Cappies Review: 'Hadestown: Teen Edition,' Colgan High School

By Devin Linthicum, Fairfax High School

From the first strum of Orpheus' guitar to the final note of Persephone’s requiem, Hadestown: Teen Edition at Colgan High School challenges the very notion of love and fate with a score that had the audience’s hearts pounding long after the final bow.

Hadestown: Teen Edition, by Anaïs Mitchell, is a musical adaptation that intertwines two Greek myths; the story of Orpheus and Eurydice, and of Hades and Persephone. The plot follows Orpheus, a musician, who falls in love with Eurydice, a girl seeking shelter. When Eurydice is coaxed down to the underworld by Hades with the promise of security, Orpheus sets out on a perilous journey to rescue her. Meanwhile, the troubled relationship between Hades and Persephone shows the balance of love and power.

Hades, played by Robert Cioletti, captured the dark and powerful nature of his character, while also showcasing his low range. Persephone, played by Mariam Trigui, wonderfully balanced the humor and grief of her role, showcasing her versatility and emotional depth. Trigui delivered a dazzling performance with stunning vocals. Hermes, played by Jeremiah Gates, was a standout with his smooth, jazzy, voice and demanding presence. Delivering a heartfelt performance, fully embodying the sorrow and pain of her character’s tragic fate, was Cam Carter, as Eurydice. Orpheus, Played by Andrew Serrano-Bremer, then stunned the audience with his self-accompanied numbers, adding a beautiful layer of authenticity to the performance. The Fates, composed of Nature Greene, Beza Endashaw, and Madelyn Byrne, delivered an incredible performance, mesmerizing the crowd with their haunting, melancholic harmonies that were both clean and impactful.

The set design (done by the Technical theater students of Colgan High School) was captivating, featuring a winding staircase, a movable wall, and an archway with the orchestra behind it, creating a dynamic and immersive environment. The lighting (Cole Trenkelbach) delivered impeccable timing throughout the show, with moments such as the dimming effect when Orpheus looked back, and the lights reflecting off the lattice. Despite some initial mic troubles, the sound team bounced back and delivered an overall fantastic audio experience, complementing the show's powerful moments.

Hadestown: Teen Edition at Colgan High School was a breathtaking display of talent and passion from both the cast and crew. With stunning performances, intricate set pieces, and precise technical execution, the production brought Anaïs Mitchell’s tale of love, sacrifice, and fate to vivid life. Each element, from the haunting harmonies of the Fates to the dynamic interplay between light and sound, contributed to an unforgettable experience. The show not only showcased the incredible abilities of the performers and technicians but also left the audience reflecting on the timeless themes of the story. A powerful reimagining of a modern classic, this rendition of Hadestown: Teen Edition proved that even in the face of uncertainty, love's resilience always shines the brightest.