The Broadway stage is set to welcome back a rising star. Hailey Kilgore, the Tony-nominated actress who captured hearts as the vibrant Ti Moune in the 2017 revival of Once On This Island, is returning to the bright lights of Broadway in a captivating new role. Today, the Tony Award-winning musical Hadestown announced Kilgore as their next Eurydice, sending ripples of excitement through the theatre world. Kilgore will officially step into the role on January 14th, 2025.
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Kilgore‘s journey to Broadway has been nothing short of remarkable. Born and raised in Humble, Texas, she discovered her passion for performing at a young age. Her talent blossomed through local theatre productions and intensive training at the University of Cincinnati College-Conservatory of Music. In 2017, at just 18 years old, Kilgore made her Broadway debut in the lead role of Ti Moune in Once On This Island. Her powerful vocals, radiant stage presence, and emotional depth earned her critical acclaim and a Tony nomination for Best Actress in a Leading Role in a Musical.
Once On This Island, a Caribbean-infused fable about a peasant girl who falls in love with a man from a wealthy family, provided the perfect platform for Kilgore to showcase her immense talent. As Ti Moune, she embodied the character’s youthful innocence, fierce determination, and unwavering belief in the power of love. Her performance resonated deeply with audiences and critics alike, solidifying her status as a rising star in the theatre world. Her Tony nomination, at such a young age, cemented her place among Broadway’s elite.
Following her success in Once On This Island, Kilgore continued to pursue a diverse range of projects. She appeared in the NBC drama series “The Village” and showcased her vocal talents in concert performances. She also ventured into the world of film, starring in the 2020 movie Respect, a biopic about the legendary Aretha Franklin.
Kilgore further expanded her repertoire by taking on the complex role of Jukebox in Starz’s Power Book III: Raising Kanan. This gritty crime drama explores the origin story of Kanan Stark, a character from the original Power series. Kilgore’s portrayal of Jukebox, a troubled teenager navigating the streets of South Jamaica, Queens, in the 1990s, showcased her versatility and dramatic range. She brought depth and vulnerability to the character, who grapples with issues of identity, sexuality, and family trauma. This role, originated by Anika Noni Rose in the original Power series, allowed Kilgore to demonstrate her ability to embody complex characters and tackle challenging subject matter.
The announcement of Kilgore’s casting as Eurydice in Hadestown marks an exciting new chapter in her career. Hadestown, a folk opera reimagining the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice, has captivated audiences with its haunting melodies, innovative staging, and timely themes of love, loss, and hope.
Kilgore’s portrayal of Eurydice, a young woman who journeys to the underworld in search of a better life, is set to be both captivating and heartbreaking. Her ability to convey vulnerability, strength, and resilience will undoubtedly bring a fresh perspective to this iconic role.
In a playful nod to her previous role as the island girl Ti Moune, Kilgore commented on the Hadestown Instagram announcement, “Oh we are SO back (thank the gods).” The Hadestown Instagram post welcomed Kilgore with open arms, stating, “It’s like we’ve known her all along. Hailey Kilgore is Broadway’s next Eurydice.”
Kilgore will be joining the Hadestown cast alongside two other exciting additions. Carlos Valdes, known for his role in the CW series “The Flash,” will be taking on the role of Orpheus. Tony nominee, Tom Hewitt, will be returning to the production as Hades. This talented trio is sure to bring a fresh energy to the stage when they begin their run on January 14th.
As she continues to evolve as an artist and embrace new challenges, Kilgore is poised to become a leading force in the acting world for years to come.
Cover photo: Hailey Kilgore Returns to Broadway as Eurydice / Credit: Hadestown on Broadway
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