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Hadestown in Melbourne: Where Greek Myth Meets Modern Musical Mastery

The acclaimed West End and Broadway hit Hadestown has arrived in Melbourne — and it’s every bit as powerful and haunting as I had hoped. After reading glowing reviews of the Sydney season, I was eager to see what all the praise was about.

I attended the show with my daughter, who has been fascinated by Greek mythology since she discovered Rick Riordan’s books. Sharing the experience with her added a special layer of meaning — especially during intermission when she explained the deeper mythological references woven throughout the show. It was the perfect way to Journey further into the world of Orpheus, Eurydice, Hades, and Persephone.

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Hadestown in Melbourne: Where Greek Myth Meets Modern Musical Mastery
Image: Abigail Adriano and Noah Mullins in Hadestown. Credit: Lisa Tomasetti

What Is Hadestown About?

Hadestown reimagines two intertwined ancient Greek love stories: the tragic love story of Orpheus and Eurydice, and the uneasy marriage of Hades and Persephone.

Orpheus is a gifted but idealistic musician, determined to create a song so powerful it could restore balance to a broken world and bring back the spring. Along the way, he falls in love with Eurydice, a young woman hardened by hunger and hardship.

When survival becomes too difficult, Eurydice is lured by the promise of security and makes a fateful deal with Hades, ruler of the Underworld. She descends to Hadestown, leaving Orpheus behind. Devastated, Orpheus sets out on a perilous journey to rescue her with nothing but his music and unwavering hope.

His song moves even the cold hearts of Hades and Persephone, who agree to let Eurydice go—under one devastating condition: Orpheus must lead her back to the world above without turning to look at her until they both reach the surface.

Hadestown in Melbourne: Where Greek Myth Meets Modern Musical Mastery
Image: Hadestown cast. Credit: Lisa Tomasetti

Hadestown Australian Cast & Character Breakdown

The Australian cast of Hadestown brings intensity, soul, and emotional depth to every role. Here’s a closer look at the key characters and standout performances:

  • Orpheus – A dreamer, musician, and poet filled with innocence and hope. Orpheus is played by rising star Noah Mullins, whose vocals were vulnerable, expressive, and full of longing. Each time he sang, the audience was drawn into his emotional world.
  • Eurydice – A mortal woman hardened by poverty and struggle, played by newcomer Abigail Adriano. Her voice carried raw emotion and remarkable depth, capturing Eurydice’s desperation and strength with grace.
  • Hades – The king of the Underworld and ruler of the dead, Hades is a figure of power and control, married to Persephone. Adrian Tamburini brings authority to the role with his deep, commanding voice that establishes him instantly as a force to be reckoned with.
  • Persephone – The goddess of spring and vegetation, Persephone moves between two worlds: the vibrancy of life above and the shadows of the Underworld below. Elenoa Rokobaro captured this duality beautifully, radiating warmth, mischief, and sorrow. Her energy lit up the stage in every scene.
  • Hermes – The god of communication, trade, travel, and trickery, Hermes also serves as narrator and guide to the Underworld. Christine Anu delivered a commanding performance, guiding the audience through the story with magnetic presence and richly textured vocals. She brought both wisdom and flair to the role.
  • The Fates – Also known as the Moirai, the Three Fates control the thread of life: Clotho spins it, Lachesis measures it, and Atropos cuts it. Played by Sarah Murr, Jennifer Trijo, and Imani Williams, the Fates were eerie, ever-present observers. Their tight harmonies and sharp delivery set the tone and often foreshadowed the tragic turns of the story.
Hadestown in Melbourne: Where Greek Myth Meets Modern Musical Mastery
Image: Hadestown cast. Credit: Lisa Tomasetti

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Hadestown in Melbourne: Where Greek Myth Meets Modern Musical Mastery
Image: Hadestown cast. Credit: Lisa Tomasetti

Favourite Musical Moments

Hadestown is packed with unforgettable musical moments, but a few songs truly stood out—so much so that I’m already eager to see the show again:

  • “Wait for Me” – A haunting, heart-wrenching moment as Orpheus descends into the Underworld. The stunning lighting and fluid set movement perfectly capture the depth of his journey.
  • “Epic III” – Orpheus’s raw, emotional plea to Hades, reminding him of his own complicated love story with Persephone.
  • “Way Down Hadestown” – A jazzy, blues-infused opener that sets the dark, smoky tone of the Underworld from the very first note.

The music stayed with me long after the final bow. While there isn’t yet a recording of the Australian cast, here’s hoping one is on the horizon!

Hadestown in Melbourne: Where Greek Myth Meets Modern Musical Mastery
Image: Sarah Murr, Imani Williams and Jennifer Trijo in Hadestown. Credit: Lisa Tomasetti

Is Hadestown Accurate with Greek Myths?

Hadestown draws from the myths of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone but adds modern twists. It keeps the core themes of love, sacrifice, and the Underworld journey while setting the story in a Depression-era-inspired world with contemporary music and dialogue.

A key change from the original myth is that Eurydice doesn’t die from a snakebite. Instead, she enters the Underworld after enduring a harsh storm. Cold, hungry, and desperate, she accepts a deal from Hades.

While not a literal retelling, Hadestown captures the heart and lasting impact of the myths in a way that resonates today.

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Hadestown in Melbourne: Where Greek Myth Meets Modern Musical Mastery
Image: Abigail Adriano, Noah Mullins. and Christine Anu in Hadestown. Credit: Lisa Tomasetti

Creative Direction and Design

The set design is inspired by Depression-era America, shifting between the bright, hopeful Upperworld and the dark, oppressive Underworld of Hadestown through lighting and moving set pieces. The use of lanterns—especially during Orpheus’s descent—creates a powerful effect. The live band stays onstage throughout the show, with notable moments from the trombone and piano.

Why You Should See Hadestown

Created by Anaïs Mitchell and directed by Rachel Chavkin, Hadestown blends folk, jazz, and soul to tell a timeless story with fresh energy. Since its Broadway debut in 2019, it has won eight Tony Awards and a Grammy for Best Musical Theatre Album.

Melbourne’s production, presented by Opera Australia and JONES Theatrical Group, respects the show’s emotional intensity and visual richness.

For fans of musical theatre, Greek mythology, or compelling storytelling, Hadestown is a must-see.

Hadestown

Her Majesty’s Theatre, Melbourne

Dates: May 2025 – July 2025

For more information

We try our best to provide accurate information on kid-friendly events around Victoria but do recommend parents check details directly to confirm dates, times, prices as some details may be subject to change.

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