Hadestown: Teen Edition will be performed by the MHS theatre department for their spring show. Performances will take place Jan. 30 – Feb 1. Directors Mrs. Smith and Ms. Cornett bring a deep passion for theater and the arts, dedicating countless hours to making this production a success. Mrs. Smith is celebrating her fifteenth year teaching theater in Marietta, having started at Marietta Sixth Grade Academy (MSGA) before joining the high school faculty. Although this is only Ms. Cornett’s second musical at MHS, she brings eight years of theater teaching experience to the program.
“This show’s must-see moment is our scenes in Hadestown. The story truly comes into focus, and our characters make life-changing decisions,” Mrs. Smith said.
While the directors set the vision, the entire cast and crew bring Hadestown to life, both onstage and behind the scenes.
Hadestown tells the story of Orpheus (played by Cristian Lozano), a gifted musician, son of a muse, and his love Eurydice (played by Giuliana Gray). When Eurydice is lured to the underworld by Hades (played by Dylan Blair), who rules a harsh, industrial city, Orpheus sets out on a dangerous journey to save her. The musical features a unique score blending American folk music with New Orleans jazz, using a sung-through narrative.
All students in the advanced musical theater class, the class that makes up the cast of Hadestown, were required to audition for their roles.
“Auditions for Hadestown were exciting and challenging because of the wide range of talent. Casting is like putting together a puzzle—it’s about growth, collaboration, and finding the best fit to tell the story,” Mrs. Smith said.
After the roles were announced, students started to work hard on digging deeper into their roles and the show.
As director, Mrs. Smith and Ms. Cornett must balance creativity, teaching, and problem-solving.
“It’s demanding, but incredibly rewarding to watch students grow in confidence and skill,” Ms. Cornett said.
This year, the tech classes have dedicated significant effort to creating costumes, designing makeup, organizing props, and constructing the set, with support from funds raised earlier in the year. Unlike many productions, the directors had the creative freedom to choose the show’s time period. For this performance, Hadestown is set in the 1930s, influencing every aspect of the design, from props and costumes to set and makeup. The tech crew plays a vital role in bringing the production to life.
“I remember my first day was super intimidating- I didn’t know anyone in the class, and I was a really shy person. Over time, I began building relationships and learning what a stage manager actually is,” Laniah Sanford said.
Sanford also explained that being a stage manager requires patience and the ability to maintain order backstage, even when unexpected challenges arise.
The students in the Musical theater class have created a community for themselves, depending on each other and working not only as a cast but as a team to bring Hadestown to life.
“The theater community is supportive and inclusive. Students take risks, support one another, and grow both artistically and personally, which is what makes this work so meaningful,” Ms. Cornett said.
The students, some of whom have been in this class their entire high school career, are excited to be in the class again, surrounded by people they know care about the same thing they do.
“The community, when I first got here, was so welcoming, and the people I met truly brought me out of my shell. Now, as a senior, I get to do the same thing,” Owen Dennis said.
During tech week, students rehearse after school using costumes, mics, and props.
“Tech week is intense and fast-paced, but exciting. Everything comes together quickly, and there’s a strong sense of focus and accomplishment,” Mrs. Smith said.
Tech week can be demanding as students repeatedly run through the show, but it remains a rewarding experience.
“I feel the end results are always worth it and that sometimes tech week is the most fun for me personally,” Shark Jesse-Schurk said.
Students also enjoy bonding with their fellow cast members.
“Tech week is never without its stress, but it’s also the best time with your cast,” Khari Rajahn said.
Hadestown is an exciting show, and with multiple students and teachers working tirelessly to bring it together, it is sure to be a hit.
“Hadestown is completely told through song, so there’s a lot of music, but it’s all incredibly beautiful,” Music Director Colby Blick said.
The talent of students on and offstage can’t help but have us sing the song of Hadestown again and again.
