From May 2nd to 4th, Inland Regional Youth Theatre (IRYT) opened their final production — Hadestown Teen Edition — at The Box theatre in Riverside. With two alternating casts and a talented ensemble of young performers, the show brought the ancient myth of Orpheus and Eurydice roaring to life one last time. In this review, we spotlight the Down Below cast, whose powerful performances made this bittersweet farewell both triumphant and unforgettable, but you can also catch the Up Above cast as well, featuring Leandro Vargas as Orpheus, Madison Adams as Eurydice, Joel Allan as Hades, Aniya Wilkins as Persephone, and Cigourney Vielmann as Hermes.

As the final curtain falls on Inland Regional Youth Theatre's (IRYT) inspiring run, the Down Below cast of Hadestown Teen Edition offers a stunning, heartfelt goodbye. With powerful performances, ambitious storytelling, and deep emotional resonance, this production stands not just as entertainment, but as a tribute to what youth theatre can achieve.

Brian Sharp, stepping into the director’s role for the first time, leads this production with vision and care. Sharp’s debut is nothing short of impressive: balancing a complex, deeply layered musical with a teen cast is a tall order, yet he delivers a show filled with energy, clarity, and profound emotion. Under his leadership, the young performers blossom, each bringing authenticity and strength to the stage. Choreographers Radames Montes and Lily Sharp infuse the show with kinetic storytelling, using movement to amplify emotion in every scene.

Wesley Maradiaga’s Orpheus leads the charge with a tender yet powerful performance. His renditions of Epic III and Wait For Me carry the emotional weight of the story, his voice capturing the hope and desperation that define Orpheus’s tragic journey. Alongside him, Sydney Whitlock’s Eurydice offers a standout portrayal, marked by vulnerability and strength. Her solo in Flowers is a haunting highlight, resonating deeply as she navigates the sorrow of her descent.

Tommy Cristales as Hades brings the necessary gravitas to the stage, his presence looming large over the ensemble. His delivery in Why We Build the Wall is chillingly effective, embodying the cold logic of the underworld’s ruler. Counterbalancing him, Kayleen Maradiaga’s Persephone lights up the stage, particularly in Living It Up on Top, where her energy is infectious. Yet, beneath her lively exterior, she layers in the bittersweet pain of separation, enriching her character’s arc.

Lily Sharp’s Hermes anchors the show with charisma and command, guiding the audience through the tale with clear-eyed wisdom. The trio of Fates — Kailey Gutierrez, Paloma Vargas, and Katie Campbell — add texture and tension, their harmonies in When the Chips are Down and Word to the Wise weaving an ominous thread through the narrative. Their choreography is sharp, their timing impeccable.

The Workers chorus, comprised of a dynamic ensemble, deserves special praise. Their synchronized movement and strong vocals create a palpable sense of Hadestown’s oppressive, industrial world. Numbers like Way Down Hadestown and Why We Build the Wall thrum with energy, each performer contributing to the immersive atmosphere.

Perhaps what’s most striking is the maturity and commitment displayed by this teen cast. Their take on the ancient myth of Orpheus and Eurydice feels fresh, immediate, and relevant, touching on themes of love, sacrifice, and resilience that resonate across generations.

Founded to create space for young performers in the Inland Empire, Inland Regional Youth Theatre has been a nurturing home for countless teens to find their voice, grow in their craft, and build lifelong friendships. For years, IRYT has stood as a beacon for youth arts education, staging beloved shows with professionalism and heart. Tragically, this production of Hadestown Teen Edition marks IRYT’s final bow. After an amazing run, the company will be shutting its doors after this show. That knowledge infuses every performance with an added layer of poignancy: this isn’t just the end of a show — it’s the end of an era.

Hadestown Teen Edition is the perfect farewell for a company like IRYT — a story about love, loss, perseverance, and community. The Down Below cast honors that legacy beautifully, offering a performance full of grit, grace, and passion. If there is any comfort in this bittersweet ending, it’s that IRYT’s spirit lives on — in the hearts of the young artists they nurtured, and in every audience member lucky enough to have witnessed their magic.