Carbon Costume

Persephone (originated on Broadway by Amber Grey) is the wife of Hades in the musical Hadestown.  Persephone is meant to spend half the year in the human realm, and half in the underworld with her husband.  During the musical, this balance is thrown off and Persephone spends less and less time above ground with Hermes, Orpheus, and Eurydice, which results in harsher and harsher weather.  Persephone’s costume is meant to evoke the hopeful green of springtime.  It’s difficult to find an exact replica of her bright green dress, so don’t be afraid to play with layers and textures to build your silhouette.  Try layering a lace long top beneath a buff sleeve blouse and then pairing them with a green asymmetrical skirt.  You’ll need a flower crown for your hair, black tights and booties, and a floral detailed tote bag.  Finish the look with a luxuious faux fur coat.

Hades (played Patrick Page in the original Braodway production) is king of the underworld and a character in the musical Hadestown.  Hades is madly in love with his wife Persephone, though a rift forms between them when he bends the rule of their agreement which allowed her to live in the human realm for half the year.  In his anger, Hades tempts Eurydice into the afterlife.  Hades is a powerful and imposing figure.  He wears a three piece pinstriped suit, long leather trench coat and matching gloves, as well as white snakeskin boots and sunglasses.  Choose a tie in shades of white, black, and grey to match your suit.  If you want to recreate the brick pattern Hades wears on his left forearm, use waterproof makeup so it doesn’t rub off on your clothes.

Hermes (originated by André De Shields on Broadway and later played by Stephanie Mills) is the narrator of the musical Hadestown.  Hermes weaves the tragic tale of  Orpheus and Eurydice through song, even knowing how it ends.  Hermes has been played by men and women on stage, making the costume flexible to meet your needs.  Focus on shades of silver and grey, and choose a suit and vest or corset that makes you feel like a god.

Eurydice (played on Broadway by Eva Noblezada in the original cast) is the lover of Orpheus in the musical Hadestown.  A destitute human, Eurydice often finds herself at the whims of the Fates is no stranger to the harsh realities of the world.  Despite their differences, she falls for sensitive, optimistic Orpheus.  Eventually, Eurydice follows Hades into the underworld to escape hunger and poverty, only to discover that what awaits her there is even worse.  Eurydice wears an oversized coat against the harsh wind, tattered tights, and a threadbare slip dress.  She also wears a brown vest unbuttoned and a yellow scarf tied around her throat.  When Orpheus performs his unfinished song for her, he conjures a red flower which she carries with her until she departs for the underworld.