The Hello Girls ~ 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.
Listen to the Original Off-Broadway Cast Recording of THE HELLO GIRLS on Spotify!
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?"
TICKET SALES BEGIN JUNE 1, 2024.
Lap sitting is not permitted as every person must have their own ticket. No children under 3 will be permitted. No refunds or exchanges. All sales are final.
Approximate Run Time: 2 ½ hours with an intermission
This production will take place in the KVTA Studios' Black Box Theatre located at 1 Stuart Dr Kankakee IL 60901.
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