Podcast Summary: MickeyJoTheatre – "Hadestown (Royal Theater Carré, Amsterdam) - REVIEW"

Release Date: July 15, 2025

Introduction

In this episode, Mickey-Jo from MickeyJoTheatre delves into his review of the Dutch production of the acclaimed musical Hadestown at the Royal Theater Carré in Amsterdam. Drawing from his extensive experience as a professional theatre critic, Mickey-Jo provides an insightful analysis of the production's nuances, performances, and how it adapts the beloved show for a Dutch audience.

Background on Hadestown

Mickey-Jo begins by sharing his personal journey with Hadestown, having witnessed its evolution from the pre-Broadway production at the National Theatre in London to its Tony Award-winning Broadway version. He recounts how his appreciation for the musical deepened with each subsequent viewing, particularly after experiencing its return to the West End at the Lyric Theatre.

"The music and the creativity and you know, putting this ancient Greek tragedy in this more contemporary setting." (03:45)

The Dutch Production Experience

Mickey-Jo discusses his trip to Amsterdam with his fiancé, Aaron James, specifically to attend the gala opening of the first Dutch production of Hadestown. He recounts the serendipitous invitation they received to the event, highlighting the excitement and anticipation surrounding the show's debut in the Netherlands.

"They invited the two of us to the gala opening, which was so exciting." (05:10)

Production Design and Staging

The review highlights that the Amsterdam production is a replica of the original staging, maintaining the same set and costume designs under the direction of Rachel Chavkin. Mickey-Jo praises how Hadestown seamlessly fits into the unique, slightly circular configuration of the Royal Theater Carré, enhancing the overall theatrical experience.

"It is running at the Royal Theatre Caré in Amsterdam, a gorgeous theatre with a fairly unique, sort of slightly circular configuration." (15:30)

A notable feature he points out is the interactive stage elements, such as the swinging lamps over the audience during the song "Wait for Me," a feature previously seen only in the Broadway version.

"We get the lamps swinging out again over the first few rows. So if you happen to pick a seat in one of the first few rows... you will have a very novel experience." (17:45)

Language and Accents

The musical is performed in English by a predominantly Dutch cast, who incorporate Dutch accents into their performances. Mickey-Jo appreciates this blend, noting how it adds a unique flavor to the Americana-inspired score without detracting from the show's authenticity.

"I love hearing Hadestown performed with different accents because so much of the music and the style of the music makes the most sense in an American accent." (20:55)

Cast and Performances

Mickey-Jo provides an in-depth analysis of the principal cast members:

• Hermes: Shared between Claudia Debris and Martin Hymans, Mickey-Jo admires Claudia's charismatic and detached portrayal, likening her to an "Aunt Hermy."

  "Hermes is a character who requires a real command of the stage because it's Hermes who first addresses the audience and then begins and tells the story." (23:10)

• Orpheus: Portrayed by Jangu McCroy, Mickey-Jo praises his ability to convey Orpheus's youthful innocence and naivety, adding depth to the character's development.

  "Djangu is clearly a really talented vocalist. He is a very tall Orpheus... and he starts to feel like a very sheltered character." (25:00)

• Eurydice: Played by Sarah Afiba, her performance strikes a balance between independence and desperation, embodying the character's internal conflict.

  "She really balanced very well that evident desire with the desperation and with the real urge to stay with him." (27:20)

• Hades and Persephone: Edwin Jonker and Joy Wilkins deliver emotionally charged performances, bringing a fresh dynamic to the strained relationship between the characters.

  "Both of them gave brilliantly emotional performances so gorgeously." (28:15)

Thematic Depth and Musicality

Mickey-Jo explores the thematic layers of Hadestown, emphasizing its commentary on contemporary issues such as climate change, capitalism, and social inequality. He lauds the show's ability to intertwine intellectual depth with emotional storytelling.

"Hadestown sort of speaks to that... Has been assigned to pull at threads like capitalism, post-industrialism, colonialism, class inequality, and poverty." (10:50)

He also praises the musical score for its versatility, describing it as "brilliant and stirring and passionate and uplifting and brooding and deep and celebratory."

"It's jazzy and it's gritty and it's character driven." (12:30)

Casting Diversity and Representation

The production is noted for its colorblind casting approach, featuring a diverse ensemble that includes trans and non-binary performers, as well as representation for disabilities within the company. This inclusivity enriches the universal themes of the story.

"It's been consistently one of the most diverse casts on Broadway... And it's through that that you come to recognize Hadestown or that I've come to recognize Hadestown, at least as a universal story of the human experience." (22:05)

Conclusion and Recommendations

Mickey-Jo concludes with a strong recommendation to experience the Dutch production of Hadestown. He emphasizes the authenticity and emotional impact of the show, encouraging theatre enthusiasts to witness it firsthand in Amsterdam's picturesque setting by the river.

"If you were to have a random principal performer from the West End and another from Broadway alongside Dutch performers... I think it would be a shame." (30:00)

He invites listeners to share their thoughts and experiences in the comments section, fostering a community of Dutch musical theatre fans.

"If you've already seen Hadestown in Amsterdam, then let us all know in the comments section down below what you thought of it..." (31:45)

Closing Remarks

Mickey-Jo wraps up the episode by promoting his YouTube channel and upcoming content related to theatre in the Netherlands, encouraging listeners to subscribe and stay connected for future reviews.

"Make sure to subscribe to my theatre themed YouTube channel because just maybe I'm going to be talking about another musical that I saw in the Netherlands really, really soon." (32:10)

Notable Quotes

• "She is drinking and he is taking it out on the workers who work for him as he rules over Hadestown." (09:50)
• "There is such a cleverness in the lyrics. This is why every single time I never go and see the show, I hear something else every single time." (12:15)
• "Hadestown has been trying to provoke answers to contemporary questions, much like ancient myths did for their times." (14:05)

Final Thoughts

This episode offers a comprehensive and engaging review of Hadestown's Dutch production, blending personal insights with critical analysis. Mickey-Jo successfully captures the essence of the show, making the summary valuable for both seasoned fans and newcomers interested in theatrical performances.