Syracuse Stage has announced the cast and production team for its upcoming musical, “The Hello Girls.” The show features music and lyrics by Peter Mills, with a book by Mills and Cara Reichel. The production will include new orchestrations, staging, and updated material. Co-writer Cara Reichel directs the show, with Christine O’Grady handling musical staging, Alexandra Crosby as music director, and Ben Moss providing music supervision. Performances are scheduled from September 9 to 28 at the Archbold Theatre in Syracuse.
“The Hello Girls” is based on the true story of women who served as bilingual telephone operators in France during World War I—the first women soldiers in the U.S. Army. Originally commissioned by Prospect Musicals in New York City, it premiered off-Broadway in 2018 to mark the centennial of these women’s service and their struggle for recognition as veterans.
Writers Mills and Reichel have continued developing the play since its premiere through workshops and a concert version at the Kennedy Center in 2024. The Syracuse Stage production aims to be its most ambitious presentation so far, featuring expanded musical and visual storytelling.
“We are honored to have this opportunity to revisit the show and rediscover the urgency of the Hello Girls’ voices through a new production,” says Reichel. “Their fight for equality and recognition feels more resonant than ever, and we’re excited to bring a bold, contemporary lens to their remarkable journey.”
The score blends jazz and ragtime influences. This new staging is co-produced with Michael Cassel Group, Broadway & Beyond Theatricals, and Chief Operator LLC.
Cast members include Chessa Metz (“Suffs”), Storm Lever (“Six”), Alex Humphreys (“Dear Evan Hansen”), Jamila Sabares-Klemm (“Merrily We Roll Along”), Sophia Anna O’Brien, Sam Simahk (“Into the Woods”), Christopher Carl (“Mamma Mia!”), Aidan Cole, Andrew Mayer (“Natasha, Pierre & The Great Comet of 1812”), Emily Mesa, Nadia Stiell, Dan Teixeira, Teddy Trice (“The Book of Mormon”) and Kat Wolf.
The creative team features Milagros Ponce de León (scenic design), Jen Caprio (costume design), Dawn Chiang (lighting design), Jessica Paz (sound design), Caite Hevner (projection design), Becky Fleming (production stage manager) and Kyra Button (stage manager).
Tickets are now available starting at $30 with discounts for students and groups. They can be purchased online at https://www.syracusestage.org/, by phone at 315-443-3275 or directly from the box office. Evening shows begin at 7:30 p.m., while matinees start at 2 p.m.
A special performance for veterans, active military members and their families will take place on September 9 after a reception honoring their service. Tickets for this preview event are free but require advance reservation by calling 315-443-3275.
