Allison Russell
(Photo c/o DKC/O&M)

Grammy Award winner Allison Russell makes her Broadway debut as Persephone in Hadestown. The Canadian roots artist, known for the albums Children outdoors And The Returneewill begin performances at the Walter Kerr Theatre on November 12.

“I first heard Anaïs Mitchell sing ‘Why We Build The Wall’ in 2008 at the Lobero Theater in Santa Barbara, California,” Russell said in a statement. “When Anaïs told me later that evening that she was working on a ‘folk opera’ based on the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, my hair stood on end – I had a premonition that it would be a work that would outlive us all.”

Russell continued, “It is impossible for me to fully express how deeply meaningful, resonant, uplifting and full-circle it is to make my Broadway debut and play the role of Persephone (a goddess and archetype I have explored myself in poems and songs since childhood) in this timeless classic. I am proud to join the sisterhood of women artists who have embodied Persephone, proud to join this extraordinary ensemble, proud to become part of this living, growing legacy. This is a world I dreamed of and now get to live in. I am excited and eternally grateful to be a part of this world. Hadestown! See you deep underground!”

The role of Persephone is currently played by Yola, who will make her final appearance on October 20th. Hadestown Former cast member Lana Gordon will return to the production as Persephone from October 22 to November 10.

Hadestown also currently starring Jordan Fisher as Orpheus, Stephanie Mills as Hermes, Phillip Boykin as Hades and Maia Reficco as Eurydice. Belen Moyano, Jessie Shelton and Brit West play the goddesses of fate, while the Chorus of Workers is played by Emily Afton, Malcolm Armwood, Sojourner Brown, KC Dela Cruz, Timothy H. Lee and Alex Puette.

Now in its fifth year on Broadway and currently in its long-awaited West End premiere, Hadestown combines modern American folk music with New Orleans-inspired jazz to tell the intertwined love stories of Orpheus and Eurydice and Hades and Persephone. Directed by Rachel Chavkin, with book and music by Anaïs Mitchell.