From New York to Paris, from ragtime to jazz: THE HELLO GIRLS chronicles the story of America’s first women soldiers in this new musical inspired by history. These intrepid heroines served as bilingual telephone operators on the front lines, helping turn the tide of World War I. They then returned home to fight a decades-long battle for equality and recognition, paving the way for future generations. THE HELLO GIRLS was commissioned and premiered by NYC’s Prospect Theater Company to celebrate the centennial of these groundbreaking women.
The protagonist of THE HELLO GIRLS is Grace Banker, chief of the first female telephone operators’ unit of the US Army Signal Corps. The unit was set up in 1917 on the orders of General Pershing, who wanted skilled telephone operators to ensure effective communication between the American Expeditionary Forces in Europe. Of course, the best operators at that time were women, so that’s who Pershing set out to recruit.
In order to coordinate with Ferdinand Foch’s army, the operators also need to be fluent in French, making Franco-American Louise LeBreton a shoo-in. Idaho farm girl Helen Hill has been speaking French with her maman since she could crawl. Bertha Hunt isn’t content to sit at home while her husband ships off, so she joins the army too. Suzanne Prevot sees enlistment as an opportunity for adventure. She convinces Grace to join her, arguing, “Girls like us – we aren’t cut out for tending Victory Gardens.” Of course, Grace will have to cultivate her professional relationship with her immediate superior, Lt. Joseph Riser, a man’s man who is none too thrilled about leading a company of ladies.
Learn more about the real world “Hello Girls” in the video from Peter Mills’ channel. (Player found below.)
Director: Sharla Ronchetto
Assistant Director: Rozy Labriola
Vocal Director: Bonnie Brewer
Choreographer: Jordyn Clark
Ragtime, jazz, and tight harmonies help tell the story of the incredible Hello Girls, the women who answered the call and went on to go down in history as the USA's first female soldiers. During World War I, there was a need for bilingual telephone switchboard operators, and it was women who were the most qualified for the job. In this new musical, experience what these trailblazing women went through on their ground-breaking journey that would help win the war. This is a show that asks us all, "If you have the chance, will you answer the call?"
PERFORMANCE DATES/LOCATION:
July 26, 27, and 28, 2024
KVTA Studios 1 Stuart Dr. Kankakee, IL 60901
CAST LIST:
GRACE BANKER: Sarah Sheehan
SUZANNE PREVOT: Aisa Rogers
LOUISE LE BRETON: Izzy Kostbade
HELEN HILL: McKenzey Testerman
BERTHA HUNT: Rachel Tobey-Barrows
CPT JOSEPH W RISER: Dana James
GEN JOHN PERSHING: Ben Keller
LT ERNEST WESSEN (& Others): Jacob Robinson
PVT EUGENE MATTERSON (& Others): Riley Lingo
PVT ROBERT DEMPSEY (& Others): Bryar Homan
GERMAN PRISONER (& Others): Paul Snyder
ENSEMBLE: Clare Steffes, Kayla Connelly, Amy Shinabarger
Cast members are required to provide the following personal items: shoes, socks, and stage makeup. Optional expenses are the purchase of a show recording, professional pictures from our photographer, apparel items, production party attendance, cast/staff chill times, etc. PLEASE NOTE: Child care is not available during rehearsals and performances. Cast and staff members are not permitted to bring their children, or any additional family members, to rehearsals. All rehearsals are closed to the public unless otherwise stated. All KVTA facilities are smoke-free, alcohol-free, and drug-free. Anyone found to be in violation of these policies may be removed from the production.
KVTA Policies: PDF
KVTA Policies Acknowledgement Form to be signed: PDF
All participants, on-stage or off-stage, will be required to sign KVTA's Social Media, Sexual Harassment, and Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Policies. If said participant is under the age of 18, a parent or guardian will sign for the participant. Any parent or guardian signing for their auditioner agrees to instruct and provide information to their auditioner regarding KVTA's policies. An Emergency Card and Waiver of Liability must also be completed and signed in order to participate. These forms will be distributed when you first volunteer with KVTA. If you have any questions please email: kvta@kvta.org
Thank you!
The Hello Girls 2024 Staff
Reviews of the World Premiere of THE HELLO GIRLS:
“Move over, Mean Girls and Wicked: There’s a new musical exploding with grrrl power, female camaraderie and uplifting songs” – TimeOut NY
“Simply stated, don’t miss it…fascinating historical story, great music, an exceptional cast, and the finest staging…The company of The Hello Girls is tops.” – BroadwayWorld
“Filled with memorable songs and brilliant performances, it is a musical as triumphant as the true story on which it is based…Mills (who wrote the music and lyrics) has filled this action-packed war story with instant-classic songs…a particularly joyous experience. You won’t want to say goodbye.” – Theatermania
“First-class entertainment…musically rich, beautifully staged and vibrantly performed” – CurtainUp
“one of the best new musicals I’ve seen Off-Broadway…a consummate ensemble piece…The Hello Girls is a winner on all fronts” – BlogCritics.org
“The musical numbers are catchy, and the lyrics are bright and intelligent…winning performances” – Wolf Entertainment Guide
“Terrific beyond belief…Mills is a “deft lyricist” and “one of our major lyric writing talents”– BroadwayRadio
SHOWTIMES:
FRIDAY, JULY 26 @ 7 PM
SATURDAY, JULY 27 @ 2 PM
SUNDAY, JULY 28 @ 2 PM
LOCATION:
KVTA Black Box Theatre, 1 Stuart Dr, Kankakee, IL 60901