BRAND-NEW PRODUCTION OF THE HELLO GIRLS OPENS IN SYRACUSE, NEW YORK
A spirited, stunning show, one that’ll have you wiping your eyes and leaping to your feet for a standing ovation at the end”
Syracuse.com
“It’s spectacular…Tackling this inspirational and historical story as a musical is bold and audacious and it lands perfectly.”
wwnytv.com
THE HELLO GIRLS tells the true story of America’s first female soldiers and their fight for equality and recognition.
Syracuse, New York — Australian producer Michael Cassel has expanded his international producing portfolio with a brand-new production of THE HELLO GIRLS, which opened in Syracuse, New York on 12 September.
THE HELLO GIRLS tells the extraordinary true story of the first female soldiers to join the U.S. Army, serving as bilingual telephone operators in France during World War I.
Blending jazz and big band swing with modern Broadway’s rich harmonies, vibrant pop anthems and powerful lyrical storytelling, the Syracuse Stage production of THE HELLO GIRLS is co-produced with Michael Cassel Group, Broadway & Beyond Theatricals and Chief Operator.
Syracuse.com praised the production: “Set in World War I, but with the energy and vibe of contemporary Broadway theatre,” and “captivating…songs that are lush, harmonically complex, diverse and memorable.”
Originally commissioned by Prospect Musicals in New York City, THE HELLO GIRLS premiered Off-Broadway in 2018 to coincide with the centennial anniversary of the groundbreaking journey taken by the real-life women, from the frontlines to their decades-long fight to be recognized as veterans back home. Since then, writers Mills and Reichel have continued the play’s development through workshops and a concert version of the show at the Kennedy Center in 2024. Syracuse Stage’s upcoming presentation represents the most ambitious version yet, with revitalised musical staging and bold new visuals designed to bring deeper resonance to today’s audiences.
“In this unforgettable production of THE HELLO GIRLS, Cara Reichel and her crew have created a world that we can step back into, enjoy, and reflect on; we can perhaps even be stirred to connect our history to our present.”
Ithaca.com
With music and lyrics by Peter Mills and book by Peter Mills and Cara Reichel, this new production features fresh orchestrations, new staging and reworked material. It is directed by co-writer Reichel with musical staging by Christine O’Grady, music direction by Alexandra Crosby and music supervision by Ben Moss.
“Theater tells stories that need to be told. Theater is inspirational, entertaining, educational and sometimes thrilling. THE HELLO GIRLS is all these things. It is simply perfection”
wwnytv.com
“We are absolutely thrilled to be working with our friends at Syracuse Stage to bring a brand-new production of THE HELLO GIRLS to audiences in New York,” said producer Michael Cassel. “With its opulent score and the compelling story of these trailblazing women, I know THE HELLO GIRLS will inspire and captivate audiences in a truly unforgettable way.”
The cast includes Chessa Metz* (Broadway: Suffs), Storm Lever* (Broadway: Six), Alex Humphreys* (Broadway: Dear Evan Hansen), Jamila Sabares-Klemm* (Broadway: Merrily We Roll Along) Sophia Anna O’Brien, Sam Simahk* (Broadway: Into the Woods), Christopher Carl* (Broadway: Mamma Mia!), Aidan Cole*, Andrew Mayer* (Broadway: Natasha, Pierre and the Great Comet of 1812), Emily Mesa, Nadia Stiell, Dan Teixeira*, Teddy Trice* (Broadway: The Book of Mormon), Kat Wolff*, Victoria Rivard†, and Soraiah Williams.
The production team includes Milagros Ponce de León (scenic designer), Jen Caprio (costume designer), Dawn Chiang (lighting designer), Jessica Paz (sound designer), Caite Hevner (projection designer), Becky Fleming* (production stage manager) and Kyra Button* (assistant stage manager).
*Member of Actors’ Equity Association, the Union of Professional Actors and Stage Managers in the United States
† Student, Syracuse University Department of Drama.
THE HELLO GIRLS is now playing at Syracuse Stage until 28 September, for production images and further information syracusestage.org/hello.