Lola Tung’s Tenure in Hadestown
Lola Tung played the role of the Narrator in the Broadway production of Hadestown. She joined the show in February 2023 and departed in December 2023, making her run approximately 10 months. This period captures a substantial portion of the show’s final phase on Broadway before closing in November 2025. The following sections detail her specific roles, timeline, and context.
Primary Roles
- Narrator (alternating with fellow Narrator)
- Understudy for Persephone
Verified Production Timeline
| Date or Period | Event | Why It Matters |
|---|---|---|
| February 2023 | Lola Tung joined Hadestown on Broadway | Beginning of her principal performance period |
| December 2023 | Lola Tung departed Hadestown | End of her tenure; show continued until November 2025 |
| November 2025 | Hadestown closed on Broadway | Final performance of the production |
Notable Context
Hadestown is a folk-opera musical by Anaïs Mitchell, which won eight Tony Awards in 2019. The Narrator serves as the on-stage guide who frames the story, while Persephone is a principal character whose understudy responsibilities require narrative and musical versatility. Tung’s tenure coincided with several cast changes and the show’s transition toward its final Broadway run.
How Long She Was in the Show
Lola Tung was in Hadestown for roughly 10 months, from February 2023 to December 2023. Her time covered a key late phase for the production on Broadway, including previews and regular performances before the show’s eventual closure in 2025. While not present from opening to closing night, her period of participation represents a meaningful contribution to the staging and continuity of the show.
Her Role and Responsibilities
As Narrator, Lola Tung’s duties included guiding the audience through the intertwined myth of Orpheus and Eurydice as reimagined in Hadestown. She also understudied Persephone, which required maintaining readiness to step into a principal role at short notice. This dual responsibility is common for ensemble members in large musicals, ensuring flexibility for producers and consistency for audiences.
Narrator vs Persephone: Scope of Work
- Narrator: Primary stage presence with scripted storytelling and musical segments
- Persephone: Principal character, understudy required deep familiarity with music and blocking
Production Timeline
The Broadway production of Hadestown opened in April 2016 and closed in November 2025, spanning nearly a decade. Lola Tung’s involvement came during a mature phase of the show, well after its Tony-winning debut. Her period aligns with the show’s ongoing efforts to refresh casting while preserving its artistic integrity.
Comparison with Other Cast Members
Because Hadestown had a long run, many actors stayed for several years, while others had much shorter stints. Tung’s 10-month tenure is mid-range compared to cast members who stayed from opening through multiple years, and longer than performers who rotated in and out during brief engagements.
Quick Comparison
- Long-term cast: multiple years from opening or near-opening
- Mid-range (like Tung): ~1 year of active performance
- Short-term or swing: weeks to a few months
Broadway Context
Hadestown is notable for its large orchestration and mythic storytelling, which means many performers build long-term relationships with their roles. Understudy duties, as held by Tung, are vital to Broadway operations, ensuring shows can continue seamlessly when principal actors are absent due to schedule, illness, or other needs.