"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."
Read more

"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."
Read more

"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."
Read more

“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.”
Read more

“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.”
Read more

"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."
Read more

“’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.”
Read more

"A musically rich, beautifully staged, and vibrantly performed musical...Reichel has assembled a terrific cast to deliver vivid performances...Just about perfect first act...The second act does have some problems, mainly the insertion of a scene and character that distract from the tone of the overall story...But enough quibbling. 'The Hello Girls' is a first-class entertainment with strengths that far exceed any shortcomings."
Read more