My friend Jon is a big musical theater fan, so I asked him to suggest a play we could see together in London's famed West End. He did not hesitate, suggesting "Hadestown" - a show he had seen at least a half-dozen times. We went on January 26 at the Lyric Theatre in London's West End.

The production did not disappoint.

Hadestown tells the story of Orpheus and Eurydice, star-crossed lovers of Greek mythology. After the two fall in love, Underworld overlord Hades entices Eurydice into his domain of the Dead. Her presence sparks jealousy in Hades's wife, Persephone, while Orpheus braves the journey, attempting to rescue his lover.

While the Orpheus / Eurydice love story is the focus of this play, Hades and Persephone seek to rekindle their romance in a touching parallel story.

Dónal Finn projected a naive sincerity as Orpheus and Zachary James portrayed a cunning Hades. Melanie La Barrie captivated the audience in her role as Hermes, who provided musical narration to the story.

The music was great, the story was great, the acting was dynamic, and our front-row seats allowed the energy of the actors to flow through us.

I do not think I will see Hadestown as often as Jon, but I will likely see it again.