Tony winner Lillias White will take over the role of Hermes in Broadway's Hadestown beginning September 13 at the Walter Kerr Theatre. She will succeed original cast member T. Oliver Reid, who previously followed Tony winner André De Shields.
White will be the first female-identifying actor to play the role. Due to previous commitments, she will not perform in the Tony-winning musical November 2-4, November 10-13, and November 17-20. Reid will depart the show September 4.
“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," says 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."
"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," says White. "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."
White was last seen on the Main Stem as Matron “Mama” Morton in the revival of Chicago. Her additional Broadway credits include The Life, Fela!, Dreamgirls, Cats, Once on this Island, and How to Succeed in Business Without Really Trying.
In addition to Reid, the current Broadway cast is led by 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, Jessie Shelton, 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 cast includes swings Sojourner Brown, Tara Jackson, Sayo Oni, Yael “YaYa” Reich, and Davis Wayne
Singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell’s folk- and jazz-infused musical, inspired by two intertwining myths of gods and mortals, began as a theatrical concert performed by Mitchell. The creative team features set design by Tony winner Rachel Hauck; costume design by four-time Tony nominee Michael Krass; lighting design by two-time Tony winner Bradley King; sound design by Tony winners Nevin Steinberg and Jessica Paz; choreography by David Neumann in choreography; musical supervision and vocal arrangements by Liam Robinson; arrangements and orchestrations by Tony winners Michael Chorney and Todd Sickafoose; and dramaturgy by Ken Cerniglia.
