"Hadestown: The Musical" opened to a whopping $10.2 million domestically over the weekend, surpassing "Hamilton" to become the highest box office debut for a live theater show capture. Why it matters: The record-setting opening validates theatrical releases as a viable distribution model for certain live stage productions.The big picture: Musicals can extend their cultural reach and build new audiences by bringing professionally filmed performances to movie theaters."We also know there are audiences who haven't seen 'Hadestown' yet because of lack of access — geographic or financial — or simply lack of awareness. The film lets us address both," the show's theatrical and film producer Mara Isaacs told Axios. Catch up quick: "Hadestown" opened on Broadway in 2019 and won eight Tony Awards, including Best Musical.It has remained on Broadway ever since, opened in London's West End in 2024 and has toured North America almost continuously since 2021.The show takes on Greek myths in an American folk and jazz-inspired musical about love, hope and survival. While it started as an indie theatrical offering with a dedicated group of core fans, "Hadestown" has evolved into a mainstream hit, Isaacs said. Zoom in: The show partnered with Bleecker Street's Crosswalk and LD Entertainment to distribute to 1,949 theaters across North America this past weekend.It was a prime release opportunity, given there was no other major motion picture slated for that weekend, Isaacs said.The thematic parallels to Christopher Nolan's "The Odyssey," which debuted earlier this month, also created synergies. Zoom out: The film was designed to stand on its own while also celebrating and supporting the theatrical production.Isaacs said initial attendance data suggests both the Broadway and West End productions are benefiting from a "glow effect.""Shows like ours, with fan bases that make a point of repeat viewing, are especially likely to benefit — offering another opportunity to deepen a connection, or spark a new one if the film is someone's introduction to the piece," she noted.Between the lines: While "Hadestown" amassed a loyal following over the past seven years, producers believed a theatrical release could create an event that would drive stronger community around the story, which is why it didn't bring the show to streaming first. "We've heard reports of collective applause at certain moments, of gasping and weeping — all kinds of emotion. The power of the big screen is undeniable, and that's what excited us most about this approach," Isaacs said.Context: Live theater tends to be a risky venture, with only a small minority ever recouping their initial investment.Successful box office runs and streaming windows are helping to deliver new revenue streams that can drive further investment in new shows and fan experiences.Isaacs said the film's box office success shows how much growth lies in markets beyond major theater cities, noting top-performing venues were in places like Huntsville, Alabama; Salt Lake City, Utah; Eugene, Oregon; and Boise, Idaho.Reality check: While the live-capture strategy has been a huge success for "Hadestown," Isaacs concedes it may not be the right fit for every show. "Not all theatrical material translates naturally to screen," she said, noting "Hadestown" benefitted from its score, choreography and costume design, which made the film feel more like a concert.What's next: The initial five-day theatrical run has been so successful that the producers of "Hadestown" have extended its box office presence. Asked whether they're considering a streaming window, Isaacs said "Hadestown" producers are working with their distribution partners on next steps, including future formats.Go deeper: Broadway's TV revival