By Christina Fernández-Morrow, Hola Iowa
For Nickolaus Colón, the world of regional theater in North Carolina was a wholly different landscape than he was used to. He rarely saw names with accents like his, or fellow actors who spoke Spanish. He was often the only Latino on stage or behind the scenes. As his love of performing grew, he realized that playing various characters helped build his confidence. Standing at 6 foot 3 since high school, Colón physically lowered himself to accommodate others, a habit that sometimes waned on his confidence. However, theater was incredibly transformative. “One thing that’s been really cool is it’s brought out my confidence, that natural power we all have when given the chance,” he says.
Photo by: Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade.
Finding His Voice
Now, as Hades in the acclaimed musical Hadestown – winner of eight 2019 Tony® Awards, including Best Musical, and the 2020 Grammy® Award for Best Musical Theater Album – Colón showcases the full power of his deep voice, adding significant depth to the role. “There’s no vocal part like Hades anymore, like back when baritones starred in Broadway shows like South Pacific and Carousel. It’s the first time I’ve been able to use that part of my voice, and it feels great,” he shares.
Struggle, Survival and Hope
What also strikes Colón is how the musical, written in 2006, is so relevant today. “Hadestown” is a musical retelling of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Eurydice set in a post-apocalyptic world. Eurydice, seeking a better life, is lured to Hadestown by Hades. Driven by love, Orpheus sets out to rescue her and faces a cruel and heart-wrenching challenge from Hades: he can lead Eurydice out, but if he looks back to see if she is following, he will lose her to Hadestown forever. The musical explores love, survival, hope, and the human struggle against economic hardship – themes that resonate profoundly with audiences today. “When I sing “Build the wall” it has a different meaning,” says Colón, reflecting on the song’s evolving significance. That was especially prevalent when the production toured Mexico in 2024. “You could see the hurt and pain and how effective and deep that song is, even though it was written years before this administration,” recalls Colón. Greed, power and the consequences of inaction eerily mirror the current political climate, though Colón clarifies that wasn’t the original intent. Nevertheless, he recognizes the parallels and hopes the story inspires hope in audiences. “You never know whose life you’re going to change; who needs to hear this story,” shares Colón. He especially hopes it will inspire young Latinos to try theater.
Advice for Young Hopefuls
Colón’s key to success is consistency. Aspiring performers can’t wait until an opportunity arises to prepare. “It’s about singing every day, reading plays and watching movies. You also have to keep your body ready. If you wait till the opportunity comes to prepare, then you’re going to fail,” he advises.
He also encourages aspiring performers to find their ‘why.’ Colón’s motivation is the hope that young people, seeing the show, will be inspired to pursue their own dreams. “I don’t know what kids will see this show and look at their parents and say, ‘I want to do that’. That’s my big why,” he shares.
Photo by: Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade
Representation and Inspiration
Colón proudly embraces his Puerto Rican roots, acknowledging that it took time to overcome imposter syndrome and feel comfortable on stage. “To anyone who is Latino and wants to be in this business: they want you. They want diversity. They want people of color from different spaces to be in these shows,” insists Colón. “One of the beautiful things about Hadestown is when you look at that stage, it’s a full of diversity.”
Stepping into the role of Hades in the award-winning Hadestown musical is a career milestone that culminates Colón’s journey as a performer who brings his unique perspective, heritage, and voice to the stage. Through his career and encouraging message urging young Latinos to pursue performing arts, Colón demonstrates how art can reflect and inspire change, reminding us all that stories like his are vital for sparking hope and fostering a more inclusive world.
See Colón as Hades in Hadestown April 11-13, 2025, at the Des Moines Civic Center. Buy tickets at DMPA.org or by calling the Civic Center Ticket Office at 515-246-2300 or buy them in person at 221 Walnut St., Des Moines.
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