Last weekend, Center Stage Performing Arts in Beach, North Dakota, captivated audiences with its production of “Hadestown,” a musical that reimagines the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. The performances took place from November 20-22, 2023, drawing attention to this poignant tale of love and loss.
Bringing Broadway to Beach
Written by Anaïs Mitchell, “Hadestown” made its Broadway debut in April 2019 and has since garnered numerous accolades, including seven Tony Awards, such as Best Musical. The musical continues to run on Broadway, but it was in Beach where the local community experienced this celebrated production. Tiffany Stonehocker, Executive Director of Center Stage, expressed her excitement in bringing the show to a smaller venue. “I chose this show over a year ago as I sat in New York City and dreamt of recreating this Broadway experience in our little town,” she shared.
During the opening number, audiences were introduced to the character of Hermes, portrayed by Sawyer Noll. As the narrator, Hermes sets the stage with a lively jazz composition, explaining the journey that lies ahead. He introduces key characters: Persephone, the goddess of spring, played by Oakley Stonehocker, and Hades, the god of the underworld, performed by Josh Davidson. Finally, the audience meets Orpheus, a musician portrayed by Oliver Lovell, and Eurydice, played by Kailee Tescher.
A Journey Through Love and Tragedy
Noll’s energetic performance as Hermes captivates the audience, particularly when he sings, “It’s a sad song, but we sing it anyway.” His charisma helps to mask the impending tragedy that follows. As the story unfolds, Orpheus and Eurydice’s love story takes center stage. Orpheus, described as “a poor boy working on a song,” quickly falls for the free-spirited Eurydice, who embodies the struggles of finding her place in the world.
As the plot progresses, the couple marries early in Act I, but their happiness is short-lived. The departure of Persephone marks the onset of a dark winter, and Eurydice, feeling abandoned as Orpheus immerses himself in his music, faces a difficult choice. Hades offers her a way out of her loneliness, presenting her with a ticket to the underworld, leaving Eurydice torn between love and survival.
Kailee Tescher delivers a compelling performance as Eurydice, showcasing a character who is strong yet conflicted. Her portrayal resonates with the audience, as she navigates the harsh realities of her world. By the end of Act I, Eurydice decides to journey to Hadestown, setting the stage for Orpheus’s desperate attempt to rescue her.
Act II highlights Orpheus’s determination to reunite with Eurydice, emphasizing his optimism in the face of overwhelming odds. Lovell’s performance underscores Orpheus’s unyielding spirit, contrasting sharply with Eurydice’s cautious perspective. The narrative culminates in a powerful reminder of the consequences of their choices, affirming Hermes’s forewarning.
In the end, Center Stage’s production of “Hadestown” serves as a testament to the enduring power of storytelling through music. The production, described as “a sad song beautifully sung,” resonated deeply with local audiences, leaving them reflective on the themes of love, sacrifice, and the inevitable passage of time.
