Tony winner André De Shields played his final performance as Hermes in Hadestown at the Walter Kerr Theatre May 29.
The sold-out evening concluded with New York City Mayor Eric Adams coming on stage and proclaiming May 29 as André De Shields Day in recognition of the performer's “tremendous contributions to our city’s dynamic cultural landscape.” During the curtain call, De Shields sang “Believe in Yourself” from The Wiz. The performer originated the title role in Charlie Smalls and William F. Brown's Tony-winning musical in 1975. See the full video above.
The performer's entrance in the show received a three-minute standing ovation. The curtain call also included a tribute from cast member Eva Noblezada, presentation of flowers by Fate performer Kay Trinidad, and a gift from trombonist Brian Drye.
Throughout his run in the show, De Shields won the 2019 Tony Award for Best Featured Actor in a Musical as well as Drama Desk and Outer Critics Circle Awards. His replacement casting has yet to be announced.
See De Shields take his final bow in the gallery below.
André De Shields and the company of Hadestown
André De Shields and company of Hadestown
André De Shields and company of Hadestown
André De Shields and company of Hadestown
André De Shields
André De Shields, Mayor Eric Adams and company of Hadestown
André De Shields, Mayor Eric Adams and company of Hadestown
André De Shields, Mayor Eric Adams and company of Hadestown
André De Shields, Mayor Eric Adams and company of Hadestown
André De Shields and company of Hadestown
André De Shields and company of Hadestown
André De Shields, Mayor Eric Adams and company of Hadestown
André De Shields, Mayor Eric Adams and company of Hadestown
André De Shields
André De Shields and Mayor Eric Adams
Hadestown features a book and lyrics by singer-songwriter Anaïs Mitchell. The cast currently stars Grammy winner Reeve Carney as Orpheus, Tony nominee Eva Noblezada as Eurydice, Tony nominee Patrick Page as Hades, Jewelle Blackman as Persephone with Soara-Joye Ross, Jessie Shelton, and Kay Trinidad as the Fates. The chorus of Workers is played by Emily Afton, Malcolm Armwood, Trent Saunders, Alex Puette, and Grace Yoo. Sojourner Brown, Tara Jackson, Sayo Oni, Yael “YaYa” Reich, T. Oliver Reid, and Davis Wayne round out the cast as swings.
