Melbourne welcomes Hadestown with a thunderous heartbeat, heralding the arrival of a theatrical tour de force where ancient Greek myth meets modern soul.
Amid the dazzle of a red carpet opening, the city pulses with the music of Orpheus and Eurydice; melodies that rise, fall, and linger like a whispered promise. This Tony Award-winning phenomenon unfolds in stunning visuals, immersive staging, and a score that grips the spirit, transforming the stage into a realm where love battles fate. In Hadestown, Melbourne finds not just a show, but a myth reborn. Timeless, resonant, and achingly beautiful.
For those new to the tale, Hadestown unfolds in a haunting, post-apocalyptic world steeped in the grit and soul of Depression-era Americana. At its heart is Orpheus. A divinely gifted musician on a quest to compose a song powerful enough to heal a broken world. Amid his search for harmony, he encounters Eurydice, his muse and true love. Her struggle for survival in a harsh, unforgiving landscape leads her down a fateful path that sees her brokering a deal with Hades, lord of the Underworld – or Hadestown.
It’s not uncommon for me to cross state lines in pursuit of a great musical. Especially when it’s making its Australian debut. Just six weeks ago, my partner and I were seated at the Theatre Royal in Sydney, witnessing Hadestown for the very first time. That night, we had the rare privilege of experiencing Iosefa Laga’aia’s debut as Hermes. It was a commanding, magnetic performance that left an unforgettable mark in our hearts.
To be in the audience on opening night in Melbourne, where the incomparable Christine Anu returned to the role, however, was a true delight. Anu is electric from the moment she steps on stage. Her voice, both haunting and tender, carries the weight of the story with effortless grace. As the all-seeing narrator, she commands every scene. She guides our ill-fated lovers through the shadows of Hadestown with wisdom, warmth, and undeniable presence.
Stepping into the role of Eurydice on opening night, Eliza Soriano seized the moment and made it entirely her own. In a remarkable professional debut, she delivers a performance of striking emotional depth and vocal prowess, proving not only that she can fill big shoes, but that she’s destined to leave her own mark on the future of Australian musical theatre.
Opposite her, Noah Mullins is a pitch-perfect Orpheus. Their voice is tender and ethereal, capturing the divine spark of a musician touched by the gods. Together, Soriano and Mullins bring a chemistry and intensity that breathe new life into this age-old myth.
Adrian Tamburini’s portrayal of Hades is nothing short of chilling. His thunderous bass voice sent shivers down my spine. The hollow, soulless glint in his eyes perfectly embodies the god of the underworld.
In striking contrast, Elenoa Rokobaro lights up the stage as Persephone. Her radiant presence and dazzling vocals are a balm to Hades’ cold tyranny. Her performance was, for me, the standout of the night: vibrant, soulful, and overflowing with life. Like the goddess herself returning to the world above, Rokobaro brings with her the warmth and vitality of spring, lifting the entire theatre in her wake.
Rachel Hauck’s scenic design deserves to be celebrated as a character in its own right. From the moment the curtain rises, the smoky, sepia-toned world of Hadestown envelops you, pulling you into a mythic realm where gods and mortals collide. It breathes, broods, and beckons.
Paired with Bradley King’s evocative lighting, stunning costumes by Michael Krass and the immersive sound design of Nevin Steinberg and Jessica Paz, every technical element melds seamlessly. Like milk swirling through black coffee, it is a rich, intoxicating theatrical brew that’s impossible to resist.
The show’s themes of love in the face of adversity, the struggle against oppressive systems, and the cost of hope resonate deeply today, now more than ever. Reflecting the challenges we face in a world grappling with inequality, uncertainty, and the enduring need for connection, Hadestown is a show that doesn’t just entertain. It leaves an indelible mark on your soul.
If that’s still not enough to get you across the line, then let me leave you with this final, outlandish and bold opinion. Wait For Me is the most powerful song to hit the Australian stage since Defying Gravity. Huge call, I know. But I challenge you to prove me wrong.
Hadestown runs in Melbourne until 6 July at Her Majesty’s Theatre, 219 Exhibition Street Melbourne.
Tickets: https://hadestown.com.au/tickets/melbourne/
Website: https://hadestown.com.au/
Socials: https://www.instagram.com/hadestownau/
Hero image photo credits: Lisa Tomasetti
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