"The Hello Girls" at 59E59 Theatre
"The Hello Girls" at 59E59 Theatre
#1"The Hello Girls" at 59E59 Theatre
Posted: 11/16/18 at 3:33pm
Just caught the 3rd preview last night and thought it was fantastic. Also, 9 out of 10 cast members play musical instruments, some switch from one to another, seamlessly.
Went in totally blind but it's about the first American women who served in WW1 as switchboard operators, their struggle to be recognized and respected (after all, women weren't allowed to vote yet) and how vital their jobs where along the front lines.
Found this interesting article:
https://www.npr.org/2017/04/06/522596006/the-hello-girls-chronicles-the-women-who-fought-for-america-and-for-recognition
MusicAndPassion
Broadway Star Joined: 9/14/05
#2"The Hello Girls" at 59E59 Theatre
Posted: 11/18/18 at 11:14pm
I saw this last night and it was marvelous! Every song was beautiful. The lyrics were smart, clever, and illuminated the score in a way most Broadway shows fail to do. The performances and staging were excellent. I hope this has a successful life and continues to grow - I think this could be a hit! The story is as timely today as it was 100 years ago.
AntV
Broadway Star Joined: 12/23/12
#3"The Hello Girls" at 59E59 Theatre
Posted: 11/23/18 at 6:16amDoes this have a plot or is it just an ensemble presenting their stories?
MusicAndPassion
Broadway Star Joined: 9/14/05
#4"The Hello Girls" at 59E59 Theatre
Posted: 11/23/18 at 9:34am
AntV, I thought it was just an ensemble presenting their stories when I bought the tickets. Once the show started, there was a clear plot. Main character, conflict(s), subplot, and all other pieces of a story that make a musical a strong way to share history.
AntV
Broadway Star Joined: 12/23/12
#5"The Hello Girls" at 59E59 Theatre
Posted: 11/24/18 at 10:51pm
Thanks, I went tonight and it was indeed a book musical.
It was impressive, but I found myself growing tiresome as it went on. The songs are nice but all sound the same and just a few of them feel energetic. The story just seemed repetitive and simplistic with weak characterizations and possibly too many songs instead. Maybe historical musicals trying to teach something just aren't my thing.
The cast and singing were all fantastic though. I'd still say check it out if you're interested.
#6"The Hello Girls" at 59E59 Theatre
Posted: 11/25/18 at 1:08am
I saw the matinee today, and loved it - reminds me of a lot of the shows that went through the Davenport in previous years - left with the same warm feeling I had from Daddy Long Legs, but for very different reasons. I could see this show doing very well in regional theatre, so long as a version is put forth without the actors playing instruments factor.
"Life is already so dark. If you have got the talent to make it brighter and bring people hope & joy, why would you withhold that?"
Alex Kulak2
Broadway Legend Joined: 9/11/16
#7"The Hello Girls" at 59E59 Theatre
Posted: 2/3/20 at 12:50pm
I've been listening to this score on repeat for the last few days and I'm absolutely in love with it. The story is incredible, the way it's translated to the stage is perfect.
Between this and GOLDEN BOY OF THE BLUE RIDGE, I'm starting to realize Peter Mills is one of the best lyricists working today. Not only are his lyrics incredibly smart, full of unexpected rhymes and wordplay, but he's so adept at working the jargon of his subject matter into the songs. There's so many military terms and French phrases that most lyricists wouldn't even bother with trying to jam into the song. Instead, Mills makes them the core of the rhymes
#8"The Hello Girls" at 59E59 Theatre
Posted: 2/3/20 at 1:15pm
Alex Kulak2 said: "I've been listening to this score on repeat for the last few days and I'm absolutely in love with it. The story is incredible, the way it's translated to the stage is perfect.
Between this and GOLDEN BOY OF THE BLUE RIDGE, I'm starting to realize Peter Mills is one of the best lyricists working today. Not only are his lyrics incredibly smart, full of unexpected rhymes and wordplay, but he's so adept at working the jargon of his subject matter into the songs. There's so many military terms and French phrases that most lyricists wouldn't even bother with trying to jam into the song. Instead, Mills makes them the core of the rhymes"
If you’re in NY, they’re having a The Hello Girls reunion concert on 2/26/2020 @730pm at Symphony Space with the entire original off Broadway cast! I can’t wait to hear the lovely score live again... I loved it so much.
Fan123
Broadway Star Joined: 8/30/08
#9"The Hello Girls" at 59E59 Theatre
Posted: 3/9/24 at 11:50pm
For those interested, it seems that this show is going to be back (albeit very briefly) in Washington DC and New York soon: https://www.backstage.com/casting/the-hello-girls-nyc-epa-2771766/. Good to hear; the cast album is great.
Danasi
Understudy Joined: 7/18/19
#10"The Hello Girls" at 59E59 Theatre
Posted: 3/11/24 at 12:20pm
thanks for posting that! I saw it back in 2018, but would be happy to get to see it again