“HadesTown the Musical” MILWAUKEE review by Amy Menzel

[rating=5]Broadway is back at the Marcus Performing Arts Center and you don’t want to miss it! Hadestown plays at Uihlein Hall now through Sunday, May 7. The Tony Award-winning musical brings Greek mythology to the modern stage. To steal a line from the number “Livin’ it Up on Top,” it’s a toast “to the world we dream about / and the one we live in now.” It’s beautiful and heartbreaking, hopeful and thought-provoking in equal measure.

I was captivated Tuesday evening. And it started before any players took the stage. The set design (Rachel Hauck) is intricate and engaging and, somehow, not overwhelming. The jewel tones set the scene and were made more vibrant by incredible lighting design (Bradley King), and costumes (Michael Krass) added another layer to this visually stunning production. At various points during the show, I found myself thinking about how it was like looking into a music box. Everything (including the stage) and everyone (thanks to choreographer David Neumann) moved with such purpose and ease. I was enthralled.

I also found myself wondering why theater clubs aren’t a thing. Like book clubs, but with theater at the heart of consideration and discussion. Unless…maybe they are a thing and I just haven’t been invited yet? I would like to be invited. And I’d love to start with this show. I want someone – many someones – to talk to about Hadestown. We could talk about all the amazing voices and have a futile debate about the best voice or the best musical number (I nominate J. Antonio Rodriguez and “Epic III”). We could gush about the musicians and rave about Emily Fredrickson on trombone (and glockenspiel!). We could talk about how weird it felt to applaud after Hades belts out his vitriol and reassure one another that we were really just sharing our admiration for Matthew Patrick Quinn’s marvelous performance. We could alternate “What about the part when…” questions and check our calendars to plan a road trip to see the show again (tour locations and dates available at hadestown.com/tour).

Hit me up if you, like me, want/need to chat about this production. Meanwhile, get your tickets for the Milwaukee run now. Remaining tickets start at $65.50 and can be purchased at marcuscenter.org.

★★★★★

Wednesday – 7:30 p.m.
Thursday – 7:30 p.m.
Friday – 8 p.m.
Saturday – 2 p.m. and 8 p.m.
Sunday – 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.

“Hadestown” runs 2 hours and 30 minutes. There is one 15-minute intermission.

The Marcus Performing Arts Center is located at 929 North Water Street in the Theatre District of Milwaukee.

Tickets start at $40 and are available by calling box office at 414-273-7206 or www.MarcusCenter.org.