Wait for me, ‘Hadestown’

The stage lights dimmed and a low, haunting melody filled the auditorium as workers moved slowly across the stage, building a world both underground and mythical. This spring, North’s Theater Department brought the Tony Award–winning musical Hadestown to life, transforming a classic Greek myth into a haunting musical about love, loss and hope on stage.
Plainfield North’s 2026 spring musical is one of the most ambitious productions the school has staged in recent years. Hadestown, written by Anaïs Mitchell, mixes folk, jazz, and blues music with a dark interpretation of the Greek underworld. The story follows Orpheus, a hopeful musician, and Eurydice, a young woman searching for stability, as their love is tested when Eurydice is drawn into the industrial underworld ruled by Hades. Directed by theater teacher Mr. Larios, the show features a large student cast, live music, and a stage design meant to mirror the gritty, factory-like setting of the underworld.

For senior Lily Pyatt, who plays one of the Fates, the show required stepping into a character that shapes the story from the shadows.

“The Fates kind of guide the story and influence the characters,” Pyatt said. “It’s been really fun to play someone who is mysterious and powerful at the same time.”

Students have spent months rehearsing music, choreography, and staging to capture the unique style of the production. The show’s haunting harmonies and layered vocals required performers to develop strong ensemble chemistry.

Senior Shiloh Adams, who plays Persephone, said portraying the vibrant but conflicted queen of the underworld has been one of the most exciting parts of the show.

“Persephone is really expressive and emotional,” Adams said. “She brings energy to the stage, but she’s also dealing with a lot internally. Playing her has been really fun.”

While the actors take the spotlight on stage, a large group of students work behind the scenes to make the production run smoothly. Lighting, sound, and stage management all play crucial roles in creating the atmosphere of the underworld.

Senior Samuel Jacob, who works on the sound board, said managing audio during the show requires focus and teamwork.

“There’s a lot going on with microphones and music cues,” Jacob said. “You have to stay really focused because every cue matters for how the audience experiences the show.”

The technical crew worked closely with performers and the director to make sure every sound cue, lighting change, and transition happened at the right moment. According to junior Jaxon Munno, the collaboration between cast and crew has been key to bringing the musical together.

“This show requires a lot of teamwork,” Munno said. “From the performers on stage to the students running tech, everyone has worked incredibly hard to create something special.”