Hadestown Cast Engages CAPA Students in Pre-Performance Insights for Upcoming Forrest Theater Show

‘Hadestown’ Returns to Philadelphia: A Sneak Peek for Local Students

October 4, 2025

Philadelphia is preparing to welcome back the Tony Award-winning musical “Hadestown” this December. The anticipated return follows a special preview event where cast members connected with students at the Philadelphia High School For The Creative and Performing Arts (CAPA) on friday.

A visit to CAPA and the Stars of ‘Hadestown’

Namisa Mdlalose Bizana and Nickolaus Colón, the actors bringing the iconic roles of Persephone and Hades to life, spent time with over 50 students at CAPA. The visit provided a unique chance for aspiring performers to interact with seasoned professionals.

Colón described “Hadestown” as a captivating,yet intense,world,filled with striking visuals and powerful music. He emphasized the show’s immersive qualities: “It’s a wonderful place. It’s a little hot. There’s fire everywhere, machinery.”

The Story Behind the Gods

“Hadestown” weaves together the mythical tales of Hades and Persephone with the classic greek tragedy of Orpheus and Eurydice. The production explores themes of love, loss, and the enduring power of hope. According to Colón, the central question of the play – “What would you do to protect the thing you love?” – resonates deeply with audiences.

Inspiring the Next Generation

The student’s reception to the visit was overwhelmingly positive. Elysse Laud-Hammond, a sophomore at CAPA, shared her excitement, stating, “It’s crazy… I’m like, ‘Wow. This is really amazing. I really love this show.'”

During the Q&A session, Bizana and Colón offered invaluable advice to the students. Bizana urged them to embrace their worth, talent, and value and to persevere in their pursuits, emphasizing that “you have to keep going.” Colón echoed this sentiment, sharing a pragmatic outlook: “It takes 100 ‘nos’ to get that one ‘yes’… But then the one ‘yes’ gets you something like ‘Hadestown’.”

Performance Details and Ticket Details

“Hadestown” will grace the stage of the historic Forrest Theater from December 2nd through December 7th. Tickets are currently available through EnsembleArtsPhilly.com.

Production	Venue	Dates
Hadestown	Forrest Theater	December 2 – 7, 2025

Did You No? “Hadestown” originally premiered in 2016 at New York Theatre Workshop, before transferring to Broadway in 2019, where it won eight Tony Awards, including Best musical.

Pro Tip: To secure the best seats and pricing, consider purchasing tickets in advance of the performance dates.

will you be attending a performance of ‘Hadestown’ this December? What are your favorite interpretations of Greek mythology in modern art?

the Enduring Appeal of Myth and Musical Theatre

The continued success of shows like “Hadestown” demonstrates the timeless appeal of myth-based storytelling. Audiences are drawn to these ancient narratives,reimagined through a contemporary lens. Musical theatre, with its powerful combination of music, drama, and dance, offers a uniquely immersive way to experience these stories. According to the Broadway league, Broadway attendance reached nearly 12.8 million in the 2022-2023 season, showing a strong resurgence in live performance.

The incorporation of modern musical styles, like the blues and jazz elements found in “Hadestown”, further broadens the appeal of these classic tales. The show’s success also underscores the growing demand for culturally rich experiences, with a 2023 study by the National Endowment for the Arts revealing a 17% increase in arts attendance among young adults.

Frequently Asked Questions About ‘Hadestown’

• What is ‘Hadestown’ about? ‘Hadestown’ is a musical that retells the Greek myth of Orpheus and eurydice, interwoven with the story of Hades and Persephone.
• Where is ‘Hadestown’ playing in Philadelphia? ‘Hadestown’ will be performed at the Forrest Theater.
• When is ‘Hadestown’ showing in Philadelphia? Performances run from December 2nd to December 7th, 2025.
• Where can I buy tickets for ‘Hadestown’? Tickets are available at EnsembleArtsPhilly.com.
• Is ‘Hadestown’ suitable for all ages? While there’s no strict age limit, the themes explored in ‘Hadestown’ might be more appreciated by older audiences and teenagers.
• What style of music is featured in ‘Hadestown’? ‘Hadestown’ blends elements of folk, jazz, blues, and New Orleans-style music.
• What makes ‘Hadestown’ a critically acclaimed musical? It’s celebrated for its innovative staging, captivating music, and poignant exploration of timeless themes.

