INTREPID HEROINES: Members of the cast of the Lewis Center for the Arts’ production of the musical “The Hello Girls.” (Photo by Jon Sweeney)

Princeton University’s Lewis Center for the Arts’ Program in Theatre presents the musical The Hello Girls at the Berlind Theatre at McCarter Theatre Center, 91 University Place, Friday and Saturday, March 25 and 26 at 8 p.m.; and Sunday, March 27 at 2 p.m.

From New York to Paris, from ragtime to jazz, The Hello Girls chronicles the story of America’s first women soldiers. These heroines served as bilingual telephone operators on the front lines, helping turn the tide of World War I. They then returned home to fight a decades-long battle for equality and recognition, paving the way for future generations.

Music and lyrics for the show is by Peter Mills, and the book is by Mills and Cara Reichel, both Princeton alumni. Princeton senior Kate Semmens directs. Seniors Molly Bremer and Violet Gautreau, alongside a company of 12 student actor-musicians, are in the cast. Funding for this production has been provided in part by Princeton University’s Gender and Sexuality Resource Center. 

Tickets are $12 in advance, $17 purchased day of performances, and $10 for students at mccarter.org. All guests are required to be fully vaccinated against COVID-19 to the maximum extent, which now includes a COVID-19 booster shot for all eligible to receive it. Guests to McCarter Theater must wear a KN95 mask and are also required to show proof of vaccination and a photo ID at the door (Princeton students, faculty and staff only need to show their PU ID card). The actors will be unmasked while performing on stage.