Bass Hall about to get mythical
‘Hadestown’ actor making debut in show
Bass Hall is about to get mythical as “Hadestown” returns to town this weekend, Friday-Sunday, June 5-7. The musical, winner of eight Tony Awards in 2019 and the 2020 Grammy Award winner for Best Musical Theater Album, performed to packed houses when it was here in 2023. The show is the latest in the 2025-2026 Broadway at the Bass Season presented by PNC Bank.
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“Hadestown” is billed as “a love story for today… and always.” The story intertwines two mythic tales — that of young dreamers Orpheus, a poor songwriter, and resilient wanderer Eurydice, and that of King Hades and his wife Persephone — as it invites the audience on a hell-raising journey to the underworld and back. When harsh times and a cold, seemingly endless winter hit, Eurydice signs her life away to work in Hades’ mechanized underworld factory in exchange for security.
Kaitlyn O’Leary, a 2023 graduate of the renowned Texas State Musical Theatre program that has sent numerous performers to Broadway and beyond, is making her national tour debut in the show as a swing performer, covering multiple ensemble roles. She shared her experience with The Business Press.
TBP: When did you get into acting and what drew you to it? KO: I actually started out as a dancer. I loved singing, too, and my parents could tell I was a little drama queen. So they found me a youth theatre company and signed me up for classes and shows. I loved the feeling of being on stage and never wanted to stop.
TBP: What are your thoughts about Texas State having such an impeccable reputation in the world of professional acting and on Broadway? KO: I think it’s direct reflection of our incredible faculty members who prepared us for a life in this industry. Mental wellness education was at the center of our training, and I really believe that is what has helped our alumni network grow so strong so quickly.
TBP: What roles do you cover in ‘Hadestown’ and thoughts on being in the production? KO: I am swing, covering the Fates, Workers, and Eurydice. It has been such a gift to experience this beautiful piece of work from so many different perspectives.
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TBP: Ever performed in Fort Worth or at Bass Hall before? Thoughts on the venue? KO: This will be my first time visiting Fort Worth! I can’t wait to explore the city and perform at Bass Hall.
TBP: What can the audience expect and what is the message behind ‘Hadestown?’ KO: Audiences can expect a truly epic love story matched by a truly epic score of music. This piece is a celebration of community and how vital it is to find joy, especially in the hardest of times. ‘Hadestown’ is a story about how important it is to fight for our dreams and the people we love as hard as we can, even if we fail. It serves as a reminder that it is better to have loved and lost to have never loved at all.
TBP: Any additional thoughts/comments? KO: I am so grateful to be bringing this story to Fort Worth, and on behalf of the entire company, we can’t wait to sing it again. Tickets are available through the only official outlets – online at www.basshall.com/hadestown or by calling 817-212-4280.
The Performing Arts Fort Worth box office hours are Monday-Friday 9 a.m.-5 p.m. and Saturday 10 a.m.-4 p.m. For group sales discounts, visit www.basshall.com/groups.
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