The musical Hadestown, a retelling of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, has become a sensation both on Broadway and on tour. Its unique blend of folk, jazz, and blues music, composed by Anaïs Mitchell, is complemented by an equally impressive stage design. The set, designed by Rachel Hauck, plays a crucial role in transporting the audience into the world of Hadestown—an industrial, dystopian underworld. As the show travels from venue to venue, the stage design must adapt while maintaining the integrity and atmosphere that has made the production so beloved. Let’s take a look at how the set design for the Hadestown musical tour is brought to life.
Rachel Hauck’s stage design for Hadestown is integral to creating the dark, atmospheric mood that defines the show. The set is inspired by industrial aesthetics, with an emphasis on the contrast between the human world (above) and the mechanized world of Hadestown (below). The design features elements like ironwork, brick walls, and rusty metal fixtures that evoke a New Orleans jazz club and an industrial factory, mirroring the themes of love, loss, and labor in the story.
At its heart, Hadestown is about the journey from life to death, symbolized by the descent into the underworld. The stage design captures this theme by creating a visual divide between the upper world, where Orpheus and Eurydice live, and the underworld, ruled by Hades. The set includes both levels, with the upper world represented by warm, earthy tones and natural textures, while the underworld features cold, harsh industrial elements.
One of the most iconic features of the Hadestown stage is the revolving platform in the center. This rotating stage is used to symbolize the endless cycle of life and death, as well as the journey of Orpheus and Eurydice. It allows for fluid scene transitions and serves as a metaphor for the characters’ struggles, particularly Orpheus’ descent into the underworld and his subsequent attempt to lead Eurydice back to the surface.
The revolving stage is also used to heighten moments of tension and drama. During key scenes, such as Orpheus’ journey into Hadestown or Hades’ commanding presence in the underworld, the rotation of the stage creates a sense of movement and urgency. This simple yet powerful device enables the production to convey complex themes visually without the need for elaborate changes in scenery.
The underworld in Hadestown is depicted as a factory, symbolizing both oppression and productivity. This industrial motif is woven throughout the set design, particularly in the use of large, metallic structures and harsh lighting. The underworld is portrayed as a place of eternal labor, where workers toil endlessly for Hades. Hauck’s design brings this oppressive atmosphere to life with heavy iron gates, chains, and pulleys that dominate the stage when the action moves to Hadestown.
Lighting also plays a significant role in enhancing the factory-like atmosphere. Dark, shadowy lighting schemes are used to evoke a sense of foreboding and entrapment in the underworld. Harsh spotlights are directed at the workers, emphasizing their role as faceless, nameless cogs in Hades’ machine. This design choice underscores the show’s themes of exploitation and control, while also highlighting the stark difference between the worlds of Hades and the surface.
While the Broadway production of Hadestown has the benefit of a permanent stage, the touring version must be adaptable to different venues across North America. This requires the set design to be modular and flexible, allowing it to fit stages of varying sizes and configurations without losing its impact. The team behind Hadestown has expertly managed this challenge by creating a touring set that can be quickly assembled and disassembled while maintaining the core elements of the original design.
The touring set retains the central revolving platform and many of the industrial elements that define the aesthetic of the show. However, adjustments are made to ensure that the set works within the constraints of each venue. For example, the height of certain set pieces, such as the iron gates or scaffolding, may be modified to accommodate smaller stages. Lighting setups are also adjusted to fit the technical capabilities of each theater, ensuring that the moody, atmospheric lighting that is so crucial to the show’s tone remains consistent.
The lighting design for Hadestown, by Bradley King, is as essential as the physical set in establishing the mood and atmosphere. The lighting shifts between warm, inviting tones in the world above and cold, stark hues in the underworld. For the touring production, the lighting must be flexible enough to adapt to different theater sizes and lighting systems without losing its effectiveness.
Projections are also used sparingly but effectively to enhance certain scenes, such as the transition from the surface to the underworld. These projections, combined with the lighting, help create a sense of depth and movement, making the stage feel larger than it actually is. This is particularly important for smaller venues on the tour, where the physical space might be more limited.
While not a part of the physical set, the costume design by Michael Krass plays an important role in complementing the stage design. The costumes are a mix of period-inspired garments and modern industrial attire, further emphasizing the dichotomy between the upper world and the underworld. For example, Hades and his workers wear dark, utilitarian clothing that reflects their role in the factory, while characters like Orpheus and Eurydice are dressed in softer, more natural fabrics that contrast with the harshness of the underworld.
These costume choices not only add to the visual storytelling but also help the audience distinguish between the different worlds depicted on stage. The costumes’ textures and colors complement the set design, creating a cohesive visual language that enhances the overall impact of the production.
The stage design for the Hadestown musical tour is a masterclass in creating atmosphere and emotion through minimal yet impactful elements. Rachel Hauck’s set design, combined with Bradley King’s lighting and Michael Krass’s costumes, brings the world of Hadestown to life in a way that captivates and immerses audiences. Despite the challenges of touring, the production manages to retain the essence of its original Broadway run, offering theatergoers across North America a chance to experience the magic of Hadestown.
From the industrial underworld to the rotating stage, the set design not only serves the story but elevates it, ensuring that Hadestown remains one of the most visually and emotionally striking musicals of the modern era.