Hadestown

ACT ONE

The world is a bleak, post-apocalyptic landscape, their town similar to small rural community hit hard by the Great Depression. The god Hermes, narrator of this tale, takes the stage to tell the old, sad song of Orpheus and Eurydice. He introduces the main players of the story: Orpheus, Hermes’ ward, a young romantic musician; Persephone, wife of Hades, ready to jump off the train in town “with a suitcase full of summertime”; and The Fates, three women who see and know all, “always singing in the back of your mind” (“Road to Hell”). The Fates introduce Eurydice, a lone young woman struggling to survive in the harsh world (“Any Way the Wind Blows”).

Orpheus falls in love with Eurydice the moment he lays eyes on her. He confidently vows that he’s going to marry her, much to her chagrin (“Come Away With Me”). Eurydice is doubtful, as both have little to their names and, as a struggling musician, Orpheus can provide little stability for their future. In spite of this, Orpheus