Hadestown retells the ancient Greek myths of Orpheus +Eurydice and Hades + Persephone, weaving them together in a soulful and poetic tale. In it's presentation, Hadestown is about the stories that we share and the hope that they bring us in the darkest times. The power of Orpheus's song is it's ability to imagine a better world. In Hades and Persephone we see that love is ever changing like the seasons, and faith in that love is what gives us resilience to weather the storm.
In creating the world of the play with the students, we tried to think of a place where people might gather to share stories and play music. We also considered a place where the people were deeply connected to the land, a place where the changing seasons and growing industry and its impact on the land would have profound impact on their livelihood. We leaned into the folk elements of the scoring and set our production in a rural part of the country during the 1930s. A place that would also have mining as a part of the local industry. The people that gather here rely on the land and farming to support themselves and their families. They would understand the hardship of being hungry. In our production, these people come together in a barn that they have transformed into a gathering space to celebrate the harvest.
The students in Technical Theatre class, Costuming class, as well as the actors and musicians have been working all semester to create this beautiful story. I am incredibly proud of their creativity, tenacity, collaboration, and artistry. I hope that you will check out the display in the lobby that showcases some of their work in creating our production of Hadestown. I am very proud to work in a school where the students work together in all aspects of production to create our shows.
Many thanks to the the team including the adults that help make this happen.
Stevie Kallos coaches, accompanies on piano, and for this show is bringing the accordian magic to the stage. I am grateful for our many musical theatre adventures over these many years. it wouldn't be as fun without you!
Wayne Buck, a former tech theatre parent of over 10 years. Thank you for taking pictures of the process and capturing o beautifully all of the students' work on stage.
Bill Johns for helping to create the magic. We are all ever grateful that you share your time and expertise with us.
Jordan King our illustrious choreographer, you are an inspiration to us all. Thank you for bringing the zest and for never settling for less than the best from all of the students.
Katie Wood - We are so very fortunate to have such a wonderful vocal instructor at Ingraham. Every student that works with her grows and flourishes. I wouldn't want to produce a musical with anyone else. You inspire us all! Plus you rock on the guitar.
To the parents and families that support your students in the performing arts - there is no way we could do what we do without YOU.
As Hermes says "To know how it ends and still begin to sing it again..."
Enjoy the show,
Heidi Oveson
