"Way Down Hadestown" - Hadestown the Musical ANIMATIC 

"You'll either get Hell or to Hadestown, ain't no difference anymore!" Me: Um, I chose "or"

fun fact: all their partying despite the sombre meaning of Hades' arrival is in the fashion of a jazz funeral. so, basically, this whole song is their send-off to Persephone as if she's dying, because in Hadestown it's pretty much death to be there, and there's no way of knowing when or if she'll be back.

“Ain’t no difference ANYMORE.” This implies that HadesTown used to be better.

also, the fact that hades is the only one with a color on him really makes all this POP

Your fates: exist Lesbians: I T S. F R E E. R E A L E S T A T E

Facts: Hades is hot.

I love how you portray that Persephone loves Hades but hates going back to Hadestown. The emotions are phenomenal. You did great!

Your Persephone and Orpheus are? So? Attractive? My bisexual self can't handle it

1. The face art style. 2. Persephone desperately getting drunk before Hades comes for her. 3. The dancing. 4. The color coding for the Styx Express (what I call the train) 5. EVRYTHING. THIS THING NEEDS A FREAKING SHRINE

Honestly one of the most chilling things in this animatic, and in the musical as a whole, are The Fates. They just look so suggestive and manipulative, like how they all look at Eurydice as if expecting her opinion about Hadestown's riches. They are these voices that keeps telling your head what you want to hear, but what usually ends up bringing you to your doom. They are singing about the riches of Hadestown, which they know that it's something that Eurydice truly desires, to be free from poverty and live a wealthy and prosperous life. Orpheus fears this and so he tries to convince Eurydice that Hadestown was a bad and unconditional place to live in. We see that Eurydice doesn't really care though, and looks away from Orpheus, for the Fates had already convinced her that Hadestown was a kingdom of riches. Hshshaaoshjaba theres just so many things to see and point out from this animatic. I love it so much !!

I really miss this portrayal of Orpheus. I love the broadway version but they really took away his critical awareness and anger to make him more naive and “innocent”

Idk why everyone hates hades man. To all accounts he was the kindest one of the gods. He didn’t ask for that one guy to get roasted for being back the dead and his relationship with Persephone is pretty stable.

I like how Hades comes in and takes off his sunglasses like 'im here to steal yer girl' Edit: Oh shit that's a lot of likes Edit2: I also like how at the beginning Persephone looks at Hermes like: 'Listen here you pringle in the bottom of the can'

When you realize that the fates are Persephones sisters and Hermes is her brother (in some myths) so basically they're having a mini family reunion to say goodbye to Persephone for the winter

1:39 When you remember that Hermes actually IS Persephone’s (half) brother because they’re both children of Zeus. *mindblown* 🤯

just noticed eurydice’s smile when the fates mention how hadestown is a gold mine and then her frown when orpheous starts talking about how awful it is to be there, beautiful work yo!

You can really tell how happy Persephone is by the amount she drinks Btw THIS IS AMAZING

Honestly, the amount of detail and emotion in every frame has me _weak._ Can I also mention that I _love_ the Fates (at least, I assume they're the Fates) and Persephone's designs? Because I do. I'd drink to this Persephone (and that snarky little eye-roll), _man._

Hades is that teacher everybody insults behind their back, even though he's just trying to do his job as well as he can.

everyone's talking about your design of the fates but can i just say how gay the way you draw _orpheus_ makes me

WAIT ARE THOSE THE FATES BC IM GAY FOR THEM

is it just me or are the eye animations incredible? like, they seem to have transitional movements that make it look like theyre looking around so fast that we see a slight blur, it makes the whole thing look so sharp!

Isn’t this just a bunch of gods complaining about their uncle? xD

“Come on, that was not six months!” Literally me every year

My life has officially gotten 123759482 times better. Lmao Hermes taking off his hat like ‘RIP we’ll mourn you’

The one thing I didn't like like for this song in the Broadway version is that Orpheus doesn't sing the "everybody hungry, everybody tired" part

Everyone's talking about Hades and the Fates but... THE WAY THAT HERMES SANG "Ain't no difference anymore" IS K I L L I N G ME!!! AGH I wish I could sing like that.

