Photo by Emily Noel
Reagan Lovett as Eurydice surrounded by Hades’ workers (the ensemble).
Hadestown: Teen Edition is an impressive Active and Creative Teen Theatre production that brings to life a musical retelling of the mythic young lovers, Orpheus and Eurydice, who go to “hell and back” for King Hades and his wife, Persephone. The show parallels current world issues and humanity’s repeated historical struggles – weaving in grand themes of love, hope and death. Its score, a vibrant fusion of modern American folk music, pop, gospel and jazz, props up this stellar production codirected by self-proclaimed B.F.F.s, Julia Rolens and Kierie Pickett.
Springfield Theatre Centre’s Hadestown Teen Edition: is entirely acted, directed and staged by teenagers, and it is the first ACTT show to utilize a full orchestra. Even half of the orchestra is comprised of students, including an 11-year-old violinist. Pickett is the newly elected vice president of the ACTT board, and both she and Rolens were actors in the previous Hoogland Education performance of Hadestown.
“We already had so much prior knowledge about the story and how we wanted to tell it,” said Pickett. Their combined efforts create exceptional staging and tempo; each theatrical beat feels meticulously designed with the central themes in mind. Though acting is their favorite part of the process thus far, the complex role of director is one they’d like to repeat.
“We got to take a lot of creative liberties and we designed the set, so being able to have that type of freedom was really fun,” said Rolens.
The story begins when Hermes and the Three Fates narrate and prophesize the young lovers’ tale through song. Hermes is a difficult role with challenging musical rhythms and a lot of stage time. Cohen Clemmer is the perfect choice to welcome us into this world, as his enunciation is spectacular and vocals crystal clear. The Three Fates sing with chilling precision – with Abi Brennan, Cerryn Manion and Violet Perkins vocalizing in flawless three-part harmony. Though a powerhouse of sound combined, their unique solos cut through with a sharp, almost predatory clarity. One never expects to feel frightened by a trio in 1920s flapper dresses, but here we are.
Photo by Emily Noel
Shawn Adams as Orpheus, left, and Reagan Lovett as Eurydice .
Eurydice, beautifully portrayed by Reagan Lovett, is a poor girl reminiscent of Les Misérables’ Eponine. Lovett has a pristine voice and some impressive acting chops. Each scene with her feels candid and cozy, like she’s drawing you into the next one. Shawn Adams expertly plays an earnest and cherubic Orpheus – a struggling and distracted singer/songwriter with a heart (and voice) of gold. Eurydice loves him and his poetic ways, but he’s poor, so the lure of Hades’ rich underworld proves too tempting. Those in the audience married to musicians will relate.
The underworld is populated by eternally indentured workers controlled by Hades, a capitalist oppressor known in the original myth as “the wealthy one.” He is using his ultimate power to build a wall to keep out the “poverty.” Interesting how these age-old stories have a way of coming back around, isn’t it?
Hades, brought to life (and death) by Cayden Crowe, is stunning. His vocal work is brilliantly terrifying, and he can bellow so resonantly it appears he’s merely cosplaying a teenager. If only listening to the voice, one is apt to believe he’s actually in his 40s with a decades-long career of playing Batman and Darth Vader.
Ainsley Kerns equally shines as Persephone with a statuesque presence and a seamless ability to transform from her springtime self into Hades’ Queen. Kerns has roles on and off the stage, as she also serves as the student technical coordinator on the ACTT board.
“I’ve loved acting as a kid, but ACTT has helped me realize I want to do tech as an adult. I hope to go into sound engineering as a career,” said Kerns.
The servants are played by a hard-working and exceptional ensemble that dance, act and move set pieces around continuously. It is during these synchronized and powerful numbers where one truly forgets they’re watching a teen-only show. Kavya Arikati is a standout ensemble member – performing each dance like she’s being paid to do it, and Jonathan Alamu was also fun to watch with strong, precise movements.
This Hadestown: Teen Edition resonates long after the final note. It’s a powerful reminder of the stories we tell and the decisions that shape us – the perfect choice for students on the cusp of determining their own bright futures. This show is a must-see.
Hadestown: Teen Edition continues its run at the Hoogland Center for the Arts in the LRS Theatre July 25-27. Friday and Saturday performances start at 7:30 p.m. and Sunday matinees begin at 2 p.m. Tickets are available by calling 217-523-2787 or visiting https://www.hcfta.org/tickets.