Hadestown Original Broadway Cast Recording
The Hadestown Original Broadway Cast Recording serves as the definitive audio document of the acclaimed Broadway production. Blending elements of showtunes, folk, jazz, and Americana, this recording captures the haunting and melodic atmosphere of the stage show. Unlike previous live recordings, this official cast album provides the complete score, allowing listeners to experience the full narrative arc of the production.
Released under the Sing It Again label, the album was produced by Mara Isaacs, David Lai, Anaïs Mitchell, and Todd Sickafoose. Its critical success was cemented at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards, where it won the award for Best Musical Theater Album.
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Key Facts
- Release Date: July 26, 2019 (Full Album)
- Total Length: 2 hours, 2 minutes, and 38 seconds
- Track Count: 40 tracks, all written by Anaïs Mitchell
- Genres: Showtunes, Folk, Jazz, and Americana
- Major Award: Best Musical Theater Album at the 62nd Grammy Awards
- Chart Peak: Reached #1 on the US Billboard Cast Albums chart
Release Strategy and Promotion
The rollout of the album was unique, utilizing a series of "character drops" to build anticipation. While initially slated for a full release on June 7, 2019, production delays led the producers to release the music in thematic waves across digital and streaming platforms.
The Character Drops
- June 7, 2019: The first drop featured foundational tracks including "Livin' It Up on Top," "Wait For Me," and "Why We Build the Wall."
- June 28, 2019: The second drop focused on the characters of Hades and Persephone, featuring songs like "Way Down Hadestown" and "We Raise Our Cups."
- July 12, 2019: The third drop highlighted Hermes, The Fates, and the Workers' Chorus, including "Road to Hell" and "Nothing Changes."
- July 26, 2019: The final drop focused on Orpheus and Eurydice, completing the full 40-track album.
Following the digital release, physical copies were made available to fans, with the compact disc releasing on November 1, 2019, and the vinyl edition arriving on November 29, 2019.
Album Specifications and Performance
The recording is a comprehensive collection of Anaïs Mitchell's songwriting, featuring a wide array of performers from the original Broadway company. The album's commercial performance has been strong both in the United States and the United Kingdom.
| Chart | Peak Position | Year |
|---|---|---|
| US Billboard Cast Albums | 1 | 2019 |
| US Independent Albums | 4 | 2019 |
| US Billboard 200 | 49 | 2019 |
| UK Soundtrack Albums | 1 | 2024 |
| UK Compilation Albums | 40 | 2024 |
Frequently Asked Questions
Who wrote the music for the Hadestown Broadway recording?
All 40 tracks on the album were written by Anaïs Mitchell.
When was the full album officially released?
The full album became available on July 26, 2019, following a series of smaller character-themed releases.
Did the album win any major awards?
Yes, the recording won the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theater Album at the 62nd Annual Grammy Awards.
What formats is the album available in?
The album was released on digital and streaming platforms, as well as on compact disc (CD) and vinyl.
How does this recording differ from the original live recording?
Unlike the original live recording, the Broadway cast recording contains the complete score of the production.