Kennedy High School is preparing for its spring musical Hadestown. This production is notable because the school was not allowed to announce it until a specific date due to licensing restrictions. The cast and crew have been rehearsing weekly for the past month to prepare for the show.
“The audition process was new and fun. We first learned to dance in 2 days and on the 3rd day we performed it, then we sang a song from the musical two days after that.“ cast member, Rigley Ohrt, said.
Hadestown is a musical that retells the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. In the story, Eurydice, seeking a better life, is lured into the underworld by Hades. Her love interest, Orpheus, sets on a journey to rescue her, relying on his musical talents to navigate the challenges of the underworld.
“It is an incredible musical with a beautiful story of a Greek tragedy with the overall theme of rebellion and I stand for that in my personal life, so I love getting to work with high school students helping them to realise that they can stand up for what they believe,” Alisabeth Von Presley, choreographer and director said.
The production features Srindhi Kompella as Eurydice and Avery Theis as Orpheus. The role of Hades is shared by Jordan Harvey and Jacob Eilders, Hermes is portrayed by Bryce Jordan and Saul Ervin. The students have been dedicating time each week to rehearse.
“Seeing my name beside the lead role was so surreal. Even from my freshman year, I had dreamed about getting to be the lead in the spring musical as a senior and now that it’s happening, it’s hard to believe it’s actually real,” Theis said. “Srinidhi is someone I consider one of my closest friends and it’s not only exciting to work with someone I am so close to but also an honor to work with someone so talented.”
Other cast members include the mystical Fates, portrayed by Rigley Ohrt, Haile Millerand Izzy Westercamp. The dynamic ensemble brings additional energy to the production, featuring Cal Loan, Kloud Smith, River Wilkinson, Ace Nguyen, Bella Gettler and more.
This year is the fastest Kennedy theater department has ever had to put on a show with rehearsals starting on April. 4th and opening night being May 8. Having given them thirty days to learn this show before they have to perform.
The cast used about 10 days to learn the choreography, they had to be off book by the beginning of the third week of rehearsals. The tech crew also put hours of effort into building a multi layer set, adding on to the main stage in the Kennedy auditorium. It was ready in less than 20 days of building.
“This is the shortest time Kennedy has had to put on a show and everyone is doing a wonderful job learning their parts and the show has come together really well,” Ohrt said. “And I am so excited to show this musical to others.”
Given the popularity of Hadestown, attendees are encouraged to secure their seats early. Tickets for the Kennedy High School performances will be available through the school’s box office. Performances are scheduled for May 8th and 9th at 7pm and 2pm and 7pm on the 10th.
Buy tickets here: https://kennedytheater.ludus.com/index.php?
