Nobody knows New York City like a local. Some of the city’s notable locals are also the stars of Broadway. We talked with Allison Russell, who stars as Persephone in Hadestown, about her favorite places in New York City.
Broadway Insider’s Guide: Allison Russell in Hadestown
Tell us about your current Broadway role!
Russell- I play the role of Persephone, Queen of the Underworld, who is married to Hades, King of the Underworld, in writer Anais Mitchell and director Rachel Chavkin’s multiple Tony Award-winning hit musical, Hadestown, based on the myth of Orpheus and Eurydice. Persephone spends six months of the year underground with Hades, which causes the World above to experience Fall and Winter and scarcity. When she ascends for the other half of the year, she brings the Spring and Summer and plenty back with her…
How did you get your start in performing, and in what other shows have you performed?
Russell- I began busking on the streets of Montreal, my hometown, in my teens. I have always written and performed songs, and I’ve been touring internationally with various bands and projects since my early twenties. I won a Grammy in 2024 with my sophomore solo album, The Returner— but I am much newer to the world of theatre and musical theatre. The role of Persephone in Hadestown is not just my Broadway debut; it’s my professional theatre/acting debut, period! I last played the role of Oberon, King of the Fairies, in McGill Explorations drama camp when I was in the tenth grade, and I was a singing nun in my high school’s production of the Sound of Music prior to that. So this is a big step up!
How would you describe your show to someone completely unfamiliar with Broadway?
Russell- I would describe our show as a musical hero’s journey that the audience takes right alongside us. It is immersive and compelling, and you will laugh as much as you cry. I would say that it is a show which must be experienced and I will warn you that you may become addicted and find yourself returning again and again. I’ve met scores of people at the stage door who’ve seen Hadestown on Broadway more than 20 times. One woman told me it was her 55th journey to the Underworld with us!
What do you love most about the show you are performing in right now?
Russell- It is my favorite musical and was before I was cast. The music is irresistible, and I love that the band is actually on stage with us. It is a true ensemble piece, and the whole is greater than the sum of the parts. I really love that about our show. Everyone is a star! We are blessed with the most multi-talented, brilliant, diverse, and kind cast and crew you’ll ever meet!
What was the one NYC lesson you learned shortly after arriving in the Big Apple?
Russell- However long I think it might take to get somewhere—add an hour to that!
What are the best tips you can give a visitor?
Russell- Give yourself plenty of time to walk around and discover hidden gems in a leisurely way.
If you’re going out for a night on the town in New York City, where would you go?
Russell- I’ve only been living here since Oct 1st, so I’m no expert and with the Broadway eight shows a week schedule, we don’t get many free nights—but I really love Gurume and Jasmine’s on 46th and Buvette in the West Village. I’m still looking for the best spot to go dancing! Joe’s Pub is a lovely spot with excellent music curation, and I got my start in NYC playing at the Rockwood Music Hall with my first baby band, Po’Girl. Blue Note is a must for jazz aficionados. And you can’t go wrong with Carnegie Hall! And Amateur Night at the Apollo Theater in Harlem is a must!
Where are your favorite spots to send family and friends when they visit?
Russell- I love long, rambling walks with friends and family and my rescue dog, Millie, along the Hudson River Trail, over the Brooklyn Bridge, Prospect Park…And just walking around exploring the unique, densely packed, vibrant neighborhoods of NYC! My partner and I are addicted to hot yoga; we’ve been going to Hot Yoga Chelsea regularly, which is a lovely studio with wonderful teachers. And the New York Public Library is fabulous!
What is your favorite meal to enjoy in NYC, and where is it best?
Russell- I love that New York is such a foodie town and such a gorgeous melting pot – there is exquisite food from literally all over the world. The restaurants I mentioned above are some favorites, and recently, a dear friend treated me to Nobu, which was phenomenal. I think the menu at Gurume is very special, and the Blue Dog is marvelous for brunch. And for fellow dog parents, I recommend Sip & Co for coffee and light bites—they welcome our four-footers, too!
What do you love best about New York City?
Russell- I love how diverse, welcoming, and expansive this city is. You could live here your whole life and not see it all. There is always more to explore and, discover and treasure. I love how art and culture beat at her heart.
Follow Allison on social media at @allisonrussellmusic!
