André De Shields will play his final performance in “Hadestown” on May 29, the production said Monday.
De Shields played the role of Hermes in the musical’s 2019 London production and originated the role on Broadway. He won a Tony Award, Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for his portrayal.
His Broadway run as Hermes coincided with his 50th anniversary as a professional performer, which began with the 1969 production of “Hair” in Chicago.
“It was the privilege of a lifetime to work with André, our original Broadway Hermes. What can I say? He blessed us all. He blessed the character, the show, and the community with the full force of his majestic self,” said “Hadestown” creator Anaïs Mitchell.
In addition to De Shields, the current Broadway cast includes Jewelle Blackman as Persephone, Reeve Carney as Orpheus, Eva Noblezada as Eurydice and Patrick Page as Hades.
Casting for his replacement will be announced at a later date.
“Hadestown” originally opened at the Walter Kerr Theatre on April 17, 2019 and reopened on Sept. 2, 2021 after the theatrical shutdown.
