Orpheus and the Factory: Hadestown's Industrial Allegory Hits Pittsburgh

Rudy Foster commands the stage as Hermes, the Greek god who narrates the story of 'Hadestown.' The national tour of the musical, which won eight Tony Awards in 2019, began its Pittsburgh run at the Benedum Center on Tuesday. The show will play through Nov. 1 as part of the Pittsburgh Cultural Trust's PNC Broadway in Pittsburgh Series.

The production features a strong technical team, with direction by Keenan Tyler Oliphant based on the original concept by Rachel Chavkin. David L. Arsenault's spare scenic design and Michael Krass' costumes work together to create emotionally resonant scenes. Aja M. Jackson's lighting design uses warm and cool colors to paint the sets, while T. Oliver Reid's choreography, based on David Neumann's work for Broadway, adds fluid movement to numbers like 'Livin' It Up On Top.'

The cast delivers powerful performances that give depth to the characters. Jose Contreras plays Orpheus, a mortal poet whose songbird vocals and sincerity drive the plot. Hawa Kamara portrays Eurydice, demonstrating a wide acting range that shifts from fragility to despair. Their duets, including 'All I've Ever Known' and 'Promises,' highlight the tender desperation between the two lovers.

Nickolaus Colon brings a deep, resonant voice to the role of Hades, the god of the underworld. In this version, Hades is a ruthless industrialist who builds factories and walls in his kingdom. His performance commands the theater, turning even simple lines into moments of intensity. The character's strained marriage with Persephone is a central tension in the story, as he brings her back to Hadestown earlier each year.

The role of Persephone is shared between two actresses during the Pittsburgh performances. Namisa Mdlalose Bizana performed the part in the first act on opening night. Miriam Navarrete took over for the second act, delivering a compelling performance as an intoxicated goddess in 'Our Lady of the Underground.' The onstage band plays with high energy, kicking into red-hot ragtime for songs like 'Way Down Hadestown' and the horn-led opener 'Road to Hell.'

The story follows the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, but updates it with modern themes. Hades' industrial rule serves as an allegory for labor issues and global warming. The song 'Why We Build The Wall' was written before Donald Trump ran for president in 2016, yet it remains a relevant commentary on politics. The narrative moves from the surface world to the underground, where Eurydice toils under Hades' tyrannical rule after accepting his deal to escape starvation.

The musical had a successful run on Broadway and a cinema release that became the highest-grossing pro shot of a stage musical. The film's success led to an extended theater run due to demand. This release follows the box office success of 'The Odyssey' this summer, marking a continued interest in Greek mythology in entertainment. The show's blend of epic storytelling and contemporary relevance has drawn large audiences to the Benedum Center.

Tickets for the remaining performances are available at trustarts.org. The show ends its Pittsburgh run on Sunday, Nov. 1. The production offers a complete experience, from the opening numbers to the final act, keeping the audience engaged with its mix of music, performance, and visual design.