Hadestown Sypnosis

Act 1

The musical opens with Hermes, the narrator, entering to introduce each of the characters ("Road to Hell")

followed by the three Fates describing the harsh weather of the setting ("Any Way the Wind Blows")

Orpheus, Hermes's ward, and Eurydice emerge and introduce themselves to each other, and Orpheus asks Eurydice to marry him with some encouragement from Hermes ("Come Home With Me")

Eurydice is doubtful, since they both live in poverty and she wants a life of stability. Orpheus, a musician, persuades her by telling her that he is writing a song that will make spring come again, and they will no longer have to struggle ("Wedding Song")

After an interlude in which Orpheus tells the story of Hades and Persephone ("Epic I")

Persephone enters to celebrate the summertime with Orpheus and Eurydice ("Living It Up On Top")

Orpheus makes a toast to Persephone and expresses hope for his future with Eurydice, who reflects on her growing love for Orpheus despite her independence ("All I've Ever Known")

The two promise to stay with each other no matter what hardships they face.Winter comes, and along with it a train to bring Persephone back to Hadestown – Hades' underground factory – against her wishes. Orpheus and Eurydice watch as Persephone voices her misery at having to return to the factory, while the Fates appear to praise Hadestown's riches. Despite hearing about Hades' harsh treatment of his workers, Eurydice is intrigued ("Way Down Hadestown")

As winter progresses, Orpheus continues to write music while Eurydice urges him to work so they can have food and shelter ("A Gathering Storm"/"Epic II")

At the same time, Hades and Persephone fight about the decline of their own relationship ("Chant")

Hades leaves the factory to find someone who will appreciate the safety and comfort of Hadestown. He comes across Eurydice and asks her to join him in Hadestown ("Hey Little Songbird")

The Fates arrive, and urge Eurydice to put her survival first ("When the Chips are Down")

With Orpheus away working on his music, Eurydice chooses survival and decides to follow Hades to the factory ("Gone, I'm Gone")

When Orpheus returns to look for Eurydice, Hermes tells him that she's gone to Hadestown and tells Orpheus how to get there without the use of Hades' train ("Wait For Me")

Eurydice arrives at Hadestown, and begins her work on the wall surrounding it ("Why We Build the Wall")