Photo: Apple MusicHadestown (Original Broadway Cast Recording)
At the Gate to the Underworld Stands a Blues Singer
Hadestown’s story is old as storytelling itself: Orpheus plays, the underworld shakes, Eurydice looks back. But American singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell rebuilt that Greek myth into a gospel of jazz and folk.
This is not a museum piece. It’s the most rebellious thing the word “musical” has allowed for a long time: it sings hell into an industrial city that needs workers, in gospel, blues, and doom jazz.
One Song, Two Lives
In 2006 Mitchell first planted the seed of the title song on a folk album; in 2010 she recorded the whole “folk opera” concept album Hadestown (released in the US); then in 2019 it finally grew into its full Broadway shape.
This cast recording simply puts into your headphones the exact stage that — in 2019 — Taipei still couldn’t see.
The Night of the Tony Landslide
Across 2019–20, Hadestown hit a once-in-a-generation run: 14 Tony nominations, 8 wins (including Best Musical, Best Original Score), then the 2020 Grammy for Best Musical Theater Album.
That searing city of the dead swept every award on both sides of the Atlantic — yet its ember is a very personal, very folk, very small one, like Eva Noblezada’s Eurydice: not waiting to be saved, but finding her own way in the dark.
Taiwan Can’t See It (Yet)
As of 2026 Hadestown has never appeared on a Taiwanese stage — North American tours, the West End, and Australia all ran, but no Asian production ever materialized. From 2026 a UK/Ireland tour begins and a stage-adaptation film lands in July — for Taiwanese fans, this CD is the soonest way to gather around its fire.
Further Listening
If you love musicals telling myths of their time: Hamilton (2015) rewrote the founding of America in hip-hop; Come From Away proved, with the real 2001 story of a small Newfoundland town that sheltered stranded travelers, that “kindness” is the most moving subject a musical can have. Three shows, three utterly different sounds — and all prove a musical can be both commercial and deep.
About the Performer
American singer-actress (b. 1996) of Filipino-Mexican heritage. Won a 2014 Olivier nomination as Kim in Miss Saigon in London at 18, then repeated the role on Broadway in 2017.
American actor, singer and guitarist (b. 1983); took over the role of Spider-Man in the Broadway musical of the same name on opening night in 2011.
American actor (b. 1962) renowned for playing larger-than-life villains; his deep basso Hades earned a 2019 Tony nomination.
About the Composer
American singer-songwriter (b. 1981). Created Hadestown from her 2010 folk opera album; for the Broadway version she became the first woman in more than 90 years to write both music and lyrics for a new Broadway show.
Taiwan Performance History
As of 2026, Hadestown has never been performed or toured in Taiwan; its touring footprint spans North America, the West End, and Australia, but no Asian production or Taiwanese stop is on record.