Who Is the New Hermes in Hadestown?

If you’re a fan of the hit Broadway show Hadestown, you may have been wondering who the new Hermes is and what it means for the production. In this article, we’ll take a closer look at this exciting development.

The Original Hermes

Before we dive into who the new Hermes is, let’s take a moment to talk about the original Hermes. In Greek mythology, Hermes was known as the messenger of the gods and the patron of travelers and merchants. In Hadestown, he serves as the narrator and guide through the underworld.

The role of Hermes was originated by Tony Award-winning actor André De Shields in both the off-Broadway and Broadway productions. His performance was widely praised for its charisma, humor, and emotional depth.

The New Hermes

In early 2020, it was announced that Tony Award-nominated actor Reeve Carney would be taking over the role of Hermes in Hadestown. Carney is no stranger to musical theater, having previously starred in Spider-Man: Turn Off The Dark and had his own solo music career.

While some fans were initially skeptical about Carney taking over such an iconic role from De Shields, he quickly won over audiences with his own unique take on Hermes. His performance has been described as more introspective and vulnerable than De Shields’, but still full of energy and wit.

What Does This Mean For Hadestown?

With a new actor stepping into such an important role, it’s natural to wonder what impact it will have on the show as a whole. While Hadestown is still largely the same production that audiences fell in love with during its original run, there are some subtle differences that come with Carney’s interpretation of Hermes.

For example, some fans have noted that his version of “Road To Hell” has a slightly different feel than De Shields’. Additionally, his chemistry with the other actors in the show has brought new nuances to their relationships.

Overall, however, the addition of Carney as Hermes has only added to the already-stellar cast of Hadestown. His performance is a testament to the power of reinterpretation and how a new perspective can breathe new life into an already-beloved production.

In Conclusion

While André De Shields will always hold a special place in Hadestown fans’ hearts as the original Hermes, Reeve Carney has proven himself to be a worthy successor. His take on the role brings new depth and complexity to the character, making for an even more engaging production overall. Whether you’re a diehard fan of Hadestown or just discovering it for the first time, there’s no denying that both actors have left their mark on this timeless tale.