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Grammy Award winner and overall badass singer-songwriter Ani DiFranco‘s Broadway debut as Persephone in “Hadestown” is coming to an end.
Her run began February 9, 2024, at the Walter Kerr Theatre and ends June 30.
I got to see the show in February, and I want you all to gooooo! Even if you aren’t necessarily a musical fan. I’ve seen DiFranco perform at least 20 times over the last 25 years — and we’ve consistently covered her, thanks to Rebellious Entertainment Editor Laurie Fanelli — and I felt a sense of pride seeing her sing, dance and hold court as Our Lady of the Underground on Broadway. “Hadestown” is beautifully written, performed and staged, and it’s an emotional journey that does not disappoint. (It will make you sad, though.)
DiFranco has a long history with “Hadestown”: In 2010, she invited creator Anaïs Mitchell to release the original studio album with her label, Righteous Babe Records. DiFranco originated the role of Persephone on the album. On Broadway, she took over the role from Betty Who, and she’ll be replaced by Yola on July 2, 2024, the same day as fellow new cast members Stephanie Mills as Hermes and Maia Reficco as Eurydice.
DiFranco’s 23rd album, “Unprecedented Sh!t,” is out now. Later in June, a new documentary about her life, “1-800-ON-HER-OWN,” will premiere at the Tribeca Film Festival. She also recently told WNYC that she’s been commissioned to write a new musical.
Before her Broadway debut, DiFranco expressed excitement about the new adventure.
“I could not be more thrilled to be joining the cast of ‘Hadestown.’ It’s like I get to rewind to my New York youth and follow the road not taken,” Buffalo native DiFranco said in a release.
“I can’t really overstate the influence of Ani’s music and example on me as a young songwriter,” Mitchell said. “Poetic, bold, radically emotive and FUN, she simply has been a mythic figure in my life, and I can’t think of anything more beautifully full circle than Ani playing the role of ‘Persephone’ on Broadway. Grateful and awestruck.”
“Hadestown” is a musical retelling of the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, and King Hades and his wife Persephone. The show takes audiences on a journey to Hades and back, blending modern American folk music with New Orleans-inspired jazz.
Tickets for “Hadestown” are available at www.seatgeek.com/hadestown-tickets or by visiting the Walter Kerr Theatre box office, 219 West 48th Street. Note that tickets are not available at the TKTS booths, and we bought ours the day of the show at the theater box office.