Theater History
Originally the Ritz Theatre, it was renamed the Walter Kerr in 1990 after the theater critic. It is operated by Jujamcyn and recent productions include Hadeston, Springsteen on Broadway, and Falsettos.
Opened in 1921
219 W. 48th Street
New York, NY
Monday 10am - 6pm
Tuesday to Saturday 10am - 8pm
Sunday 12pm - 6pm
Originally the Ritz Theatre, it was renamed the Walter Kerr in 1990 after the theater critic. It is operated by Jujamcyn and recent productions include Hadeston, Springsteen on Broadway, and Falsettos.
Reserve a spot using SpotHero: https://spothero.com
Restrooms are located up one flight of stairs from the Orchestra. Gender diversity is welcome, guests are encouraged to use the roostroom that best fits their gender identity or expression.
No coat check, but the theater can check large bags if you speak to a member of staff upon arrival.
Walter_Kerr_Free_WiFi
To the right as you exit the main 48th Street entrance.
Crowne Plaza Times Square Manhattan, 1605 Broadway. For other hotel recommendations, read our article on the Best Hotels Near Broadway!
The Grammy and Tony Award winning Best Musical Hadestown intertwines the lives of gods and mortals. Based on two tales from ancient Greek mythology - one between two young lovers Orpheus and Euridyce, and the other between Hades and Persephone, the King and Queen of the Underworld. Written by Tony and Grammy Award winner Anäis Mitchell, and directed by Tony Award winner Rachel Chavkin, Hadestown will take you on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back.
Hadestown has turned into a popular show for actors, with notable replacements including Jordan Fisher as Orpheus, Ani DiFranco as Persephone, Phillip Boykin as Hades, and father-daughter duo, Isa Briones and Jon Jon Briones as Eurydice and Hermes, respectively. Ani DiFranco made her Broadway debut in the role, one that she originated on the 2010 Hadestown concept album.
The world of Hadestown is brought to life by a vibrant ensemble and Tony Award-nominated choreography by David Neumann. Hadestown features costumes by Michael Krauss, and Tony Award winning designs by Rachel Hauck (scenic), Bradley King (lighting), and Nevin Steinberg & Jessica Paz (sound), along with Tony Award-winning orchestrations by Michael Chorney & Todd Sickafoose.
With over 1,400 performances, Hadestown is now in its 5th year, captivating audiences at the Walter Kerr Theatre on Broadway in New York City. Hadestown is a story of love, loss, fate, and two young dreamers.
In the Press:
"Utterly fabulous. Rachel Chavkin is fearlessly innovative. Her wildly inventive production arrives on Broadway with a furnace-like blast of creativity.” - The Hollywood Reporter
"Sumptuous. Gorgeous. As good as it gets. You wish you could live in the glowy moment forever." -The New York Times
“[A] transcendent love story.” - Vogue
FAQ
Did Hadestown win any awards?
Yes! The original Broadway production won 8 Tony Awards including the 2019 Tony Award for Best Musical. It also won the Tony Awards for Best Original Score for Anäis Mitchell, Best Performance by an Actor in a Featured Role in a Musical for André De Shields, Best Orchestrations for Michael Chorney & Todd Sickafoose, and Best Scenic, Lighting, and Sound Design for Rachel Hauck, Bradley King, and Nevin Steinberg & Jessica Paz, respectively.
Hadestown also won 4 Drama Desk Awards including Best Director Rachel Chavkin, and Best Featured Actor André De Shields; The Drama League Award for Outstanding Musical; 6 Outer Critics Circle Awards including Outstanding Broadway Musical, and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album.
Is there parking nearby?
Check out Icon Parking, Spothero, and Edison Parkfast for information on nearby spots and garages. And be prepared to pay $20-$30 hourly.
Is there an Hadestown cast recording?
Yes! In fact, there are a few! Hadestown was first recorded in 2010 as a concept album with writer Anäis Mitchell as Eurydice, Justin Vernon of Bon Iver as Orpheus, Greg Brown as Hades, Ben Knox Miller as Hermes, and Ani DiFranco as Persephone. That album is available for purchase on CD and Vinyl here, and also available on streaming.
The 2016 off-Broadway production at New York Theatre Workshop starring Damon Duanno as Orpheus, Nabiyah Be as Euridyce, Patrick Page as Hades, Amber Grey as Persephone, and Chris Sullivan as Hermes was recorded live from NYTW, and that is available on CD here, as well as streaming.
And the Original Broadway Cast Recording won the Grammy award for Best Musical Theater Album with Reeve Carney as Orpheus, Eva Noblezada as Euridyce, André De Shields as Hermes and Amber Grey and Patrick Page reprising their respective roles as Persephone as Hades. The Broadway cast recording is available on CD & Vinyl, as well as all streaming platforms!
Where can I get Hadestown show merch?
Official Hadestown merchandise can be purchased at the Walter Kerr Theatre, or online at the official store!
I don't live in New York City. Can I see Hadestown l in a city near me?
Yes! Hadestown is currently on a national tour all across North America, as well as performing a sit down production in London on the West End.
Is There a Nearby Restaurant?
Some nearby restaurants include Junior’s (1626 Broadway at 49th), Five Napkin (630 9th Avenue), The Blue Dog (308 West 50th), and Dutch Fred’s (307 West 47th.) You can also check out Restaurant Row on 46th Street between 8th and 9th Ave.
What else should I know?
The first incarnation of Hadestown was first performed in 2006 and 2007 across Vermont and Massachusetts and featured writer and singer Anäis Mitchell along with local artists in Vermont. It was subsequently recorded as a concept album in 2010 and received a Grammy nomination.
In 2016, a decade after it was first performed, Hadestown was expanded into a full musical with director Rachel Chavkin. The production premiered at the New York Theatre Workshop in May 2016 with Damon Daunno as Orpheus, Nabiyah Be as Eurydice, Amber Gray as Persephone, Patrick Page as Hades, and Chris Sullivan as Hermes.
The acclaimed new show continued its pre-Broadway runs in 2017 at the Citadel Theatre in Alberta, Canada with Patrick Page and Amber Gray reprising their roles, along with new cast members Reeve Carney, T.V. Carpio, and Kinglsey Leggs as Orpheus, Eurydice, and Hermes respectively.
In 2018 Hadestown began performances at the National Theatre in London, with Tony Award nominees Eva Noblezada and André de Shields as Eurydice and Hermes. Hadestown opened in New York at the Walter Kerr Theatre on Broadway on April 17, 2019 with Carney, Noblezanda, Page, Grey, and De Shields continuing with their roles. Now 5 years and over 1400 performances later, Hadestown has been performed around the world!
Who Should See Hadestown ?
Hadestown is recommended for ages 8 and up. It is a universal story of love and loss that will truly captivate audience members of all ages.
The best views will be in the center orchestra and front mezzanine, but there are very few bad seats in this theater.
975 seats
Wheelchair accessible seating is located in the orchestra section. No steps to designated seating location. All orchestra seating is accessible without steps except for rows R and S, which are up 1 step.
Yes, on house left of orchestra.
D-Scriptive devices, I-Caption devices, audio induction neck loops, and infrared headsets are available. There is no charge, but a valid photo ID is required.
When to arrive: Doors open roughly a half hour before showtime. Give yourself plenty of time to pick up tickets and find your seats. What to wear: Whatever makes you comfortable! Some people dress up for the theater, but there is no official dress code. Children under 4 are not permitted in the theater.
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