"At Syracuse Stage, the production 'Hello Girls' pays tribute to the nation's first female soldiers in a musically memorable way."
In the heart of New York City, a musical inspired by the "Hello Girls," a group of American female switchboard operators who served during World War I, premiered at Prospect Musicals in 2018. Created by Cara Reichel and her husband, Peter Mills, the musical titled "The Hello Girls" is now set to return, this time at Syracuse Stage, opening on September 9.
The musical, which invites the audience to imagine the world as it was in 1918 and consider their own capacity for sacrifice, features Grace Banker, the chief operator of mobile for the American Expeditionary Forces, as its de-facto main character. The show's opening number, "Answer the Call," sets the tone for a story that follows the "Hello Girls" as they bravely answered the call to serve their country.
The musical's sound is a unique blend of contemporary genres, with Peter Mills drawing from ragtime, jazz, and the big band swing of the 1940s. A song like "We Aren't in the Army" illustrates the plodding bureaucracy the "Hello Girls" faced, drawing heavily on a famous Scott Joplin admonition. Another song, "Je M'En Fiche," channels the type of song that wouldn't be heard in dance halls until at least the 1930s, appropriate for a group of Americans who were, in many ways, already modern.
The premier of "The Hello Girls" in 2018 was partnered with Clear Path for Veterans, Honor Flight Syracuse, and the National Veterans Resource Center at Syracuse University. A special free-of-charge performance for veterans, active military members, and their families will be held on September 9. Reservations for the Veterans and Military Appreciation Night can be made by calling the Syracuse Stage Box Office at 315-443-3275.
The Syracuse Stage production of "The Hello Girls" will run from September 9 to September 28. Before the 7:30 p.m. performance on September 19, the theatre will host a vendor fair featuring veteran-owned businesses. Tickets for the Syracuse Stage production can be purchased at SyracuseStage.org/hello.
The "Hello Girls" were eventually recognized for their military service by the U.S. government in 1977. In 1918, the Signal Corps Female Telephone Operators Unit sailed for France to run switchboard operations on the frontlines during the twilight of the First World War. Out of over 7,000 applicants, only about 450 women were accepted, most of whom had prior experience as switchboard operators or telecommunications employees. Despite their military roles and responsibilities, these women were not officially recognized as soldiers at the time and were often considered civilian employees. It was not until 1978, six decades after the war ended, that the U.S. Congress granted them veteran status and honorable discharges in acknowledgment of their service.
The musical "The Hello Girls" ends with an epilogue that encourages contemplation on civic involvement, serving as a poignant reminder of the "Hello Girls'" fight for recognition and equality after the war's end. This musical tribute not only honours the pioneering role of these women but also sheds light on the historical struggles women faced in gaining equal military status.
[1] "The Hello Girls: America's First Women Soldiers in World War I" by Elizabeth Cobbs [2] "Hell-o Girls: America's First Women Soldiers" by Diane J. Bonds
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