“Hadestown” has revealed a new incoming principal cast member. Grammy Award winner Allison Russell will join the 2019 Best Musical Tony Award winner in the role of Persephone on Nov. 12 at the Walter Kerr Theatre; Yola, the current Persephone, will take her final bow in the role on Oct. 20. In the interim, Lana Gordon will return to the musical, stepping into the role from Oct. 22 through Nov. 10.
Canadian-born Russell has enjoyed a career both as a solo singer-songwriter and a member of the folk music groups Po’ Girl, Birds of Chicago and Our Native Daughters. She has two solo albums, “Outside Child” and “The Returner,” both of which earned Grammy nominations for Best Americana Album. Her 2023 single “Eve Was Black” won the Grammy for Best American Roots Performance. “Hadestown” will mark Russell’s Broadway debut.
“Impossible for me to fully convey how deeply meaningful, resonant, uplifting and full circle it is to be making my Broadway debut, starring in the role of Persephone (a goddess and archetype I have explored in both poetry and song since childhood) in this timeless, instant classic,” Russell said in a statement. “I am proud to be joining the sisterhood of artists who’ve embodied Persephone, proud to be joining this extraordinary ensemble, proud to become a part of this living, growing legacy.”
In addition to Yola, the current principal company of “Hadestown” includes Jordan Fisher as Orpheus, Stephanie Mills as Hermes, Phillip Boykin as Hades, Maia Reficco as Eurydice, in addition to Belen Moyano, Jessie Shelton and Brit West as the Fates.
“Hadestown” is a modern retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, set to a Tony-winning score by Anaïs Mitchell. The production opened on April 17, 2019 and was nominated for 14 Tony Awards, winning eight, including Best Musical and Best Director for Rachel Chavkin.
“Hadestown” is produced by Mara Isaacs, Dale Franzen, Hunter Arnold and Tom Kirdahy.
