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4.53 AVERAGE
4.53 AVERAGE
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
emotional
informative
inspiring
medium-paced
A lovely insight into one of the greatest modern works of theatre. I'd have loved more thoughts on the staging and design choices too, but I understand that this is specifically a deep dive into the lyrics.
Every once in a great while you come across a piece of art that connects with your soul and resonates through your bones in a way that makes you want to stay alive, to continue bearing witness to art like that. Hadestown is one such example.
I've seen Hadestown twice on stage, and both times it's left me in full-body sobs—partially because it's a tragedy and partially because it's so beautiful it almost breaks me. This insight into Mitchell's songwriting process and the show's evolution throughout its many iterations just allowed me to appreciate it on yet another level.
I've seen Hadestown twice on stage, and both times it's left me in full-body sobs—partially because it's a tragedy and partially because it's so beautiful it almost breaks me. This insight into Mitchell's songwriting process and the show's evolution throughout its many iterations just allowed me to appreciate it on yet another level.
how can someone put so many thoughts and love in the lyrics of a musical? so poetic and breathtaking
adventurous
emotional
informative
fast-paced
informative
slow-paced
challenging
dark
emotional
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
How I read this book -
I put on a song, read along with the lyrics, then paused to read Anais’ background on the development of the songs. Then continued till the end. Also looked up all the performances I could find (from the Tony’s and morning shows).
I haven’t heen able to get to London or NYC to see this, but have been a big fan of the music for a while. I found it popped up in a spotify mix for musical theatre. Also a big Eva Noblezada fan and love her voice on the cast album.
So the musicals is inspired by the story of Eurydice and Orpheus, narrated by Hermes set in “Hell” by Hades, and his lover Persephone.
I loved this book, and reading how Anais had to fight for every word. How sometimes poetics were more important than moving along the story and vice versa.
I think Anais has tackled some really interesting real life political elements in this ancient story. The casting director for both the concept album and the cast album for Broadway should get a bunch of awards, what an incredibly talented group of actors singing this beautiful and incredibly sad story.
Gives an amazing look into how hard and arduous it is to make a musical. I think she did great and I hope I get to see a pro-shot and or a version in person.
informative
lighthearted
relaxing
fast-paced
informative
inspiring
If you enjoyed Hadestown and are fascinated by the lyrics and music this book is for you. I really enjoyed how Anaïs took us into her mind with the creative process of writing the songs, and the overall creation of each iteration of the show. She goes through the numerous edits in changing lyrics, songs, and the essence of the characters. We also get a deep dive into the process of going from concert to off-Broadway to Citadel to London and finally to Broadway!
The amount of heart and soul she put into her words is truly inspiring 🌹🖤🎶
The amount of heart and soul she put into her words is truly inspiring 🌹🖤🎶
Obviously my rating for this book is slightly biased because Hadestown is literally my all time favorite musical, and I love everything related to it. But I genuinely had a really fun time reading this book, and I loved hearing Anaïs Mitchell's thoughts and her process of writing these lyrics throughout the years. It really made me appreciate the musical again on a whole new level. My only complaint is that the book is slightly too short. I would've loved to hear even more about things behind the scenes that have made the musical what it is today.
4/5 stars
4/5 stars