Well, I guess Hades is going to get shown at the end. Not a big deal or anything. Probably still a jerk. *Sees him.* *_OH NO, HE'S HOT._*

I am quaking. I am shook. I am deceased. My wig was snatched, incinerated even. My crops, watered. My skin, cleared. My depression, cured. Hotel? Trivago This is absolutely amazing.

i have to assume that hades himself named hadestown hadestown, i just like debating why. because i dont know whats funnier, he named it because hell-town or me-town

With just these two Hadestown animatics, you have demonstrated that you are seriously one of the most talented animatic artists on RU-vid. The way the characters emote and move say volumes more about the source material than honestly just the incredible music alone. I feel I have a much better grasp and vision due to your work. Like I'm just struck. You're amazing I can't even articulate. Amazing work, I hope to one day see another one of these masterful works.

I LOVE the way Persephone seems to age as she steps onto the train

orpheus' expressions throughout this whole thing like uh sis come kill me already. i never imagined him to have this intention listening to it but now all i can imagine his him begging everyone not to believe in the atractive lies that they are being told

I didn't think this was possible, but you've actually elevated this to a level above the source material. The costumes and body language of the characters reflect both their personalities and their actions/ambitions (at this point in the story). Depicting the song as a conversation between the characters adds another layer of depth to the story (eg. Hermes and Orpheus play off each other very well, while the Fates' fast paced style clashes with Orpheus' ballads). I also enjoyed the first half being framed as a battle over Eurydice's opinion, between Orpheus and the Fates. Of course, the building of tension surrounding Hades' arrival at 3:41 (using some simple, well timed shots) is a great piece of directing. Seriously, this is some quality work right here!

AAAAAA why am I living for Hermes, The way he dances with Eurydice, plus when Persephone leans into him saying “brother I’ll be bored to death” and the way he looks at her so fondly AAAA plus the shoulder wiggle he does.

I know I'm probably the fifth person to say this, but I'm so gay for the Fates. Especially the one with the tambourine. Just take a look at the frame at 4:28 and tell me you wouldn't be willing to follow them down to hell for just a smile from them.

This is absolutely mind blowing. I loved Orpheus and his little warning, how he was really concerned about the love of his life. I kinda pictured that in my head when I listen to the song, but what elevated that was the fact that she turned away from him so soon after it. Excellent foreshadowing!

don’t get me wrong, i love the broadway version but just... this cast and recording hits different.

I personally love the contrast between Hades and Persephone because Hades' outfit is way more showy (if that makes sense) and Persephone's outfit is more simple and I personally take that as a way of showing how different they really are, even if that wasn't intended I just thought it was cool.

That was not six months Me: Wat... Me: Oh that must be spring and pomegranates lady.

Hoo boy this was amazing. Hades' entrance was INCREDIBLE and the entire animatic took my breath away. I will also admit to internally screaming when I saw the notification and immediately linking it to a Hadestown fan friend. Great job!!!!

