Arcata High School’s production of “The Hello Girls” brings a lesser-known piece of history to life in a way that is both engaging and emotional. The musical follows the first woman to serve in the U.S. Army Signal Corps during World War I, pulling the audience in with a mix of humor, feminism, and memorable songs.
The effort from the cast and crew really shows throughout the performance, making the show feel polished and easy to get lost in. More than just entertaining, “The Hello Girls” leaves you thinking about the importance of perseverance and recognition long after it ends.
“The message we’re trying to get across is to ask the audience, will you answer the call? Will you do your bit, and try to make history?
-Olivia Lane (Grace Banker)
“Being in this musical has helped me form friendships that I will cherish for a really long time.”
-Valentina Midence (Louise LeBreton)
“Grace has a very strong opinion towards women’s rights, so in some scenes, when she was showing that, it wasn’t just her anger I was showing, it was also my own.”
-Olivia Lane (Grace Banker)
“Everybody has shown significant growth in their character development and in general in their focus on the task at hand.”
-Melanie Zapper (Director)
“It highlights how women have always fought to be heard and respected and treated equally, and I am so, so thankful that we did this play this year because it means a lot, as a woman myself.”
-Valentina Midence (Louise LeBreton)
“It’s an incredible bond, it is. There’s a certain time in the year when rehearsals go so late that I see my castmates more than my own family.”
-Omari Ferguson Johnson (Lietenant Wessen & Sergeant Ackerson)
All graphics were done by Jaime O’Donnell.
