Reviewed by Samantha Rumery and Anna-Celine Rautenberg

Hadestown is a truly magical theatrical experience that will stay with us for a long time. From the very first notes, we were swept away, and it was clear that this production was something extraordinary. We were lucky enough to attend the Australian premiere at Theatre Royal Sydney, and the atmosphere was electric. The venue, bathed in shades of red and black, set the tone for a deeply emotional and immersive experience. The red carpet, the elegant details, and even the red flowers pinned to the jackets of the staff — all these small touches contributed to the anticipation and excitement of the night. And, of course, spotting a few well-known faces in the crowd only added to the sense of occasion.

As the show began, we could already feel the chills on our skin, and by the time the cast’s voices filled the theatre, we were fully captivated. The harmonies between the trio — Abigail Adriano (Eurydice), Noah Mullins (Orpheus), and Adrian Tamburini (Hades) — were nothing short of breathtaking. The seamless blending of their voices created moments of pure magic. Each harmony felt as though it was perfectly crafted, and every note rang out with emotional power that sent goosebumps through us. The way they supported and complemented each other vocally was an absolute highlight of the night.

Adrian Tamburini’s portrayal of Hades is another standout. His operatic bass-baritone voice adds a menacing depth to the character, capturing Hades’ power and authority. His interactions with Elenoa Rokobaro, who embodies Persephone with an electrifying presence, are particularly striking. Rokobaro’s performance is dynamic and full of vitality, her vocal prowess commanding the stage. Together, Tamburini and Rokobaro craft an emotional arc that is as powerful as it is moving, especially in Act II when their characters rediscover their love for one another through a tender dance and heartfelt exchange.

Abigail Adriano, as Eurydice, is a true revelation. Her voice is a force of nature, blending technical mastery with raw emotional depth. Her stunning performance of the “Wedding Song” alongside Orpheus and the workers is a defining moment of the evening. The way Adriano’s voice harmonizes with the ensemble is simply breathtaking, creating a profoundly soul-stirring experience that is further enhanced by the deep, resonant background vocals of the workers. It’s a moment where every note feels intimate yet universal, a testament to the depth and richness of the musical.

For us, one of the most poignant moments came during “Wait for Me”. As Orpheus, Hermes, the Fates, and the workers sang together, the intensity of the performance left us with tears in our eyes. The depth of Noah Mullins’ voice, the layers of harmony from the ensemble, and the emotional weight of the song combined in a way that felt almost transcendent. It was a rare moment where the music connected with us on such a deep, visceral level that we were left completely moved.

This production of Hadestown was more than just a musical. It was an emotional journey, a storytelling experience that resonated deeply with us. From the very beginning, the production was expertly crafted: from the set design to the lighting, costumes, and choreography. The visual elements — especially the dramatic lighting and the hauntingly beautiful set — created a perfect backdrop for the emotional highs and lows of the story. The stage was alive with energy, with every movement and every detail designed to pull the audience deeper into the world of Hadestown.

Christine Anu, playing the role of Hermes, guided the audience through the underworld with her signature charm and authority, her voice captivating and full of personality. Abigail Adriano, as Eurydice, stunned us with her vocal power and emotional depth, while Noah Mullins’ portrayal of Orpheus was tender and heartfelt, drawing us into his heartbreaking journey. Adrian Tamburini brought a commanding presence to Hades, his bass-baritone voice lending an operatic depth to the role, while Elenoa Rokobaro’s Persephone was vibrant and full of life, balancing the darkness with light.

The cast of Hadestown truly is something special, and we were blown away by the performances of the entire ensemble. The Fates — Sarah Murr, Jennifer Trijo, and Imani Williams — also brought an incredible energy to the show, adding layers of mystique and intrigue to the narrative. Each performer delivered a memorable performance that added something unique to the overall experience.

The harmonies between the cast were nothing short of extraordinary, and it’s hard to describe just how powerful it was to hear those voices intertwining in perfect unison. There were moments when the blending of voices felt so flawless that it was impossible not to be swept away by the sheer beauty of it all. The ensemble worked together like a finely tuned instrument, and the result was something that was absolutely mesmerizing.

We left the theatre that night feeling like we had just witnessed something truly special. Hadestown is not just a show — it’s an experience. From the powerful vocals to the stunning visuals and the deeply emotional storytelling, this production is an absolute must-see. The cast, led by Christine Anu, brings Anaïs Mitchell’s extraordinary musical to life in a way that is both heartbreaking and inspiring. If you get the chance to see this production, don’t hesitate. It’s a journey worth taking, and we are certain it will stay with you long after the curtain falls.