Oh My Nellie Bly

Oh My Nellie Bly

Oh My Nellie Bly

Oh My Nellie Bly

Overview

The musical tells the story of Nellie Bly, America’s first female journalist. In a profession dominated by men, in the late 19th century, Nellie was determined not only to join the profession but to become one of its brightest lights.

To get herself noticed, Nellie undertook a series of daring and outrageous stunts, including committing herself to New York’s infamous insane asylum on Blackwell’s Island. The subsequent articles and book she wrote about her experiences forced the authorities to radically reform the asylum system.

In 1889 Nellie undertook her most famous and seemingly impossible stunt – a solo journey around the world to try to beat the 80 days taken in Jules Verne’s famous novel. After many exotic adventures, she returned triumphant to New York in just 72 days.

By turns comic and tragic this is the story of a woman who opened a door previously closed to all women: the story of a brave pioneer who sacrificed love and happiness to achieve her ambition.

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Details

  • Genre: Biography
  • Time Period: 19th Century
  • Cast Attributes: Reduced Casting (Doubling Possible), Flexible Cast Size, Strong Role for Leading Woman (Star Vehicle)

Authors

Annemarie Lewis Thomas

Annemarie Lewis Thomas is a composer, lyricist and an accomplished Musical Director and arranger Full length musicals include: In collaboration with Phil Willmott, Annemarie wrote the music to AROUND THE WORLD IN 80 DAYS, UNCLE EBENEZER and THE WOLF BOYS. In collaboration ...
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Nick Stimson

Nick Stimson is a freelance playwright, theatre director and poet. He is also Associate Director of The Theatre Royal, Plymouth. Productions include: writer and director of ‘A Winter’s Tale’ (with the composer Howard Goodall) at The Sage, Gateshead and The Yvonne Arnaud Thea ...
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