn that show and its 2010 concept album into a full-fledged musical.

Q: Which songs are in Hadestown?

The songs in Hadestown include "Wait For Me," "Livin' It Up on Top," "We Raise Our Cups," and "When the Chips Are Down." Hadestown is mostly sung-through, so snippets of songs appear throughout the show in place of traditional scenes. Learn about all the songs in Hadestown on Broadway.

Q: Who directed Hadestown?

Rachel Chavkin is the director of Hadestown and won a 2019 Tony Award for her work. She is also a creative consultant on the musical, as she helped Anaïs Mitchell expand Hadestown from a concept album into a full-fledged musical.

Q: Which Greek myth is Hadestown based on?

Hadestown is primarily based on the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, but the musical also weaves in the myth of Hades and Persephone. Learn more about the Greek mythology that inspired Hadestown.

Q: When did Hadestown open on Broadway?

Hadestown began Broadway performances in March 2019 and won eight Tony Awards that year. The show is now the longest-running production to ever play the Walter Kerr Theatre.

The Tony winner will play his final performance May 29.

Gillian RussoApril 11, 2022, 00:00

All we've ever known is André De Shields as Hermes in Hadestown. But now, the Tony Award-winning original cast member is set to depart the show, playing his final performance on May 29.

De Shields has played the role of Hermes since the 2018 London premiere of Hadestown, and he reprised that role for the show's Broadway debut. For his performance in New York, he won the Tony Award, Drama Desk Award, and Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical following much critical acclaim.

New casting for the role of Hermes has yet to be announced.

Anaïs Mitchell's Hadestown, the 2019 Tony winner for Best Musical, is a contemporary retelling of Greek mythology, centered on the lovers Orpheus and Eurydice. When Eurydice gets trapped in Hades's underworld, here reimagined as a bleak industrial factory, Orpheus embarks on a dangerous journey to rescue her with the guidance of Hermes and the Fates. The show has played the Walter Kerr Theatre since 2019.

Get Hadestown tickets now.

Frequently asked questions

What is Hadestown about?

This eight-time Tony-winning Best Musical puts a fresh spin on Greek myths, infusing them with jazz and folk music. Struggling to survive, Eurydice agrees to work at Hades's soulless factory, and Orpheus embarks on a dangerous quest to rescue her. Get tickets to the genre-defying Hadestown, which combines disparate histories and music styles into a groundbreaking story.

Where is Hadestown playing?

Hadestown is playing at Walter Kerr Theatre . The theatre is located at 219 West 48th Street (between Broadway and 8th Avenue), New York, 10036.

How long is Hadestown?

The running time of Hadestown is 2hr 30min. Incl. 15min intermission.

What's the age recommendation for Hadestown?

The recommended age for Hadestown is Ages 8+. Children under 5 are not permitted in the theater..

How do you book tickets for Hadestown?

Book tickets for Hadestown on New York Theatre Guide.

Who wrote Hadestown?

Anaïs Mitchell wrote both the script and the songs of Hadestown. She had been working on the musical since 2006, when an early version premiered in Vermont, and worked with director Rachel Chavkin to turn that show and its 2010 concept album into a full-fledged musical.

Which songs are in Hadestown?

The songs in Hadestown include "Wait For Me," "Livin' It Up on Top," "We Raise Our Cups," and "When the Chips Are Down." Hadestown is mostly sung-through, so snippets of songs appear throughout the show in place of traditional scenes. Learn about all the songs in Hadestown on Broadway.

Who directed Hadestown?

Rachel Chavkin is the director of Hadestown and won a 2019 Tony Award for her work. She is also a creative consultant on the musical, as she helped Anaïs Mitchell expand Hadestown from a concept album into a full-fledged musical.

Which Greek myth is Hadestown based on?

Hadestown is primarily based on the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, but the musical also weaves in the myth of Hades and Persephone. Learn more about the Greek mythology that inspired Hadestown.

When did Hadestown open on Broadway?

Hadestown began Broadway performances in March 2019 and won eight Tony Awards that year. The show is now the longest-running production to ever play the Walter Kerr Theatre.

Originally published on Sep 29, 202213:12