Get a First Look at Lillias White as a Greek Goddess in New Hadestown Photos

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Production Photos Get a First Look at Lillias White as a Greek Goddess in New Hadestown Photos

The Tony winner took over the role of Hermes September 13.

By Leah Putnam

September 26, 2022

Lillias White as Missus Hermes in *Hadestown* Matthew Murphy

See Tony winner Lillias White transform into Hermes in new photos of Broadway's Hadestown. White took over the role from original cast member T. Oliver Reid, who had followed André De Shields in the role of the Greek messenger god at the Walter Kerr Theatre.

Last seen on Broadway as Matron “Mama” Morton in the revival of Chicago, White also starred in The Life, Fela!, Dreamgirls, Cats, Once on This Island, and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.

White, the first female-identifying actor to play the part, will not perform in the Tony-winning musical November 2-4, November 10-13, and November 17-20 due to previous commitments.

Lillias White as Missus Hermes and Jewelle Blackman as Persephone in *Hadestown* Matthew Murphy

Leading the current cast are Jewelle Blackman as Persephone, Grammy winner Reeve Carney as Orpheus, Tony nominee Tom Hewitt as Hades, and two-time Tony nominee Eva Noblezada as Eurydice. They are joined by Soara-Joye Ross, Amelia Cormack, and Kay Trinidad as the Fates. The chorus of Workers is played by Emily Afton, Malcolm Armwood, Alex Puette, Trent Saunders, and Grace Yoo. The company also includes swings Sojourner Brown, Tara Jackson, Sayo Oni, Yael “YaYa” Reich, and Davis Wayne.

"I am always thrilled to attend a Broadway opening, and seeing Hadestown opening night in 2019 was a magical and unforgettable experience. Everything about it was full of life. I sat behind Rachel Chavkin’s father, who was bursting with pride, and I got to meet Rachel who was giving birth to a phenomenal show while carrying new life in her belly," said White in an earlier statement. "Everything about that evening glowed with beauty and love and promise, and I was moved to tears by my most excellent friend Dr. André De Shields and the entire company. I am delighted and honored to step into the role of Hermes and be part of this beautiful production."

Eva Noblezada as Eurydice and Lillias White as Missus Hermes in *Hadestown* Matthew Murphy

“I'm over the moon about Lillias stepping into this role. She's a total legend, has an earth-shattering voice, and will bring a grace and warmth to the role that is completely her own. Hadestown is a myth, and so we've always felt these characters can mold to whomever is playing them and take on new life and meaning with each new actor/spirit," added director Rachel Chavkin. "I'm so proud to welcome a woman for the first time into the iconic role of Hermes, our storyteller, and guide. Like the Greek gods themselves, our actors change shapes, size, color, tonality, vibe, and doesn't it make the world more delightful."

WATCH: Lillias White's 1st Performance as Hermes in Broadway's Hadestown

The creative team features Tony-winning set designer Rachel Hauck, Tony-nominated costume designer Michael Krass, Tony-winning lighting designer Bradley King, Tony-winning sound designers Nevin Steinberg and Jessica Paz, choreographer David Neumann, and dramaturg Ken Cerniglia. Musical supervision and vocal arrangements are by Liam Robinson, with arrangements and orchestrations by Tony winners Michael Chorney and Todd Sickafoose.

Singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell’s folk- and jazz-infused musical layers the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice with that of Hades and Persephone, intertwining the actions—and consequences—of gods and mortals. Hadestown originally began as a theatrical concert performed by Mitchell.

Check out the full gallery below.