Well, that was not six months! Tony nominated original cast member Amber Gray made an unexpected return to the role of Perseophone in Hadestown on Broadway March 11, exactly 20 days following her departure from the role. It is unclear if Gray will continue in the role for any additional performances.
The return follows a number of recent understudy-to-the-rescue moments at the Tony-winning Best Musical, including the debut of dance captain T. Oliver Reid's "Auntie Fate" on March 9. Reid has since shifted to the role of Hermes, and vacation swing Tomás Matos will make their debut as "Regina Fate" this weekend.
Gray has been involved with the Tony-winning musical since early development readings, starring as the Queen of the Underworld in New York Theatre Workshop's premiere production in 2016, as well as pre-Broadway runs at Citadel Theatre in Edmonton, Canada, in 2017 and London’s National Theatre in 2018. She received the Sterling and Outer Critics Circle Awards for her performance, along with Tony and Drama League nominations.
Hadestown features a book, music, and lyrics by Anaïs Mitchell. The Rachel Chavkin-directed production opened on Broadway April 17, 2019, going on to win eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical, and the Grammy Award for Best Musical Theatre Album.
