Jack Wolfe’s Broadway Debut in ‘Hadestown’ Captivates Audiences with Poignant Portrayal of Orpheus
NEW YORK, NY — On a brisk December afternoon at the Walter Kerr Theatre, the warmth of Broadway’s storied stages was palpable as Jack Wolfe prepared for his debut as Orpheus in the celebrated musical Hadestown. Wolfe, who hails from Wakefield and made his mark on London’s theater scene, opened up about the surreal experience of stepping into a role he has admired since the musical’s inception.
“I truly can’t believe I’m here,” Wolfe admitted, reflecting on the journey that took him from his hometown to the heart of New York’s theater district. His path included a pivotal moment at London’s National Theatre, where he first heard whispers of Hadestown coming to the West End. Alongside a close friend, Wolfe made a pact to follow the show wherever it played, a promise fulfilled when they witnessed the production and met original cast members Eva Noblezada and Reeve Carney.
The musical, rooted in the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, has maintained its raw and poetic essence despite its international acclaim and multiple productions. Wolfe praised the show’s ability to retain its “underdog quality” even as it graces stages on Broadway and the West End. He also highlighted the trust placed in him by director Rachel Chavkin and associate director Keenan Tyler Oliphant, which has allowed him to explore Orpheus’s many layers and make the character his own.
“Orpheus isn’t a confident sharer of his gift,” Wolfe explained. “He’s nervous to perform, which adds a compelling tension, especially in moments like ‘Epic III’ when he sings to Hades.” This nuanced interpretation underscores the human cost and vulnerability at the heart of the character’s journey.
Wolfe’s vocal preparation is equally meticulous. Drawing from his background in indie folk, a genre close to the music composed by Anaïs Mitchell for Orpheus, he works with vocal coaches in both the UK and New York to sustain his voice through eight shows a week. He credits advice from fellow performers about the importance of relaxation and mental calmness as part of his routine.
Among the show’s many powerful moments, Wolfe singled out the song “Wait For Me,” renowned for its dramatic lighting and emotional intensity. “At first, I was just trying not to get hit by the swinging lights,” he laughed. “But standing in that moment, you feel connected to everyone who’s sung it before you — it’s like being part of a living tapestry.”
Wolfe’s excitement extends beyond the stage. He recently participated in the Red Bucket Follies, a variety show supporting Broadway Cares/Equity Fights AIDS, where Hadestown was featured among fundraising groups. Sharing backstage moments with luminaries like Kristin Chenoweth and Lin-Manuel Miranda, Wolfe found himself reflecting on the extraordinary community that Broadway fosters.
As Wolfe continues to enchant audiences nightly, his story exemplifies the transformative power of theater and the enduring allure of Hadestown. The production’s official website provides further details on showtimes and ticket availability, inviting theatergoers to experience this modern classic firsthand. For those interested in the broader impact of arts on communities, the National Endowment for the Arts offers resources and insights into the cultural significance of performances like Hadestown.
Jack Wolfe’s journey from a dream in Wakefield to a leading role on Broadway not only celebrates personal achievement but also highlights the collaborative spirit and artistic dedication that define the world of musical theater.
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