NEWS

Melissa Ohlman-Roberge saw Hadestown in its first inception at New York Theatre Workshop. “My oldest daughter was working wardrobe on the show, so it had special meaning,” recalls Ohlman-Roberge, Community School of Davidson’s upper school theatre arts educator/director. Later she saw the show on Broadway when Charlotte’s own Eva Noblezada starred as Eurydice. It’s been on her bucket list to direct ever since, and this month she gets her chance, as Community School of Davidson presents “Hadestown: Teen Edition.”

This production has only recently been released for high school production. “It’s a big deal because we are getting to perform this new version that’s been created,” explains Ohlman-Roberge. “This is the Teen Edition — although there are very few changes, a couple of keys have been changed, as well as a couple of lyrics and one song was made optional.”

This Tony Award-winning musical features the intertwining love stories of Orpheus and Eurydice, as well as Hades and his wife, Persephone. “It is based on such a classic story — the basis of many other works — and a myth that is often studied in middle or high school.” Ohlman-Roberge goes on to say that students can deal with the show’s mature material involving love and life and the consequences regarding the choices we make. “This is where they are developmentally, and I think it resonates with all of them.”

With open auditions, the show features students from Mountain Island Charter School, Northwest School of the Arts, South Iredell High School, and William Amos Hough High School, in addition to CSD students. “I have always loved that this slot brings together many of the most driven and experienced young theatre students in the area,” says Ohlman Roberge. “At the same time, I try to leave space for a few students who are perhaps less experienced, but no less passionate.” 

Rachel Peterson, choreographer for the show, says she and Ohlman-Roberge wanted to push the boundaries to tell these stories in a way that’s never been done before. “It’s been a great challenge to portray the characters through dance, to give our audience a wider perception of the characters, their thoughts, their feelings, what makes them who they are, and how these influence the choices they make throughout the story.”

The score for the original Hadestown is difficult, and this score is no different. “What is most challenging is that there is a very wide range vocally, and the principal roles are very specific in that way. Additionally, the show is entirely sung so there is tons of music,” explains Ohlman-Roberge.

Amanda Pauley, musical director for the show, says to see these students embrace this challenge has been her greatest joy. “The musical score is extremely difficult for adults, so I knew this challenge would be particularly difficult for students,” says Pauley, adding that the cast of 25 has risen to the occasion. “I can’t wait to see it all come together.”

Ohlman-Roberge feels the same way. “This is a show that I have talked about with many young actors since its opening. Its release was quite unexpected,” she says. “We’re grateful to have this opportunity.”

“Hadestown: Teen Edition” runs September 19-29 at Community School of Davidson Art Space at 404 Armour Street in Davidson. Tickets can be purchased here