It’s always an interesting thing reviewing high school theatre. While I certainly can be constructive my main goal is to be encouraging and help the programs be the best they can for the students. I must be doing something right because I have received a lot of requests from high schools and I’m always honored to do it (I have 3 more coming up in the next few months.) One of the most popular high school shows right now is Hadestown: Teen Edition. Of course, I reviewed the incredible production at Riverton High last fall, have another one coming up soon and there are at least 2 other locally that I did not see that I’m aware of. Today I am taking a look at the Liahona Theatre at the Liahona Preparatory Academy and their production of Hadestown.

Going into this show my expectations were high as Liahona did one of my favorite productions of 2024 with their Starlight Express and now they have another excellent offering with Hadestown. My favorite part is director Jordan Long clearly encourages a lot of students to participate with huge ensemble scenes covering the stage with choreography by Joleah Long. The Workers numbers were particularly impressive with the students looking appropriately robotic and angry. I believe strongly that high school theatre should be cut-free giving everyone the opportunity to be involved and this is certainly the case with productions like this and Starlight Express.

The stage at the Liahona can sometimes be prone to audio and other technical problems so I was very relieved everything went off without any issues. The set by scenic designers Brian and Canon Hadfield is outstanding with a 2-story subway platform with lighting and sound to give the feel of a subway. It was also interesting that the lighting only had the iconic Hadestown mining lights underneath smaller platforms that they used to move the actors around the set. It was very effective especially in the “Road to Hell (Reprise)” to end the show. The costumes by Melody Hadfield particularly on the 3 Fates are beautifully fit and tailored- perfectly designed for each role.

Compared to the Riverton production this cast did feel younger, which can be a little jarring for the darkness of the content but in some cases it added to the characters. In particular Brigham Ker brings a warmth and tenderness to Orpheus I haven’t always seen. He has a very lovely tenor voice and songs like the “Epic” songs he is a real stand-out. Eurydice, on the other hand, played by Amera Davis can really nail those low notes in songs like “Flowers.” The other leads are all terrific teen performers.

There’s still one more chance to support these wonderful teens in their production of Hadestown: Teen Edition. I think you will definitely find it worthy of your time. You can purchase tickets here.

If you enjoy my writing and would like me to review your production I’d love to. I also have a patreon which is a great way to support my shorter logs for shows I don’t get to review. I have some really fun perks. Please take a look here.