The stage at Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School was transformed into a world of myth, music, and poignant struggle during its captivating Cappies production of "Hadestown: Teen Edition" on November 27, 2025. Under the direction of Sonya Schrum and Danelle Jammes, the student cast delivered a powerful and emotionally resonant interpretation of Anaïs Mitchell's acclaimed musical, weaving a timeless story of love, sacrifice, and hope against formidable odds.
A Mythical Journey to the Underworld
The musical, originally crafted by Anaïs Mitchell and developed with Rachel Chavkin, reimagines the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. It tells the mesmerizing story of two young lovers grappling with poverty in a world grown cold. When the cunning god Hades offers Eurydice refuge from her hardships in his industrial underworld, she makes a fateful decision. Her idealistic lover, the musician Orpheus, must then embark on a perilous quest to rescue her, confronting the very king of the dead to win back her soul.
The production at Sir Wilfrid Laurier skillfully balanced the epic scale of the myth with intimate human emotions, showcasing the unique talents of its young performers.
Standout Performances from a Talented Cast
Leading the cast, Kylie Radtke portrayed Eurydice with a compelling mix of gritty determination and vulnerability. Her performance, particularly in songs like "Gone, I'm Gone" and "Flowers," conveyed the character's inner conflict between survival and love with a seraphic yet powerful voice.
As Orpheus, Orin Adish captured the character's poetic innocence and unwavering hope. His embodiment of the young artist's journey provided the emotional core of the production, making his quest deeply relatable.
The divine characters were brought to life with remarkable authority. Théo Dupuy commanded the stage as Hades, seamlessly shifting between chilling authority and flashes of sarcastic humour. His vocal presence echoed with the power of the underworld's ruler.
Conversely, Madison Washington burst onto the stage as the vibrant Persephone. Her dynamic energy and confident vocal performance lit up the theatre, perfectly capturing the spirit of the spring goddess who brings life to the world above and below.
The Power of Ensemble and Fate
The influential trio of Fates, played by Mya Brooks, Bryanna Larocque, and Rasha Alli, served as a haunting and omnipresent Greek chorus. Their sharp, synchronized performances in numbers like "When the Chips are Down" and "Word to the Wise" provided a constant reminder of the inescapable threads of destiny manipulating the characters.
The broader ensemble, including performers like Daania Alli, Sophia Di Iorio, Grace Stanisic, Evie Blonde, Ritz Minna, and Paige Moskau, created the rich tapestry of the world. Their cohesive movement and vocal harmony filled the stage, representing both the struggling citizens of the upper world and the mechanized workers of Hadestown.
The Cappies program (Critics and Awards Program), which involves high school students reviewing productions at other schools, provided the platform for this review by Sofia Guerra-Nguyen of St. Patrick’s High School. The program highlights the incredible work being done in educational theatre across the region.
Sir Wilfrid Laurier Secondary School's production was more than a school play; it was a professional-caliber artistic achievement. The students' dedication to this complex musical demonstrated a profound understanding of its themes—the beauty that persists through hardship, the cost of compromise, and the enduring power of art and love to challenge even the darkest realms.
