The moment the show begins, Hermes tells us two true things about Hadestown: this is an old song, and it is a sad one. How old? The story of Orpheus and Eurydice dates back at least 2500 years. And as for sad, well, this is one of the saddest musicals I can think of, and I've directed Les Miserables.
The play also tells us something else, though. It reminds us that what matters, the thing that's really important, is to know that the story is a sad one and to tell it anyway. And then to tell it again and again, to feel it again and again, to allow the story to continue echoing through the centuries, and to allow ourselves to hope against hope that this time-- this one time-- it just might work out and avoid its inevitable tragic ending. Hadestown pushes us to feel that futile hope and tells us that we're not fools for doing so, because by opening ourselves up to that possibility, no matter how doomed it is, we allow ourselves to see the world the way we wish it could be, an act that can inspire us to change the course of the everyday tragedies happening all around us.
Hadestown calls us to wish for a better, happier world, and reminds us that one of the most powerful and important things we can do for each other is to care enough to allow our hearts to be broken.
It has been an extraordinary privilege to direct LASA's production of Hadestown Teen Edition. I can hardly say enough about all of the enthusiasm and support that I have received throughout this process. I am incredibly proud of the show we have created, and I would like to thank the people most responsible for it.
None of this would have been possible without the work of Mr. Limbaugh, Ms. Bowlsby, and Mr. Burford, all of whom have spent hours and days working with students to develop their performances.
I would also like to thank the Alley Cat Player Boosters for their support, both financial, practical, and emotional.
Thank you to the staff at the Austin ISD PAC for the provision of sound and lighting equipment.
Thank you to the parents of all the students involved in this production for adjusting schedules and allowing this show to become such a large part of their students' lives.
A special thank you to my family for their love, support, and endless patience.
And finally, thank you to all of the students, whose energy and effort has been an inspiration every step of the way.
Enjoy the show. I hope it breaks your heart.
-Jason Escandell
