Ani DiFranco Descends into the Broadway Depths of Hadestown
Ani DiFranco Descends into the Broadway Depths of Hadestown In the distant land of 2010, a time before the Tony Awards were on everyone’s radar, before lightbulb walls illuminated the stages, and before massive chorus-dudes were a thing, Hadestown took its first breath as a concept album. a “folk opera” envisioned by Anaïs Mitchell and released through Ani DiFranco’s Righteous Babe label.
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Mitchell played Eurydice, while Justin Vernon took on the role of Orpheus, and DiFranco herself became Persephone, the springtime goddess wife of Hades. Fast forward through the mythic journey that led Hadestown to Broadway, and you’ll find that the indie-folk DNA from that initial recording still pulses through the veins of the stage version.
Embarking on Broadway: An Unexpected Encore for DiFranco
Fast forward to February 9, 2024, and Vulture spills the beans that the dynamic duo, Mitchell and DiFranco, are gearing up for a Hadestown reunion. This time, though, DiFranco will step into the Broadway spotlight as Persephone.
It’s a new direction for the “32 Flavors” singer, but in a mythical hero’s journey twist, it’s also a return to a character she helped bring to life. Vulture caught up with the musical sorceresses for a chat about creative mentorship and getting reacquainted with Persephone.
Ani DiFranco and Anaïs Mitchell: A Fairy Godmother Reunion
Ani DiFranco kicks off the banter with a touch of humor, calling herself a fairy godmother who decked out Mitchell in metaphorical little shoes and a dress, then sent her off to the ball. Mitchell reciprocates the sentiment, crediting DiFranco with sparking her own musical journey.
According to Mitchell, if it weren’t for DiFranco’s songs, she might never have picked up a guitar. The two recount their chance meeting at a bar in Buffalo, where DiFranco signed Mitchell to her label, paving the way for Hadestown’s second full-length album.
Return to Persephone: The Unlikely Broadway Debut
DiFranco’s return to Persephone is not just about the genesis of the show but also about her cultural identity. Mitchell draws parallels between DiFranco and Persephone, emphasizing DiFranco’s bold, brave, and fun persona—a bit of an Earth mama with a touch of debauchery. DiFranco, in her ethereal mentor role, reflects on her joy in providing a leg up to artists outside conventional realms, a role she likens to Persephone’s in the tale.
A Broadway Leap of Faith and Aging Gracefully
As the discussion turns to DiFranco’s Broadway debut, she humorously exclaims her gratitude for the opportunity to be pushed out of her comfort zone at her age. Mitchell chimes in, acknowledging DiFranco’s onstage power and dancing prowess from late-night tour bus dance parties. They delve into the archetypal characters in Hadestown, with DiFranco identifying with Eurydice and Orpheus from her past but feeling deeply connected to Persephone in the present.
Aging in the Arts: Persephone’s Renaissance and Mitchell’s Reflection
The conversation takes a poignant turn as they discuss the challenges of aging, with Mitchell expressing the rarity of older women extending a helping hand to the younger generation. Drawing parallels between Persephone and Hades’ struggle to find each other again, Mitchell reflects on her own journey and the renaissance of love that comes with enduring partnerships.
In the end, as the curtain rises on this Broadway tale, it seems that, much like the characters they’ve embodied, Mitchell and DiFranco are navigating their own mythic paths, with humor, mentorship, and a touch of Broadway magic lighting the way.
