Have you ever wondered who originally played the role of Hermes in the hit Broadway show Hadestown? Well, wonder no more! In this article, we’ll take a deep dive into the history of the character and explore who brought him to life on stage.
The Character of Hermes
First things first, let’s talk a little bit about Hermes himself. In Greek mythology, Hermes was known as the messenger of the gods.
He was also associated with commerce, thieves, and travelers. In Hadestown, Hermes is portrayed as the narrator of the story and serves as a guide for both the audience and Orpheus, the show’s protagonist.
The Original Production
Hadestown originated as a concept album by singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell in 2010. The album was later turned into a stage production that premiered at New York Theatre Workshop in 2016. The original cast included Chris Sullivan as Hermes.
Chris Sullivan
Sullivan is an American actor and musician best known for his role as Toby Damon on the NBC drama series This Is Us. In Hadestown, he brought a unique energy to the role of Hermes with his powerful voice and commanding stage presence.
The Tony Award-Winning Revival
In 2019, Hadestown made its Broadway debut at the Walter Kerr Theatre. The revival featured a new cast that included André De Shields as Hermes.
André De Shields
De Shields is an American actor and director who has been working in theatre for over 50 years. He is perhaps best known for his role in The Wiz, for which he earned his first Tony Award nomination in 1975. In Hadestown, De Shields brought a new level of gravitas to the character of Hermes with his rich baritone voice and dynamic stage presence.
The Legacy of Hermes
Over the years, Hermes has become a beloved character in popular culture. He has been portrayed in countless films, TV shows, and plays. But it’s the original production of Hadestown that truly captured the essence of the character and brought him to life in a new and exciting way.
Conclusion
So there you have it, the original actor who played Hermes in Hadestown was Chris Sullivan. However, André De Shields’ portrayal of the character in the Broadway revival has also become iconic. Regardless of who you prefer, one thing is for sure: Hermes will always be an important part of Hadestown’s legacy.