They were the most notorious women prisoners in America who banded together to do a show that would change their lives and shock a nation. The musical was inspired by true events that happened at Alderson Prison in West Virginia in 1953. The characters are based on real and fictional inmates who were imprisoned there. Martha Stewart was incarcerated in Alderson Prison.

Lulu represents many young women who were incarcerated in federal prisons in the 1940’s and 1950’s as a result of the Dyer Act. Blanca is based on Puerto Rican Nationalist Dona Blanca Canales. Eleanor is based on the famous troubled blues/jazz singer, Billie Holiday, who was incarcerated at Alderson in 1948 for narcotics possession. Mabel is based on the former “Axis Sally,” Mildred Gillars, who served as a singer and announcer for a Nazi radio station. Betty is based on Elizabeth Gurley Flynn an outspoken Communist. Toonie and Helen are Addington prison guards. Francis Stephens is the Warden. Franklin Dodd is a radio broadcaster and entertainer, a Walter Winchell type who broadcasts the prison show in an attempt to boost ratings.

Cast members are: Jennifer Ambler of Philadelphia as Toonie, Lauren Cupples of Glenolden, PA as Lulu, Michael Doheny of Wenonah as Franklin Dodd, Elaine Fydrych of Laurel Springs as Warden Stephens, Aldine Davis Hallman of Collingswood as Helen, Toni Richards of Camden as Eleanor, Jen Rosario-Kent of Maple Shade as Blanca, Dawn Varava of Voorhees as Betty, Janet Wilkie of Moorestown as Mabel.

Artistic staff: Director and Lyricist, Randy Petersen of Westville. Playwrite, Alex Wilkie of Moorestown. Music Director and Composer André Vermeulen of Voorhees.

Tickets - General Admission $20
Students Seniors $15
Performance time 7:30 PM
Studio 5 at the Walnut Street Theatre
825 Walnut Street, Philadelphia, PA

Tickets:
The Ritz Theatre box office: 856-858-5230
or online at: www.ritztheatreco.org
or email: sales@ritztheatreco.org