Reimagining Hadestown: Teen Edition

Mount Vernon School is setting the stage for an unforgettable theatrical experience as Atlanta’s first high school to bring Hadestown: Teen Edition to life. Opening on Thursday, November 14, and running through Saturday, November 16, this three-day limited run of Anaïs Mitchell’s Tony Award-winning musical is a must-see for audiences craving innovative and boundary-pushing high school theater. With seating limited in the Upper School Black Box Theatre, now’s the time to reserve your seat for this highly anticipated event.

As part of its legacy of bold, reimagined classics, the MV Allstars has a reputation for bringing fresh interpretations to the stage. In 2022, they stunned international audiences with A Hip Summer Night’s Dream at the prestigious Fringe Festival in Edinburgh, Scotland. This production dazzled with its creativity, merging classic themes with modern beats and youthful energy. Now, the troupe is taking on Hadestown with the same daring spirit, setting a new precedent for high school theater in Georgia.

At its heart, Hadestown reimagines the ancient Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice in a world where love and music battle the forces of fear and despair. Set in a jazz-infused, industrial Underworld, the story follows Orpheus, a musician with the power to change fate, and his journey to rescue Eurydice from the grip of Hades, the ruler of the Underworld. Themes of love, hope, sacrifice, and resilience unfold in a world where even the gods cannot escape the consequences of their choices.

Director Clark Taylor reflects on the significance of this production for Mount Vernon: “Producing Hadestown is a milestone for our students and our theater program. It’s a privilege to be the first school in Atlanta to tell this story, and our students have fully embraced the challenge. We want audiences to experience the heart and depth of this show in a way that only young artists can deliver.”

The cast brings a dynamic range of talent and emotion to the soul-stirring tale of Hadestown. Charlotte Chaffin (Persephone) shares, “It’s exhilarating to step into a role that feels so layered and real. We’re putting everything we have into making these characters resonate with the audience.”

Costume Lead Dareen Cheong and her team have crafted designs that capture the duality of Hadestown’s world. “Our costumes amplify each character’s journey and the contrast between light and dark, despair and hope,” says Cheong. “Every element is intentional, designed to evoke the emotions that drive the story forward.”

Meet the Cast and Crew

• Orpheus: Calvin Petty
• Eurydice: Rachel Adams
• Persephone: Charlotte Chaffin
• Hades: Caleb Campbell
• Hermes/Narrator: Cooper Walker
• Costume Lead: Dareen Cheong
• Movement Coach & Choreographer: Amanda Lower

With their unique vision and artistic rigor, Mount Vernon’s production is set to elevate high school theater to new heights. “The power of Hadestown lies in its hope and resilience—a message our students are eager to share,” says Cooper Walker, who plays Hermes. “It’s an invitation to believe in light, even in dark times.”

Limited Seating – Reserve Your Spot Now!
Performances will take place in the Upper School Black Box Theatre, and seating is limited. Don’t miss this historic opportunity to witness Mount Vernon’s groundbreaking production of Hadestown: Teen Edition — purchase your tickets here.