Share your thoughts on ‘Hadestown’ in the comments below, and don’t forget to share this article with your friends!

What specific aspects of character advancement did the cast emphasize when discussing Persephone, hades, and Hermes?

A Unique Educational Possibility with the National Tour

The touring cast of hadestown recently shared a special experience with students from the Columbus Association for the Performing Arts (CAPA) ahead of their highly anticipated run at the Ohio Theater at the Forrest Theater in Columbus, Ohio. This engagement offered invaluable insights into the world of professional musical theatre, covering aspects from performance to technical theatre and career paths. The Hadestown tour, known for its innovative staging and powerful storytelling, provided a unique learning opportunity for aspiring artists.

Details of the CAPA student Session

The session, held[DateofSession-[DateofSession-Details needed to be added], wasn’t a typical talkback. Rather, the Hadestown company designed an interactive experience. Key highlights included:

* Character deep Dives: Cast members representing various roles within Hadestown – including Persephone, Hades, and Hermes – discussed their character development processes. They explored motivations, backstories, and the challenges of portraying complex figures. This offered students a masterclass in acting technique and character analysis.

* Vocal Warm-Up Demonstration: The company led CAPA students through a portion of their pre-show vocal warm-up routine. This provided a practical demonstration of the rigorous preparation required for eight shows a week. Students learned techniques for breath control, vocal projection, and maintaining vocal health – crucial skills for any aspiring vocalist.

* Behind-the-Scenes Look at Stage Management: A member of the stage management team detailed the intricate coordination required to run a large-scale touring production. Topics covered included cue tracking, prop management, and the importance of clear communication. This offered a glimpse into a vital, frequently enough unseen, aspect of theatre production.

* Q&A Session: A lively Q&A session allowed students to directly ask cast and crew members about their experiences, career paths, and advice for breaking into the industry.Questions ranged from audition tips to the realities of life on tour.

The Impact of Hadestown‘s Educational Outreach

This type of outreach is becoming increasingly common with Broadway and national touring productions.It reflects a growing recognition of the importance of arts education and the responsibility of professional artists to mentor the next generation.

* Inspiring Future Theatre Professionals: The session aimed to inspire CAPA students to pursue their passions in the performing arts. Hearing directly from working professionals can be incredibly motivating and provide a realistic understanding of the challenges and rewards of a career in theatre.

* expanding Understanding of the Industry: Beyond performance, the session highlighted the diverse range of career opportunities within the theatre industry. From stage management and lighting design to costume construction and marketing, students gained a broader perspective on the collaborative nature of theatrical production.

* Connecting Classroom Learning to Real-World Application: The session bridged the gap between theoretical classroom learning and the practical realities of professional theatre. Students were able to see how the skills they are developing in their CAPA programs are directly applicable to a successful career in the arts.

Hadestown at the Ohio Theatre: Performance Details

hadestown will be performing at the Ohio Theatre, part of the Forrest Theater complex, from [Start Date] to [End Date]. Tickets are available through CAPA’s website ([CAPAWebsitelink-[CAPAWebsitelink-Information needed to be added]) and Ticketmaster. The show is renowned for its unique blend of New Orleans jazz and ancient Greek mythology, creating a captivating and emotionally resonant theatrical experience.

CAPA’s Role in Arts Education

The Columbus Association for the Performing arts (CAPA) plays a vital role in fostering arts education within the Columbus community. Through its educational programs, CAPA provides opportunities for students of all ages to engage with the performing arts, develop their creative skills, and experience the transformative power of live theatre. CAPA’s partnership with touring productions like hadestown further enriches these educational offerings.

Resources for Aspiring Theatre Professionals

For students interested in pursuing a career in theatre, several resources are available:

* The Broadway League: (https://www.broadwayleague.com/) Offers information about Broadway shows, internships, and educational programs.

* Backstage: (https://www.backstage.com/) A leading resource for casting calls,auditions,and industry news.

* Educational theatre Association (EdTA): (https://www.edta.org/) Supports theatre education programs in schools across the country.

* Local University Theatre Programs: Explore theatre programs at Ohio State University, Capital University, and othre institutions in the Columbus area.