The touring production of Broadway musical sensation Hadestown, winner of eight Tony Awards in 2018-2019, has made its way to Costa Mesa for a two-week stop through Aug. 21 at Segerstrom Center for the Arts.
The show features an impressive cast, including Tony Award-winner Levis Kreis who stars as the character Hermes, and a captivating story of love, loss, and power that presents a new twist on classic Greek mythology.
The North American touring production of Hadestown in Costa Mesa will star Morgan Siobhan Green as Eurydice, Chibueze Ihuoma as Orpheus, Kimberly Marable as Persephone, and Olivier Award nominee Kevyn Morrow as Hades.
Kreis, who took home the Tony Award in 2010 for playing Jerry Lee Lewis in the Broadway production Million Dollar Quartet, shares what makes Hadestown worth seeing.
What drew you to the role of Hermes?
I was in love with the music at first. As I learned more about the story, it became even more appealing to me.
What unique elements do you bring to the role of Hermes?
I think my voice is extremely well suited for the music. It’s very much within my wheelhouse and the genres I grew up with in Tennessee.
In what ways did your life change after earning a Tony Award?
Musical theater is such a part of my means of expression that to be embraced and recognized by Broadway was very meaningful for me.
Where is your Tony Award currently?
On my desk at home.
What do you feel makes this production of Hadestown a must-see for theatergoers?
I appreciate the artistry of this piece. Not to say I can’t appreciate musical adaptations of movies or musical reviews of music stars, but it’s really nice to see a piece of musical theater commit to being fresh and unique.
What do you look for in a Broadway role?
With any medium, I look for roles that invite me to bring something uniquely me to the table while also enriching what’s on the page. I think every actor should think about how they can elevate the character far beyond what is good and shoot for making themselves indispensable. For this reason, I spend most of my time developing new works or seeking the special role that feels like it’s asking for something that is unique to me.
If you could perform in any Broadway production, what would it be and why?
I think it would be fun to play the Emcee in the musical Cabaret. I also would jump on the chance to be Peter Allen in a revival of The Boy from Oz.
What other projects do you have going currently and in the near future?
Next, I will be mounting an original musical that I have been working on for several months.
Besides songwriting and acting, do you have any hidden talents?
I have hosted a podcast for three years called Imagine Paradise and love these conversations. Mostly recently, Leslie Jordan joined me for a great conversation. I love this medium. I’m a big podcast listener myself.
What do you tell yourself before you hit the stage?
Get out of the way and let something greater than you flow through.
Hadestown
Where: Segerstrom Center for the Arts, 600 Town Center Drive Costa Mesa, CA 92626
When: August 9 – 21, 2022; Tuesday, Wednesday, Thursday and Friday Evenings at 7:30 p.m.; Saturday at 2:00 p.m. and 7:30 p.m.; Sunday at 1:00 p.m. and 6:30 p.m.
More info: scfta.org
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