The Hello Girls NYC Reviews and Tickets
Member Reviews (143)
See it if If you want to see great singing and a good story to go with it. A ww1 musical that is well written.
Don't see it if If you want a bigger stage musical. If a war story does not interest you
See it if Impressive display of talent. Performers move, sing, & play instruments. Loved the battle scene where instruments substituted for guns.
Don't see it if Given the war setting, the tone was too light-hearted. One bubbly song after another. As a result, I didn’t engage emotionally.
See it if Strong cast of women wartime switchboarders band and bond. Original Peter Mills jazzy chambre musical. Lots to like on that small stage,
Don't see it if Character development could've been stronger with padded time of 2.5 hrs.This confection would've been perfect as an only elonged single act
See it if you want to see an original musical. Endearing characters, great music and lyrics, great staging, and a perfect ensemble of actors.
Don't see it if Just see it...it is simply wonderful! This is a story that I knew nothing about, and it was told in a very entertaining and moving fashion.
See it if Interested in seeing a show based on a little known true WW1 story. Multitalented cast of actors/singers/musicians. Great orchestrations.
Don't see it if not interested in war stories, musicals. 2nd act too long. Might be improved with some trimming. Read more
See it if Like reality-based stories, music that hits sweet spot, multi-talented cast who act, sing AND play instruments, enjoy little known history.
Don't see it if You don't like musicals or wartime stories, can't appreciate early feminist activism, want more of a set, don't like actors as orchestra.
See it if musical based on a WWI event when the US Army was forced to call upon women for competence in the communications system on the front lines
Don't see it if don't want the actors also playing instruments (although they all do it excellently); want rock music rather than jazz-blues-ragtime; Read more
See it if enjoy new musicals reminiscent of older ones. Megamusical in the making. More is more! More songs, lovable chars, uncynical belief in honor.
Don't see it if all your favorite musicals are post-Rent; you prefer rock/contemporary pop. Read more
Critic Reviews (24)
"For the first act 'The Hello Girls' is a rather thrilling thing — smart, human and sardonically feminist, with a lively ragtime-and-jazz score...Yet the freshness that’s so appealing in Act 1 dissipates in the bloated second act, which succumbs to sentimentality and broad-stroke cliché...We learn enough from the musical, which briefly sketches the women’s disgraceful treatment after the war, that it can’t get away with selling us a generically upbeat ending."
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"A new musical exploding with grrrl power, female camaraderie and uplifting songs...Ten quadruple-threat performers play all the parts and most of the instruments...Although the horrors of war are acknowledged, they are rarely dwelled on...'The Hello Girls' is painted in broad, sometimes sentimental strokes, but it is undeniably inspirational. When the cynic in you has an urge to roll your eyes, you may find them filled with tears."
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"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...Director Reichel and Mills cowrote the book, which offers a surprisingly deep amount of historical perspective...There is nothing old-fashioned about Reichel's inventive staging, which holds the fields of France between two upright pianos."
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“Don't miss it...This new musical has everything going for it, a fascinating historical story, great music, an exceptional cast, and the finest staging...It features splendid direction...This troupe captures the musical's moving story of heroism...The compelling score...draws from many musical genres including blues and jazz...’The Hello Girls’ is a distinctive portrayal of the strength and fortitude of women...This entertaining, influential show will have a long life in the realm of musical theatre.”
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“A fascinating, stirring slice of early-twentieth-century women's history...Mills and Reichel tell their story with considerable verve...And without throwing any spurious, pro forma musical comedy romances into the mix, the authors depict the girls' growing friendships with their male colleagues and each other...Planting songs in just the right places and using them to strike exactly the right emotional notes...There are a few weaknesses here and there...But this is exhilarating entertainment.”
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"With a focus on the terrifying war and the active societal equalizing of women, it’s a clever amalgam of something historically pertinent and something contemporarily pertinent...They’re fighting their own battle within the larger battle—and occasionally with humor...Since Mills writes strong, fluid melodies and those keenly crafted lyrics, the anthems and others are consistently tonic...Here’s a golden opportunity to get up to speed on Peter Mills. I’d say it’s all but imperative."
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“’The Hello Girls' turns this obscure slice of history into something tuneful and stirring...The story looks back 100 years, but its message of making connections – in every sense – and a difference is evergreen... Inspired by real people..The action follows these five ‘hello girls’...With its rich score, assured staging and polished performances, the show reaches out and touches upon heroism of everyday women.”
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"'The Hello Girls' is a historical musical which tells a little known story in a dramatic and compelling manner. Peter Mills' score is tuneful without breaking with its 1917-18 time period. Cara Reichel's expert direction and a talented cast bring the many colorful characters to life. Prospect Theater Company's production of 'The Hello Girls' deserves a longer life than this limited engagement Off Broadway run."
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