Maia Reficco embraces all of herself in 'Hadestown' on Broadway

The fast-rising young actress, known for the HBO Max show Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, is now making her Broadway debut in the mythological musical.

Maia Reficco was last (and first) on the New York stage in 2019, playing the title role of Evita in an Off-Broadway revival — a fitting introduction to the NYC theatre scene for the proud Argentine American. She's now making her Broadway debut as Eurydice in Hadestown, a full-circle experience in multiple ways.

Reficco saw the award-winning, Greek mythology-inspired musical shortly after it opened at Broadway's Walter Kerr Theatre in 2019. Her Evita co-star Solea Pfeiffer — whom Reficco was and is "in such awe of" — succeeded original cast member Eva Noblezada as Eurydice last year. Reficco is now the first Latina to play the role on Broadway, which she celebrates by speaking select lines in Spanish and wearing an Argentinian national symbol on her costume.

"I'm so honored, so grateful, very happy," Reficco gushed. "It feels like I cheated the system. I don't know how I'm here!"

The answer, of course, is a warm, earnest energy and true talent. Reficco's fans can attest to it from her HBO Max TV show Pretty Little Liars: Original Sin, as can this writer from hearing her — casually, effortlessly, and clear as a bell — sing "Take a Break" from Hamilton during a pause between interviews.

Reficco admitted to battling insecurity as a Broadway newcomer in Hadestown, which also stars veterans Jordan Fisher as Orpheus and Stephanie Mills as Hermes, along with Grammy-nominated musician Yola as Persephone. But that's part of what's made the experience rewarding.

Reficco appreciates being able to work through those emotions, while “standing up on that stage and doing it proudly every single time and trying my hardest to be as good as I possibly can be,” she said. "Being surrounded by such good people, it makes it easier.”

Reficco spoke more with New York Theatre Guide about Hadestown, what she brings to Eurydice, and her favorite NYC activities when she's off stage.

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What was your first experience of Hadestown?

I saw it — original cast, baby, 2019! Oh my goodness. I have screenshots of walking out of that theatre and texting my friends, "I just saw the best Broadway show I've ever seen. You have to come see Hadestown."

I sobbed. God, did I sob. I became obsessed with Eva and Reeve [Carney, the original Orpheus]. I was fangirling.

What's your favorite part of the show? Has it changed since you've joined the cast?

When I first saw it, my favorite part was "Wait for Me" because of what happens on stage — it's so well accomplished. I remember being so in awe of what theatre is able to make you feel and see. It felt like I was in a different dimension.

Now, my favorite moment is "Living it Up [on Top]." I love that number. I really enjoy having fun on stage, and that's one of the few moments where we get to truly enjoy it. And the storytelling comes so naturally because it feels so grand. When Persephone walks in, I'm in awe of whoever's playing it. Yola, right now, is on, and she's marvelous.

What would you want to tell your fans about Hadestown if they're not familiar with it?

Honestly, I love when people don't know anything about it. Just come see it. It's so good. Or if you can't come see it, listen to the music, and you'll instantly be hooked. It's beautiful. Out of this world.

On the flip side, what would you tell returning Hadestown fans to look out for?

I'm speaking Spanish [...] I'm very proud to be able to bring that into the show. I'm first Latina to play Eurydice, which, to me, was very exciting.

And I wear the Argentine escarapela [...] It's a cloth thingy with the flag, and I wear that on my coat, which makes me really happy. So if you're Argentine or Latino, you'll probably catch on to those little things. Well, you'll definitely hear the Spanish regardless. You might not understand it, but it's there.

What's been the most challenging part of making your Broadway debut?

There's a million challenges, even from the most obvious one, which is endurance. It's tough to vocally and physically do this eight times a week if you're not used to it. There's a bunch of insecurities that come up. There's so much that theatre exposes you to.

How do you overcome those insecurities?

When you care so much about something, it can be really easy to get in your head about it [...] every small mistake can feel so detrimental and so catastrophic. But, ironically enough, it's the opposite. [That care] should be the overarching feeling instead of this impending doom.

I've learned to just enjoy it. I'm not a robot. I'm not a machine. I'm going to make mistakes, I'm going to be flat, my voice is going to be tired, and those things are going to happen. And making peace with that and understanding that my worth goes beyond my performance and my work was crucial to enjoy this process. I don't know if I'm quite there, but I'm definitely closer to that than when I started.

What does your perfect day in New York City look like?

Right now, my perfect day is: I wake up, I drink mate, I have breakfast — same thing for breakfast every single day of my life. I live by the park, so I go to the park almost every day, or try to. I walk around. I bring my Kindle there. Ideally, I would love to have a friend with me, so maybe lunch with a friend. I love to Citi Bike, then go to work and do the show.

What would Eurydice's perfect NYC day be?

It would probably start out decently similar. She would enjoy a little walk around the park, a little book. She'd have fun at a bar — she'd have a fun little LES [Lower East Side] moment. She would love a good thrift store, a good bagel.

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This interview has been condensed and edited for length and clarity.

Photo credit: Maia Reficco. (Photo by Kristen Jan Wong)