Podcast Summary: "Let's Discuss the HADESTOWN West End Cast | Mickey-Jo's Thoughts After the Musical's London Press Launch"

Podcast Information:

• Title: MickeyJoTheatre
• Host: MickeyJoTheatre (Mickey Jo)
• Description: Mickey-Jo reviews the latest shows from the West End, Broadway, Off-Broadway, Off-West End, Edinburgh Fringe, and theaters worldwide. With over 60,000 subscribers on YouTube, Mickey-Jo is a leading voice in theatre criticism, offering reviews, news, interviews, and lifestyle content.
• Episode Title: Let's Discuss the HADESTOWN West End Cast | Mickey-Jo's Thoughts After the Musical's London Press Launch
• Release Date: November 20, 2023

Introduction

Mickey Jo opens the episode with palpable excitement about the upcoming West End transfer of the acclaimed musical Hadestown. Scheduled to premiere at the Lyric Theatre in February 2024, this production marks a significant return to London after its successful Broadway run. Mickey Jo sets the stage by reflecting on Hadestown's journey, its initial reception in London, and its enhanced popularity on Broadway.

Mickey Jo [00:00]: "Hadestown. Welcome back to my theatre themed YouTube channel."

Historical Context of Hadestown

Mickey provides a comprehensive background of Hadestown, tracing its origins and evolution:

• Creation: A decade in the making, Hadestown features music and a book by Anais Mitchell, inspired by the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice.
• Development: Collaborated with director Rachel Chavkin, premiering off-Broadway in 2016 at the New York Theatre Workshop before moving to Edmonton and then London.
• Broadway Success: Opened at the Walter Kerr Theatre in March 2019, garnering 14 Tony nominations and winning eight, including Best Original Score and Best Musical.
• Critical Acclaim: Praised for its timeless themes of love, adversity, and trust, coupled with a unique score blending New Orleans jazz, folk, and theatrical elements.

Mickey Jo [04:30]: "It is a hugely popular show with themes about love and adversity and trust that transcend this ancient time period in which it's set."

Reflection on Broadway vs. London Runs

Having witnessed both the National Theatre's London production and Broadway’s Walter Kerr run, Mickey shares his observations:

• National Theatre: Mixed reception compared to Broadway; felt less atmospheric.
• Broadway: Enhanced performances and production quality contributed to its widespread acclaim.
• Anticipation for West End Return: Excitement mixed with curiosity about how the Lyric Theatre’s unique ambiance will influence the show.

Mickey Jo [04:50]: "Having seen both at the National Theatre and at the Walter Kerr Theatre... I am excited and intrigued to see it at the Lyric."

Press Launch Highlights

Mickey recounts attending the exclusive press launch at Jack Solomon's Club in London, featuring performances and interviews:

• Performances: Numerous numbers were performed, showcasing the cast's talents.
• Special Guest: Anais Mitchell shared invaluable insights into the creative process and the show's evolution.
• Exclusive Content: Mickey hints at upcoming unedited footage available for channel members.

Mickey Jo [05:30]: "If you want to see my footage of the entire press launch unedited, I'm going to upload that for CHANN members..."

New West End Cast Overview

Mickey delves into the newly announced cast, highlighting each principal role with detailed commentary and enthusiasm:

Melanie LaBarrie as Hermes

• Background: Currently starring as the nurse in Anne Juliet on Broadway; a London-based performer with significant West End experience, including roles in Mary Poppins.
• Performance Insights: Melanie campaigned passionately for the role on social media, showcasing her dedication. Mickey praises her versatility beyond comedic side roles.

Mickey Jo [06:00]: "But just based on the press preview we got to go to, she may be the performer in this cast that I am the most excited about."

Donal Finn as Orpheus

• Background: Known for his role in the TV series The Wheel of Time.
• Performance Insights: Although primarily a TV actor, Finn's performance of "Wait for Me" indicated strong potential for his portrayal of Orpheus.

Mickey Jo [07:16]: "From this brief performance, it does seem as though he may be using his own Irish accent for the show."

Grace Hodgett Young as Eurydice

• Background: Rising star in the West End, currently in Sunset Boulevard alongside Nicole Scherzinger.
• Performance Insights: Known for her vocal prowess, Grace brings a dynamic range to Eurydice, promising a more melodramatic and emotionally rich portrayal.

Mickey Jo [08:50]: "Even on the day we went to this press preview... she has two shows on a Thursday..."

