Broadway Access Review -
Hadestown

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General Note

This is a review of the accessibility of the theater, of the lighting/sound/scent design of the show, and a list of content warnings as a way to prep folks with various needs before they go see it.

This is not meant to scare anyone away from seeing the show. Most productions have about the same amount of content warnings and sensory warnings to go along with it, they’re just rarely explicitly written down.

For some people, knowing these things ahead of time makes it easier to enjoy the show because they know what to expect. And, often, makes those people more likely to see it in the first place. I hope that it’s helpful!

I am also happy to clarify any specifics, just send me a message or an email and I will respond when I can.

Theater

Walter Kerr Theatre

All comments on the accessibility of lighting are in reference to seats in both the mezzanine and orchestra. If particular to one or the other, it will be specified.

Bathrooms:

no gender neutral options, but the ushers encourage you to use whichever feels comfortable to you and your gender
located up a flight of stairs (below the mezzanine), though there is one non-gendered accessible restroom on the orchestra level

Other theater accessibility:

there is a flat no-step connection to the street
there is no elevator
with advanced notice, they can supply captioning, audio description, and assistive listening options

Click here for more information on the physical accessibility of this theater.

Light/Sound/Scent

General:

For people in the orchestra, things like cups, tables, and guitars regularly flash lights on the audience
I personally was fine without earplugs for this show

Act I:

?First Scene - the first time Mrs. Hermes blows the train whistle there is a moving light that brushes over the audience
Wait For Me - flashlights moving around, fog machine, bright lights pointed at audience at the end (kind of a sensory nightmare but also my fave)
Last scene when Orpheus gets beat up - strobe lights

Act II:

Chant Reprise - after Hades says the line “I conduct the electric city!” the lights on the audience get really bright and then shut off with a loud boom
Doubt Comes In - moving lanterns and dim lighting

Content Warnings

This kinda contains spoilers! Be warned!