Name: Working on a Song
Rating: 4.571428571428571 (14 reviews)
ISBN: 9780593182574

Anaïs Mitchell

A stunning book of lyrics from Hadestown--the winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical--annotated and explained by its creator, songwriter Anais Mitchell 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, to the tune of 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 offering thoughtful annotations of Hadestown. Fans of the musical will love this deeply thoughtful, revealing, and open look at how the songs from "the underground" evolved and became what they are today.

The Lyrics of HADESTOWN

Working on a Song

Need to come back and annotate, but enjoyed seeing the thought process and all of the various pieces that got juggled and balanced through the writing process. Especially as someone who does not prefer the Broadway version! 

Very much an ars poetica book - would recommend for people who enjoy analysis and also Hadestown. 

Elizabeth

Need to come back and annotate, but enjoyed seeing the thought process and all of the various pieces that got juggled and balanced through the writing process. Especially as someone who does not prefer the Broadway version! 

Very much an ars poetica book - would recommend for people who enjoy analysis and also Hadestown. 

"Working On A Song is one of the best books about lyric writing for the theater I've read."—Lin-Manuel Miranda Anaïs Mitchell named to TIME's List of the 100 Most Influential People in the World of 2020 An illuminating book of lyrics and stories from Hadestown—the winner of eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical—from its author, songwriter Anaïs 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 The Wall Street Journal, and “Sumptuous. Gorgeous. As good as it gets,” by The New York Times, the show was a breakout hit, with its poignant social commentary, and spellbinding music and lyrics. In this book, Anaïs 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 to Hadestown. 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.

I put on a song, read along with the lyrics, then paused to read Anais’ background on the development of the songs. Then continued till the end. Also looked up all the performances I could find (from the Tony’s and morning shows).

I haven’t heen able to get to London or NYC to see this, but have been a big fan of the music for a while. I found it popped up in a spotify mix for musical theatre. Also a big Eva Noblezada fan and love her voice on the cast album.

So the musicals is inspired by the story of Eurydice and Orpheus, narrated by Hermes set in “Hell” by Hades, and his lover Persephone.

I loved this book, and reading how Anais had to fight for every word. How sometimes poetics were more important than moving along the story and vice versa.

I think Anais has tackled some really interesting real life political elements in this ancient story. The casting director for both the concept album and the cast album for Broadway should get a bunch of awards, what an incredibly talented group of actors singing this beautiful and incredibly sad story.

Gives an amazing look into how hard and arduous it is to make a musical. I think she did great and I hope I get to see a pro-shot and or a version in person.

Suzanne

How I read this book -

I put on a song, read along with the lyrics, then paused to read Anais’ background on the development of the songs. Then continued till the end. Also looked up all the performances I could find (from the Tony’s and morning shows).

I haven’t heen able to get to London or NYC to see this, but have been a big fan of the music for a while. I found it popped up in a spotify mix for musical theatre. Also a big Eva Noblezada fan and love her voice on the cast album.

So the musicals is inspired by the story of Eurydice and Orpheus, narrated by Hermes set in “Hell” by Hades, and his lover Persephone.

I loved this book, and reading how Anais had to fight for every word. How sometimes poetics were more important than moving along the story and vice versa.

I think Anais has tackled some really interesting real life political elements in this ancient story. The casting director for both the concept album and the cast album for Broadway should get a bunch of awards, what an incredibly talented group of actors singing this beautiful and incredibly sad story.

Gives an amazing look into how hard and arduous it is to make a musical. I think she did great and I hope I get to see a pro-shot and or a version in person.

Steph L 

Mandy Picard

One of my absolute favorite musicals, on constant replay on Spotify. I love behind the scenes type things, and this was right up my alley!

alex arias

i mean, this review is a bit redundant and unnecessary because like… it’s my favorite musical so obviously anaïs mitchell’s book cataloguing the progression of the iterations of each song and her writing process is a book that i want to give 6/5 stars. and i cried and laughed and underlined all my favorite lines and parallels. obviously. if you see this review and have any interest in greek myth, please do yourself a favor and go listen to the hadestown OBC.

Working on a Song The Lyrics of HADESTOWN

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