Ani DiFranco to Make Broadway Debut in Anaïs Mitchell’s ‘Hadestown’

Ani DiFranco is set to make her Broadway debut in 2024. The musician will participate in Hadestown at the Walter Kerr Theatre beginning on Feb. 9. The role is a long time coming for the songstress, who initially voiced Persephone, the character she will embody on stage, during the tracking of Anaïs Mitchell’s concert album, for which the play is based on.

Regarding the role, DiFranco said, “I could not be more thrilled to be joining the cast of Hadestown. It’s like I get to rewind to my New York youth and follow the road not taken.” DeFranco will be stepping in for Betty Who, who previously held the role, joining a cast that includes notably Broadway faces. 

Mitchell added, “I can’t really overstate the influence of Ani’s music and example on me as a young songwriter.” She followed up, “Poetic, bold, radically emotive and FUN, she simply has been a mythic figure in my life, and I can’t think of anything more beautifully full circle than Ani playing the role of Persephone on Broadway. Grateful and awestruck.”

The Hadestown album was released in 2010—the material pieces together the story of Orpheus and Eurydice. The story is derived from ancient Greek mythology, specifically Orpheus’ trek to rescue his wife Eurydice from the underworld. The LP was nominated for a Grammy for Best Recording Package at the 53rd annual event. 

In 2016, Hadestown debuted at the New York Theatre Workshop. Since then, the production has garnered a Tony Award for Best Music and Best Original Score. See DeFranco’s Instagram posts regarding the role below.