Narrated by Sam Shick
“It’s a sad song…but we sing it anyway.”
This May, the award-winning Hanford High School Theatre Department will proudly present Hadestown: Teen Edition, a reimagined version of the Tony® Award-winning Broadway phenomenon.
Hadestown is a modern retelling of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. In Greek mythology, Orpheus, a gifted musician, journeys to the underworld to rescue his beloved Eurydice from death. Hermes, the faithful storyteller, guides the audience through the world above, where Persephone brings life and growth, and below, where Hades rules over Hadestown.
Composer and lyricist Anaïs Mitchell transformed this timeless tale into an electrifying stage production that explores themes of love, hope, trust, and sacrifice — all set against a backdrop of industrial decay and lively jazz-infused music. When the production debuted in 2019, it garnered eight Tony® Awards, including Best Musical.
Hanford High’s production of Hadestown:Teen Edition stays true to the powerful spirit and storytelling of the original Broadway show, which is still delighting audiences on Broadway, in the West End, and across the United States with its national tour. One notable difference in the Teen Edition is that the vocal keys for three of the musical numbers have been lowered slightly to better suit the vocal range of the teenage performers. However, all of the original content of the story will be performed, and fans of the original show can rest assured that the songs, the storytelling, the emotional depth, and the unforgettable sound of Hadestown’s score — rooted deeply in jazz, folk, and blues traditions — will remain authentic and impactful.
Due to contractual requirements, Hanford High Drama’s production will feature an entirely original set design, staging, choreography, and costume concepts. The creative team has embraced this with enthusiasm. Megan Johnson, co-director alongside Erin Dickey, said, “It’s definitely been a unique challenge to try to reimagine an entire musical that is so burned in our heads. It's been a really satisfying task to ask ourselves what our Hadestown looks like, if we only had the text and music to build on, devoid of any images. How would we tell the story? Some things have changed drastically, and some things remain.”
Choreography too, is being reimagined. Instead of replicating Broadway’s staging, Kelsey Pontorolo and cast has worked to create movement that suits the strengths of their cast while honoring the spirit of the original production. The choreography will blend traditional and contemporary dance influences, emphasizing storytelling through movement while maintaining the raw energy and rhythm that is so integral to Hadestown’s identity.
The musical score will be brought to life by an exceptional live band composed of student and professional musicians, led by Kelly Brown and Cole Lobdell, capturing the raw, soulful sound that is so critical to Hadestown's atmosphere.
As Hanford High continues to build its reputation for producing professional-level high school theatre, Hadestown: Teen Edition promises to continue to deliver the standard audiences have come to expect. The program’s commitment to excellence in the performing arts is evident in every brushstroke, every note, and every rehearsal hour poured into this project.
Performances are May 2, 3, 7, 8, 9, 10 in the Hanford High auditorium, and tickets can be purchased now at HanfordDrama.org.
As the lights dim and the first notes of “Road to Hell” fill the air, the audience will embark on a journey with the characters — a journey through love, loss, sacrifice, and hope. Thanks to the passion, dedication, and artistry of the students and staff, Hadestown: Teen Edition at Hanford High promises to be an unforgettable theatrical event.
Photos courtesy of Hanford High Drama
