Monday, July 17, 2023

Monday Moments - Hadestown

If you've followed this blog, my friends, you know I love the theater and Bass Hall in Fort Worth, TX.  We are very fortunate to get excellent Broadway touring  companies. Hadestown was no exception. I treated myself to a ticket for a Sunday matinee and was transported to the underworld. It was worth the trip. 
I did my homework ahead of time and reviewed some Greek mythology. This is the story of Hades - God of the dead and ruler  of the underworld. His wife Persephone is the goddess of the seasons. She spends half of the year with him causing fall and winter. The other half is spring and summer above. 

Hermes is the fleet footed guide and messenger of the gods. He transports the souls. 

Orpheus is a beautiful man - son of the muse of epic poetry, lyrical singing, and  plays the lyre. 

He falls for Eurydice - a tree nymph who's bitten by a snake and descends to the underworld where Hades falls  for her.   Orpheus manages to sneak into the underworld to rescue her.  A battle for souls ensues. 

The Fates - three goddesses determine the destinies of mortals.  The Chorus sing, speak, and dance in unison - representing the voice of the citizens. 

All in all  - this musical just hits the soul. The voices are tremendous, the acting superb, the production is tight.  There are a lot of underlying  themes going  on too - there's a lot to think about after it's over. But when it starts with "The road  to hell" and ends with "  Doubt comes in" - oh, you are in for quite a ride. 

Amen and Hallelujah!


 

6 comments:

  1. A Greek mythology musical - interesting setting!

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    1. People are so creative. We writers, actors, etc.

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  2. I love art that's derived from Greek mythology. Sounds really fun and fascinating. Good for you, Joanne. Amen, hallelujah, and l'chaim!

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    1. I had to read up- that was never my fave reading. But now older and more appreciative. Plus I like a good show. Cheers!

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  3. Hi Joanne - I'd love to see it ... sounds interesting - I used to enjoy listening to Offenbach's 'Orpheus in the Underworld' which our parents introduced us to ...The opera is a lampoon of the ancient legend of Orpheus and Eurydice. I have much to learn about the Greek legends (I have books to peruse) ... cheers Hilary

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    1. Start your homework now and you’ll be ready when the tour comes through. Enjoy

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