In a convergence of young talent and theatrical ambition, an all-teen production of the Tony Award-winning musical “Hadestown” is set to take the stage this weekend at Tornabene Theatre at the University of Arizona.
The performance, showcasing the skills of an entirely teen cast, brings the beautiful, jazz-infused reimagining of Greek mythology to life in an unexpected yet fitting new setting: Jerome, Arizona — a mining town showcasing Southern Arizona themes in this new twist.
The production is the brainchild of The Inner Voice Studio, a vocal studio that provides vocal training to singers both locally in Tucson and around the world to “give teenagers the opportunity to engage with complex and professional-level productions,” according to Kaitlin Bertenshaw, founder and master teacher at the The Inner Voice Studio.
Open since 2023, The Inner Voice Studio has flourished under the direction of award-winning theater professionals like Bertenshaw, blending youthful energy with Broadway-worthy talent.
“‘Hadestown’ is a story of love, destiny and perseverance — perfect themes for a group of teens just beginning to discover their voices,” said Bertenshaw. “What makes this performance especially moving is the fact that these young artists are exploring some of the most difficult themes in theater, all while bringing their own experiences and perspectives to a classic tale.”
The original show takes its inspiration from Greek mythology, telling the story of Orpheus, a gifted musician, and Eurydice, his love interest, as they journey through the underworld. Interwoven with the story are gods, titans and a narrative about the power of choice, control and sacrifice — universal themes that resonate deeply with today’s youth.
Andrew Coss as Orpheus and Melyna Carrillo as Eurydice in the all-teen production of "Hadestown" by The Inner Voice Studio.
But what makes this version of “Hadestown” stand out is its unique spin on the original story. The show is set in Jerome, Arizona and includes Southwest themes and stories. All the performers are teenagers, ages 13-19, from across Tucson and Southern Arizona, many of whom have been involved in local theater programs for years, according to Bertenshaw.
"There's not a lot of theater for this age group, and they really just want to express themselves and tell stories and be heard and show their big feelings and sing great music,” Bertenshaw said.
Bertenshaw shares that the show takes a unique spin on the original and highlights the talents of the teen actors.
“So there's the original Broadway show, which everybody knows. It's extremely iconic. We wanted to ask ourselves, ‘How can we make this something truly Southern Arizona? Truly relatable and specific to the Tucson community.’ So we set our show in Jerome, Arizona — an Old Tucson mining town kind of look — which is so cool to see on stage,” Bertenshaw said.
“We have 2,000 pounds of dirt on the stage and the actors are using it, they're throwing it and kicking it and playing with it and there's a balcony with old rusted wheels and the characters are dressed up like cowgirls and a rich oil tycoon cowboys. And it's just so cool to see Southern Arizona culture represented in this piece.”
The ensemble cast — including the roles of Eurydice, Persephone, Hades and Hermes — has spent months preparing for the production. The show’s intricate choreography, beautiful score and emotionally-charged characters have tested their limits but they’ve risen to the occasion ready for opening night, Bertenshaw added.
One of the driving forces behind the success of The Inner Voice Studio is its emphasis on mentorship. Established theater professionals work closely with the teen cast and crew, ensuring the production maintains a high level of artistry, Bertenshaw added. This year’s team includes composer and music by Anaïs Mitchell, choreographer Marquez Johnson and costume designer Shana Stilley, to name a few.
“We're really focused on developing these kids into not just great performers but also strong, confident individuals,” Bertenshaw said. “And when I tell you, a lot of people would think putting 60 teenagers together in a room would be chaotic and dramatic, they are so kind to each other, they're so warm and they are so collaborative and supportive.”
The show will also feature a live band of local musicians who have spent the last few months learning the music, which combines elements of folk, jazz and blues, Bertenshaw added.
“I’m very excited for this show and to see the talented teens shine on stage,” Bertenshaw said. “This is our fifth show in two years and we had 200 students apply and 60 of them were cast. We have three completely different casts, there are 20 actors in each so every performance you go to will be different.”
As tickets for the show quickly sell out, the teens are already thinking about the legacy they want to leave behind, Bertenshaw added.
Showtimes for “Hadestown” at the Tornabene Theatre, 1025 N. Olive Road, are 7 p.m. Friday-Sunday, Jan. 10-12. Saturday and Sunday also have 2 p.m. showings. Tickets are $28 and can be purchased online.
