On Broadway, this modern telling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice has been a runaway success. Heralded as "The best new musical of the season," by the Wall Street Journal, and "Sumptuous. Gorgeous. As good as it gets," by the New York Times, this show is the breakout hit of 2019, and is positioned to be a longtime Broadway favorite with its poignant social commentary (a true "climate change" musical), to the tune of spellbinding music and lyrics.
In this book, Anais Mitchell takes readers inside her 12 year process of writing, scoring, and singing this musical--her inspiration, breaking down the lyrics, and offering thoughtful annotations of Hadestown. Fans of the musical will love this all access, backstage pass to the year's number one musical.
"Working On A Songis one of the best books about lyric writing for the theater I've read."-Lin-Manuel Miranda
AnaisMitchell named to TIME's List of the 100 Most Influential People in the World of 2020
Anilluminating book of lyrics and stories fromHadestown-the winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical-from its author, songwriter Anais Mitchell with a foreword by Steve Earle
On Broadway, this fresh take on the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice has become a modern classic. Heralded as "The best new musical of the season," by TheWall Street Journal, and "Sumptuous. Gorgeous. As good as it gets," byThe New York Times, the show was a breakout hit, with its poignant social commentary, and spellbinding music and lyrics.
In this book, Anais Mitchell takes readers inside her more than decade's-long process of building the musical from the ground up-detailing her inspiration, breaking down the lyrics, and opening up the process of creation that gave birth toHadestown. Fans and newcomers alike will love this deeply thoughtful, revealing look at how the songs from "the underground" evolved, and became the songs we sing again and again.
Author Biography:
Anais Mitchellis a singer-songwriter who comes from the world of narrative folksong, poetry, and balladry. Among her recorded works are six full-length albums including the original studio album ofHadestown(2010, featuring Justin Vernon and Ani DiFranco);Young Man in America(2012); andBonny Light Horseman(2020, with folk band Bonny Light Horseman). Mitchell has headlined concerts around the world. Awards include a Tony Award for Best Score forHadestown. Her albums have been featured in year-end best lists includingNPR, Wall Street Journal, Guardian,andSunday Times. Hadestown is Mitchell's first musical.