Sooner Theatre will open the musical “Hadestown: Teen Edition,” a Greek romance and tragedy, this Thursday.
Hadestown tells the Greek myth of two star-crossed lovers, Orpheus and Eurydice. Written and composed by Anaïs Mitchell, the story is told in two acts with music throughout. The main difference between the original and the teen edition is the transposed keys to better fit younger voices.
Nancy Coggins, PR and development director for Sooner Theatre, graduated from the University of Oklahoma with a bachelors in journalism. She has worked with Sooner Theatre for the past 14 years, assisting with marketing for the theatre’s productions.
When deciding to add “Hadestown: Teen Edition” this season, Coggins mentioned the creative team wanted to challenge the performers with a new, contemporary musical.
“We work really hard to make sure that the children that are growing up in our program have access to and have experience with both classic Broadway productions and new, contemporary productions,” Coggins said. “This one is one that we knew would challenge them, so that's why we chose it.” .
Sooner Theatre collaborates with professional directors, musicians, choreographers and designers to ensure high quality productions for their students. “Hadestown: Teen Edition” is directed by Brandon Adams, musically directed by Mervin Tay and choreographed by Kourtney Rentz.
“We make sure that all of our productions have that same high quality creative team behind them so that what they put on the stage in terms of talent, is matched by the quality of the production,” Coggins said.
Describing the music as haunting and beautiful, Coggins hopes audiences leave the show with a new perspective on life.
“I really feel that all theater challenges us and it will challenge your perspective,” Coggins said. “I think everybody should experience something that, you know, changes their perspective.”
Coggins said the casts’ confidence in the material has grown since their rehearsals began last September. The students' passion for performing and the show itself has helped the cast prepare for tech week.
“The kids who are here are here because they want to be here,” Coggins said. “If they are in high school, they’re doing this as a choice and not just an extracurricular activity their parents put them in. A lot of them are looking to try and do this in their career. We try to give them the material they need to push themselves and this material is challenging vocally.”
“Hadestown: Teen Edition” will begin at 7:30 p.m. Thursday through Sunday, with matinee shows at 2 p.m. on Saturday and Sunday at the Sooner Theatre. Tickets are available at the door and on Sooner Theatre’s website for $22.
This story was edited by Madisson Cameron. Sophie Hemker copy edited this story.
