The Hadestown U.S. National Tour made a stop at EJ Thomas Hall as part of the Broadway in Akron season, and I had the opportunity to attend this afternoon. Few musicals capture the heart and soul quite like Hadestown, the Tony Award-winning reimagining of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Set in a smoky, jazz-infused underworld, the show masterfully weaves together folk, blues, and New Orleans-inspired brass to create a hauntingly beautiful experience. From the very first notes of Road to Hell, it was clear we were in for something truly special.
Jaylon C. Crump led the way as Hermes, our smooth-talking narrator, oozing charisma and funk with a voice that commanded the stage. The show immediately secured its place among my top three theatrical experiences—the music, the storytelling, the set design—every element worked in harmony to craft something deeply moving and unforgettable.
Understudy Ricky Cardenas stepped into the role of Orpheus, the gifted but penniless musician whose love for Eurydice (portrayed by the mesmerizing Megan Colton) drives the story. Their on-stage chemistry was electric, pulling the audience into the highs and heartbreaking lows of their tragic romance. Colton’s voice was utterly captivating, embodying Eurydice’s longing and struggle with remarkable depth.
Then, of course, there was Hades—played by the phenomenal Nickolaus Colon—whose deep, velvety voice and commanding presence made him an unforgettable antagonist. With the swagger of a king ruling over his dark industrial empire, he exuded power and control. But beneath the steel exterior lay a man wrestling with the fading embers of love for his wife, Persephone. When he first sang, my jaw dropped—the sheer smoothness of his voice was breathtaking.
Persephone, played by the vibrant Namisa Mdlalalose Bizana, was an absolute standout. She balanced humor and heartbreak effortlessly, bringing both light and depth to her character. Her performance was a joy to watch, especially as she struggled between the constraints of the underworld and her yearning for the warmth of the living world.
The emotional rollercoaster of Hadestown is unlike any other. It weaves love and loss into a tale that leaves audiences utterly stunned and silent by the final note. After all, remember—it’s a sad song.
Whether you catch Hadestown on tour or at its home in New York’s Walter Kerr Theatre, I can’t recommend it enough. The sheer emotion of this show is worth every moment. Normally, I’d say grab your tickets while they are in Northeast Ohio—but this stop? Completely sold out. And for good reason.
Photos provided by Hadestown:
