Carnival Trade Token (As Seen in Hadestown: The Musical)

As seen in Hadestown: The Musical — now streaming in the US, and coming to cinemas in the UK and beyond this October.

There's something about silver. It's softer than other metals — spiritual, almost. The same quality that makes a silver slide sing differently on guitar strings is what makes this charm feel like it belongs in a myth.

Orpheus is known for seeing the world as it could be — not as it is. A shining silver amulet at his throat feels less like a costume choice and more like a reflection of that: the purity of a soul who believes in beauty even in the underworld.

In March 2025, Reeve Carney returned to London for five weeks of performances with the original Broadway cast, joined by the London ensemble and fates — one of those weeks was the filming of Hadestown: The Musical. He'd been wearing the Carnival Trade Token throughout the entire run. The costume department never asked him to take it off. Orpheus, it seems, needed it. Playbill named it one of 5 hidden Easter eggs in the film.

Back when this token was made, each ride probably cost ten cents — and maybe they'd throw in a bag of cotton candy, to boot. Nostalgic and timely, translated into sterling silver to give it intrinsic value and a little irony.

Handmade. Hand-signed. Made in the USA. 1-3/8″ diameter, complete with a yard of vintage-looking ribbon.

Also worn by Reeve Carney in Taylor Swift's "I Knew You Were Trouble" music video and the Carney "Love Me Chase Me" music video.