Zachary James as Hades

• Background: Broadway veteran, originally part of The Addams Family cast, currently performing in Spain off-Broadway.
• Performance Insights: Possesses an operatic voice, anticipated to deliver a powerful rendition of Hades.

Mickey Jo [11:58]: "He has this incredible operatic voice. I've been listening to various recordings of his and I think he is going to sound fantastic as Hades."

Gloria Enietri as Persephone

• Background: Previously part of the British cast ensemble at the National Theatre’s run of Hadestown.
• Performance Insights: Transitioning from understudy to principal role, Gloria is praised for her nuanced take on Persephone, potentially positioning her for awards recognition.

Mickey Jo [12:07]: "Gloria is an actress who has truly paid her dues in the West End."

Supporting Cast and Representation

Mickey highlights the ensemble's strength and the show's commitment to diversity and representation:

• The Fates: Bella Brown, Madeleine Charlemagne, and Ally Daniel bring versatile talents to the trio.
• Inclusivity: The cast includes disabled performers and meaningful trans representation, enhancing the show's contemporary relevance.

Mickey Jo [14:43]: "The fact that this show has meaningful trans representation included among its cast I think is important and beautiful and worth celebrating."

Insights from Anais Mitchell

During the press preview, Anais Mitchell shared her thoughts on the show's evolution and future projects:

• Creative Process: Discussed challenges and changes from the original London run to Broadway and now back to the West End.
• Future Plans: Currently focusing on music post-Hadestown, but remains open to writing another musical when inspired.

Anais Mitchell [16:15]: "This is brand new. This is not the same show as appeared in London all those years ago."

Potential Changes and Production Insights

Mickey speculates on possible alterations to the show’s staging and structure based on the venue transition:

• Set Design: The Lyric Theatre’s different architecture might influence set adaptations.
• Script and Direction: Unclear if there will be substantial changes from Broadway to West End, drawing comparisons to Wicked’s minor tweaks during its West End transfer.

Mickey Jo [17:49]: "What might be happening is that we might be getting something closer to the current US tour set, which I have on God Authority is different from the broad production..."

Awards Considerations

A significant point of discussion revolves around the show's eligibility and potential for Olivier Award nominations:

• Eligibility Query: Confusion exists whether Hadestown’s West End return qualifies as a new production or a revival, impacting its award candidacy.
• Historical Oversight: The previous National Theatre run did not receive Olivier nominations, leading to speculation on how the West End production will be perceived.

Mickey Jo [17:21]: "I'm wondering if what's going to happen is that they're going to pretend that that was sort of a development run because the show changed and adapted so you could frame it that way, I guess."

Conclusion and Future Outlook

Mickey wraps up the episode by expressing eagerness to see the West End production and promises a forthcoming review. He encourages listeners to subscribe for updates and exclusive content, emphasizing his commitment to providing thorough theatre criticism.

Mickey Jo [17:49]: "I will be reviewing the show when it opens in February, so make sure you're subscribed to my channel so you don't miss that."

Notable Quotes:

1. Mickey Jo [00:00]: "Hadestown. Welcome back to my theatre themed YouTube channel."
2. Mickey Jo [04:30]: "It is a hugely popular show with themes about love and adversity and trust that transcend this ancient time period in which it's set."
3. Mickey Jo [06:00]: "But just based on the press preview we got to go to, she may be the performer in this cast that I am the most excited about."
4. Mickey Jo [11:58]: "He has this incredible operatic voice. I've been listening to various recordings of his and I think he is going to sound fantastic as Hades."
5. Mickey Jo [14:43]: "The fact that this show has meaningful trans representation included among its cast I think is important and beautiful and worth celebrating."
6. Anais Mitchell [16:15]: "This is brand new. This is not the same show as appeared in London all those years ago."
7. Mickey Jo [17:21]: "I'm wondering if what's going to happen is that they're going to pretend that that was sort of a development run because the show changed and adapted so you could frame it that way, I guess."

Final Thoughts: Mickey Jo delivers a comprehensive and enthusiastic overview of Hadestown's West End return, meticulously detailing the new cast, their backgrounds, and the potential dynamics they will bring to the production. His insights into the show's history, coupled with reflections on representation and award considerations, provide listeners with a deep understanding of what to expect. The episode serves as both an informative preview for theatre enthusiasts and a testament to Mickey Jo's expertise in theatre criticism.