The Hello Girls NYC Reviews and Tickets
Show-Score Member Reviews (143)
See it if you are interested in history told from overlooked perspectives.
Don't see it if you are looking for something super astounding or flashy.
See it if you like shows about history, woman's issues & WWI history. Great musical about WWI switchboard operators. Great singing, acting, dancing.
Don't see it if you don't like feminist shows. Would prefer a play not a musical. Read more
See it if you want to have a great theatre experience. It feels unique and different.
Don't see it if if you like shows, there's really no good reason not to see it.
See it if you like a true story singing the unsung roles of women in war. It is reasonably well staged, acted and sung.
Don't see it if you want an emotional experience. The only moving thing was at the end when they project the photographs/names of the real women who served
See it if you want to understand the climate of the country during this time period.
Don't see it if you dislike shows with tons of songs.
See it if you want to see a musical that's tight and memorable. This one's going places.
Don't see it if you dislike historical themes and you don't like actors who also play instruments - they're amazing.
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 Well produced musical about the women who enlisted during WW 1. Great story and excellent cast in this historical show.
Don't see it if If you are not interested in historical musicals.
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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