THIS MUSICAL DESERVES SO MUCH MORE ATTENTION

[HERMES] On the road to hell there was a railroad track [PERSEPHONE, spoken] Aw, come on! [HERMES] And a train coming up from way down below [PERSEPHONE, spoken] That was not six months! [HERMES] Better go and get your suitcase packed Guess it's time to go Follow that dollar for a long way down Far away from the poorhouse door Either get to hell or to Hadestown Ain’t no difference anymore! Way down Hadestown Way down under the ground Hound dog howl and the whistle blow Train come a-rollin, clickety-clack Nobody knows where that old train goes Those who go they don’t come back They go [COMPANY] Way down Hadestown Way down under the ground [PERSEPHONE] Winter’s nigh and summer’s o’er Hear that high and lonesome sound Of my husband coming for To bring me home to Hadestown [COMPANY] Way down Hadestown Way down under the ground [PERSEPHONE] Down there, it's a bunch of stiffs Brother, I'll be bored to death Gonna have to import some stuff Just to entertain myself Give me morphine in the tin Give me a crate of the fruit of the vine Takes a lot of medicine To make it through the wintertime [COMPANY] Way down Hadestown Way down under the ground [FATES] Everybody dresses in clothes so fine Everybody’s pockets are weighted down Everybody's sipping ambrosia wine [EURYDICE] In a goldmine in Hadestown [COMPANY] Way down Hadestown Way down under the ground [ORPHEUS] Everybody hungry Everybody tired Everybody slaves by the sweat of his brow The wage is nothing and the work is hard It’s a graveyard in Hadestown [COMPANY] Way down Hadestown Way down under the ground [FATES] Every little penny in the wishing well Every little nickel on the drum [PERSEPHONE] On the drum! [FATES] All them shiny little heads and tails Where do you think they come from? They come from [COMPANY] Way down Hadestown Way down under the ground [ORPHEUS] Mr. Hades is a mean old boss [HERMES] With a silver whistle and a golden scale [FATES] An eye for an eye! [HERMES] And he weighs the cost [FATES] A lie for a lie! [HERMES] And your soul for sale [FATES] Sold! [ORPHEUS] To the king on the chromium throne [FATES] Thrown! [ORPHEUS] To the bottom of a Sing Sing cell [HERMES] Where the little wheel squeals and the big wheel groans [ORPHEUS] And you better forget about your wishing well [COMPANY] Way down Hadestown Way down under the ground [HERMES, spoken] And on the road to hell there was a railroad car And the car door opened and a man stepped out Everybody looked and everybody saw It was the same man they'd been singing about [PERSEPHONE, spoken] You're early! [HADES, spoken] I missed you [FATES] Mr. Hades is a mighty king Must be making some mighty big deals Seems like he owns everything [EURYDICE] Kind of makes you wonder how it feels [HERMES] All aboard... One, two A-one, two, three, four [COMPANY] Way down Hadestown Way down under the ground Way down Hadestown Way down under the ground Way down under the ground Way down under the ground

Me: You’re early My period: I missed ya

YES, I NEED MORE HADESTOWNNNNNNNNNNN

Another work of absolute art. I was always sad that I could only ever hear the songs and try and piece together the visuals in my mind and so your animatics are such a blessing. I'm assuming you aren't able to monetize these since the music is copyrighted and so you do you have somewhere we can donate money instead? Cause i feel like you need to be getting paid for this shit. It's too amazing.

OH. MY. GOD. I remember first watching your Wait For Me animatic and being blown away by the character designs, your skill level and how your vision for the animatic clearly showed in every frame- but this is next level stuff. I love how your designs linked up and stayed the same, and your designs for Persephone and Hades were great- Persephone’s design showed how she is old but still has fairly pretty looks, like the Gods are supposed to in mythology. I love how you gave Hades a pleasing appearance, but he still maintained an air of darkness and mystery. I absolutely adore the light this shedded on the relationship between Orpheus and Eurydice, too- Orpheus’ solos definitely come across as him trying to desperately convince Eurydice that the Underworld is not what it seems, even more so after watching this. The expressions are great, the posing amazing- I have no complaints or bad things to say about this animatic. I can see the detail and care put into every frame, and I love the small splashes of colour on things like the coin, the Underworld entrance and the train, which emphasises beautifully how rich Hades is and how enticing the Underworld can be. I can see why this would take so long to make, and it was definitely worth the wait. I’m excited to see more from you, so keep on going- You’re amazing!

Persephone rollin up to the party before she has to go like: Gentlemen. I have come to get hammered.

I D ie d W h e n I S a w T h i s. ALSO JESUS DO A DOUBT COMES IN ANIMATIC PLEASEEE. WITH THE WAY YOU MAKE THE BACKGROUNDS, THE EXPRESSIONS ON CHARACTERS FACES, THE FIREY GLOW YOU COULD SEE WHEN HADES SHOWED UP IT FITS PERFECTLY.

I get why they gave the "graveyard" verse to Hermes in the Broadway version, but I love the acid that Orpheus spits at Hadestown and daggers that he stares at Hades in your animation. I giggle at his vitriol every time 😆

This version shows so much of Eurydice’s attraction to wealth and hadestown and (something that was totally missing from the Broadway run) Orpheus’ aversion to it It’s so interesting!!

