Adrian H.S. Takes A Delightful Trip To Hell

Adrian High School staged Hadestown – Teen Version at the Joanne & George Argyros Performing Arts Center. Hadestown made its debut on Broadway in 2019, garnering nineteen Tony Award nominations. The book, music and lyrics were written by Anais Mitchell.

The creative team behind the production included Emily Gifford as artistic director, costume and scenic designer. Music direction was provided by Steve Antalek and Leslie Rubio. Rubio also conducted the eight-piece orchestra, which featured outstanding trombone solos by Ryan Cupp. The choreography was provided by Sydney Barmlett, with Sierra Tennyson and Logan Laroque as assistant choreographers and dance captains Ashlynn O’Brien and Amelia Bowman.

In staging this production, Gifford cast two sets of the eight lead roles. This decision reflects the strong interest in performing arts at the high school and community support.

Hadestown is based upon the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. At its core, Hadestown is a complex love story. Director Gifford’s program note reads, “This production has been an incredible journey for our students. They have embraced the show’s music, poetic storytelling and emotional depth with dedication and heart. From the first rehearsal, they understood that this musical isn’t just telling a story, it’s about creating a feeling, building a world and inviting an audience to reflect.” The combined creative and artistic vision of Gifford and choreographer Bramlett produced a theatrical masterpiece.

Senior Kai Yuen and junior Evan Garcia played Hermes, the all-knowing, all-seeing character who serves as narrator of the story. Identical roles, different interpretations. Yuen’s Hermes had pizazz and an aloof arrogance while Garcia presented grace and a more elegant style. Both interpretations worked. They were always present on stage, observing everything and everyone. Both possessed strong singing voices and glided effortlessly across the stage.

Kai Yuen as Hermes, Photo by Steven Sheldon.

Evan Garcia as Hermes. Photo by Steven Sheldon.

Orpheus and Eurydice, the love interests of Hadestown, were portrayed by (senior) Christian Marecle/(sophomore) Astrid Leininger and (senior) Noble Wilt/(sophomore) Ella Flumignan. Each pair brought a distinctive style to their respective roles. Marecle’s Orpheus was bumbling and awkward while Leininger’s Eurydice was shy and innocent. Wilt presented a more self-assured Orpheus, whose efforts to win the heart of Wilt’s Eurydice seemed confident, yet reserved.

Christian Marecle as Orpheus. Photo by Steven Sheldon.

Noble Wilt as Orpheus. Photo by Steven Sheldon.

Both Leininger and Flumingnan showed raw emotion as their hunger turned to desperation and anguish. The intensity of their emotions was visible in their facial expressions and in their voice as they sang “Gone, I’m Gone.” For both of these young actresses, this was a show stopping moment. And, in the opinion of this reviewer, this was the eleven o’clock number of the show.

Ella Flumignan as Eurydice. Photo by Steven Sheldon.

In a show with many highlights, these young actresses, in the spotlight alone on the stage, with tears in their eyes, delivered a raw, emotional song rarely sung by teens. This song was the highlight of this production. It was emotionally stunning.

Astrid Leininger as Eurydice. Photo by Steven Sheldon.

Seniors Imarion Peterson and Trent Aneed played the Hadestown protagonist Hades. This is a difficult part, requiring a deep baritone voice. Aneed had a strong singing voice while Imarion exuded a menacing presence. Hades showed mercy to no one, preyed on the weak and exacted a severe price in exchange for food sought by the hungry.

Hade’s wife Peresephone was played by seniors Amelia Bowman and Nancy Gordon. Both actresses had a strong stage presence, beautiful singing voices and displayed a wide range of emotions. The stage came alive with the dance number as Peresephone led the ensemble in the rousing “Livin’ It Up.”.

Trent Aneed as Hades & Nancy Gordon as Persephone. (Behind) The Three Fates – Annabelle Dullaghan, Ellie Boring & Raven Restis. Photo by Steven S

The Three Fates – Annabelle Dullaghan, Ellie Boring & Raven Restis. Photo by Steven Sheldon.

Gifford cast two sets of the Fates, a trio of actresses that was around when each character had a decision to make or a lesson to learn. The fates included Kayla Bradberry, Gaby Tapia and Brenna Gifford. The second trio had Annabelle Dullaghan, Ellie Boring and Raven Restis. Each of these groups sang wonderful three-part harmonies.

Hadestown featured a cast of forty-two actors, with Suzy Hedrick, Aisley Lysz, Alexis Marks, Ashlynn O’Brien, Gio Riveria, Anna Salenbein, Gia Shipperbottom and Wylie Yuen as featured dancers.