Everyone in this is so fucking pretty! Also I love how you portray that this is a relationship in crisis so close to falling apart it CAN be fixed but if it isn't fixed soon it'll be late

Disclaimer: I did not know what this musical was at first, so my writer mind filled in the blanks from two of the amvs and came up with what I put down in this comment. I don't know whether this would be a good story one day and I was being creative, or if I was confused and was trying to make sense of all of it. Either way, this was an awesome amv, I was introduced to a new musical, and I hope you have a good laugh at what I thought was happening. Ready? I thought Hadestown was about people who were already dead and were going into the town to pay for their sins in their lives, and that Persephone (who I thought was someone who had an addiction problem, since she was getting drunk and was thinking of taking along MORPHINE) was going there early because there was a wait list, and no one likes the idea of going to the town because Orphious (who I assumed for some reason was named Jack because of the other amv Wait For Me, because Hermies said it somewhere) escaped, so he knew the truth. Then, Eridice (I thought she and Orphious were dating, but they were apparently engaged) got kidnapped by Hades for some reason (who I assumed was Satan, for some reason, because of the deals I guess? Also, it was a trick of his to make her pass on) and Orphious (still thought his name was Jack) went in because he was trying to rescue her because relationship goals. But, nope. It turns out it was a fantastic retelling of the story of Orphious and Eridicie (so I felt really sad, because I know how that ends, and I love the way they are potrayed) and everything made *so* much more sense. I also felt like an idiot, but it was interesting. Thoughts on how my mind wandered?

It’s so interesting to see the evolution of hadestown over the years, I feel like the final product on Broadway is perfect, but for some of the songs I just adore this recording better, I love the hobo vibe of Hermès, I love how the fates first try to lie about what hadestown is which I think they don’t do in the final version. This version sounds a lot more like the story is being told right then and there, like you are in it, the Broadway one gives off the vibe of a campfire story being told of something that happened long ago

3:25 OOH I love that singing. It's just *chef's kiss*

persephone getting on the train was SMOOTH AS HELL

I love the amount of detail you put into your animatics. You absolutely nail facial expressions and tints and shades. It was so cool how you had everyone get out their instruments and start playing too!

i commented on the last hadestown animatic you posted, entranced by the music and the way you brought it to life. you've done it once again, and you've sparked an entire group of people investing in this musical. it's wonderful. thank you for this

I love the feeling that Eurydice is already being pulled towards Hadestown. Wonderful work!

this is my all time favorite depiction of Persephone, you did the Lady of Spring justice

I ADORE the settings and the shots that you do!!! And the hatred that radiates off everyone when talking about hades makes it seem like it'll create for some great storyboards for the future, and oh my gosh the poses and expressions and detail you put in here makes it feel like I'm watching a professional animation company in action! I love your work so much and I'll probably have this on repeat for the next week...😅💕💓

Everything From Persephone’s expressions To the eye motions To the body language Is freakin wonderful and I am thankful that you took so long if THIS is the result

I love how Hades is glittering in gold since the original god was always associated with metals and gemstones, such a nice detail. The aniation was great, the whole animatic is really good!

1:02 the way she is holding that violin is pretty SACRILEGIOUS

Well this gave me chills to see another incredible animatic for this incredible musical! When Hadestown makes it big we're going to look back and laugh at how few people knew of this awesomeness.

THIS IS SO COOL, ORPHIOUS' FACE WHEN EURIDUCY SANG THAT PART,,,OH MY GOD IT MAKES SENSE NOW HIS WORDS

Okay but legit, this is incredible. Even so many years later, I can’t get over how much this did for the Hadestown fandom. You were the one who first exposed me to this musical and honestly I will forever be grateful for that. You brought this music to life in my mind and when I was finally able to see it live, I couldn’t help but think of this animatic. If no one else was truly changed by this vid, I hope you know I was. Thank you so much for this. It means more than you know.

1:30 that shoulder roll has me weak

I really love how you designed all the characters. Eurydice has no shoes because she lives in poverty, Hades wears an expensive business suit with a golden emblem that matches the train, so even those who’ve never heard of the musical have the idea that he owns the train, the Fates and how their outfits are different from one another’s but close enough to each other to make it look like they’re associated with each other. You really did a fabulous job with this a animatic!

I LOVE HOW YOU DID THE FATES

came back to watch this again, this is still by far my fav version of hadestown, the broadway version is nice but this workshop version just feels like it has a lot more soul i think i've left a big comment on this before but some things i loved this time around was how angry persephone looks (and orpheus too lmao, whenever eurydice seems enticed he just. get so mad lmaoo) and the end, with hades and persephone, the way they sit, staring at each other, you could almost say they're sitting on thrones with how they're postured, on equal standing, gods warring against each other, they look almost royal, which, is very fitting, the king and queen of the underworld, i love it

_1:31__-__1:36__ are my favorite frames. Probably because I like shoulder rolls and floofing dresses._

WOWOWOW I LOVE THIS! Your "Wait For Me" video is actually often one of the videos I pull up if I really want to get someone interested in the show, but I think I like this one even more. I love how expressive the eyes are, like Persephone's dramatic eyeroll or Orpheus's shifty-eyes when the Fates are telling Eurydice about Hadestown or Eurydice's glance off when Orpheus is singing about what Hadestown is really like. I also like the little touch that when Orpheus feels insecure, he actually withdraws and it's Eurydice who reaches out towards him. This is just gorgeous.

I might be looking too much into this, but I love the frames at "everybody looked and everybody saw", implying that Eurydice was looking - at surface level, while Orpheus "saw" the whole picture. Not to say that Orpheus was smarter or more perceptive, but that Eurydice was allured by the idea of Hadestown - gorgeous :)

the designs are so PERFECT! the little curl orpheus has to his hair? persephone's little hairpiece? the flower on hermes's suit? it all fits so well! i love it!

This animatic is even better than Wait For Me! The backgrounds look way better and the animation improved loads. I especially love the band and Hermes and Eurydice's dance sequence, 'cause I've also noticed (and love) the fact that he's kind of the couple's cool uncle. Speaking of which, Persephone is the wine aunt I wish I'd always had; she looks like an eccentric diva while still being a woman of nature. And don't get me started on the Fates! They look so wonderful and have the cool, sassy attitude they always exhibit. All in all, I love this.

THE WAIT WAS SO WORTH IT

Man, the way you create these is absolutely unbelievable. I've been a fan of the musical for a while, and you just completely bring it to life in your art. Easily my favorite animatics on youtube! You can really feel the work that went into them and the structure and emotion that goes into these is just crazy. Your talent and skill blow me away, can't wait to see whatever else you create!

this animatic made me fall in love with this musical years ago

Why does the one universe where Hades and Persephone hate each other have to be such a fucking bop?!

Words cannot express how much I adore this. You're art has so much personality and even in the still frames you retain a breathtaking amount of movement. The characterizations and the art are both stunning, I love this musical with all my heart and having it brought to life so beautifully is an incredible gift. Thank you so much for sharing your talent, hard work and flare with the world.

*Crossing my fingers for Patrick Page to leave a comment on your newest animatic* I’m really impressed by your new animatic, I’m really glad that I found your channel and got into this jazzy musical.

Oh my god I just realized that when he says " those who go " the camera moves to orpheus and eurydice. oh my god the foreshadowing there I love it

I am OBSESSED with that shoulder roll at 1:32 IT LOOKS SO GOOD GOD

Sooooo goood. I love seeing Persephone and hades in the train together! The way gold drifting off of hades was so cool too

I love this so much! I really miss how involved Orpheus was in the offbroadway version! Like, he was very pro-workers and against Hadestown vs kind of unaware in the newer version. Love how you've captured that in the vid!

2:46 any mystic trio of women(which is literally an ancient trope, as I’m sure many of us know) shall always evoke Hex Girls for me and this moment is no exception

This is the only version (audio wise) that I can stand

The fact that the comment section is still somewhat active after 2 years means that people keep coming back. Hell i keep coming back and this really speaks for how excellent this animatic is

0:58 i see that foreshadowing.....

Ive watched this so many times and JUST realized the flower wilting at the end because persephone left

Im just now realizing she talking about taking drugs to hell "Morphine in a tin*

I'm so freaking happy you made another Hadestown animatic!! ❤

0:50 Can we all just stop and appreciate Hermes’ adorable little shoulder shimmy?

You got me into Hadestown and I dearly thank you for it!

I gotta stop watching all of these musical animatics. It's just reminding me of all of the musicals I'll never see in person. I can now add Hadestown to the exponentially growing list, along with Jekyll and Hyde, Hamilton, Hunchback of Notre Dame (although I did already watch the movie, I heard the musical was more true to the book), etc. But they are TOO tempting NOT to watch!!!!!!

THIS IS SO GOOD THE EXPRESSIONS ARE GREAT AND YOU REALLY GET A FEEL FOR WHY EURYDICE SOLD HER SOUL AND WHY ORPHEUS WAS EVEN MORE TORN UP ABOUT IT!! YOU DREW PERSEPHONE SO WELL AND AGHHHH!! Why aren’t you more popular, your animatics are fantastic ^^

If I don't go to hell like this, I'll be dissapointed

lyrics anybody? [HERMES] On the Road to Hell there was a railroad track [PERSEPHONE, spoken] Oh, come on! [HERMES] There was a train comin' up from way down below [PERSEPHONE, spoken] That was not six months! [FATES] Better go and get your suitcase packed, guess it's time to go [HERMES] On the other side of his wall Follow that dollar for a long way down Far away from the poorhouse door You either get to hell or to Hadestown Ain’t no difference anymore! Way down Hadestown Way down under the ground Hound dog howl and the whistle blow Train come a-rollin, clickety-clack Everybody tryin' to get a ticket to go But those who go they don’t come back They goin' [HERMES and COMPANY] Way down Hadestown Way down under the ground [HERMES, spoken] Ha! [PERSEPHONE] Winter's nigh and summer's o'er Hear that high, lonesome sound Of my husband coming for To bring me home to Hadestown [COMPANY] Way down Hadestown Way down under the ground [PERSEPHONE] Down there, it's a bunch of stiffs Brother, I'll be bored to death Gonna have to import some stuff Just to entertain myself Give me morphine in a tin Give me a crate of the fruit of the vine Takes a lot of medicine To make it through the wintertime [COMPANY] Way down Hadestown Way down under the ground [FATES] Every little penny in the wishing well Every little nickel on the drum [COMPANY] On the drum! [FATES] All them shiny little heads and tails Where do you think they come from? They come from [COMPANY] Way down Hadestown Way down under the ground [HERMES] Everybody hungry Everybody tired Everybody slaves by the sweat of his brow The wage is nothing and the work is hard It's a graveyard in Hadestown [COMPANY] Way down Hadestown Way down under the ground [HERMES] Mr. Hades is a mean old boss [PERSEPHONE] With a silver whistle and a golden scale [COMPANY] An eye for an eye! [HERMES] And he weighs the cost [COMPANY] A lie for a lie! [HERMES] And your soul for sale [COMPANY] Sold! [PERSEPHONE] To the king on the chromium throne [COMPANY] Thrown! [PERSEPHONE] To the bottom of a Sing Sing cell [HERMES] Where the little wheel squeals and the big wheel groans [PERSEPHONE] And you better forget about your wishing well [COMPANY] Way down Hadestown Way down under the ground [HERMES, spoken] On the Road to Hell, there was a railroad car And the car door opened and a man stepped out Everybody looked and everybody saw It was the same man they'd been singin' about [PERSEPHONE, spoken] You're early! [HADES, spoken] I missed you [FATES] Mr. Hades is a mighty king Must be making some mighty big deals Seems like he owns everything [EURYDICE] Kind of makes you wonder how it feels [HERMES] All aboard... A-one, A-two A-one, two, three, four [COMPANY] Way down Hadestown Way down under the ground Way down Hadestown Way down under the ground Way down under the ground Way down under the ground

Everyone's freaking out because of how amazing the Fates are and I agree with them. One thing that was just bothering me sm was the violin being on the wrong shoulder but otherwise everything about this is golden