Village Theatre is presenting the World Premiere production of Stunt Girl on March 19, starring Bellevue native Sarah Chalfy as historical figure Nellie Bly. The musical tells a fast and funny account of the life and times of New York’s first female investigative journalist who paved the way for women rights from the twentieth century to the First World War.
“Nellie Bly is an incredible historical figure. She did so much to break the glass ceiling and brazed so many trails for women,” Chalfy said, who has been hooked on theater since an early age. “When the character was described to me I imagined her in post-depression area and it came as a big surprise to me that she lived in the late 1800s.”
‘Stunt Girl’ tells the story of Nellie Bly, a groundbreaking investigative journalist, an intrepid world traveler, and a captain of industry — all in a time before America gave women the right to vote. The upbeat account of her life and the fascinating times is told by ‘Stunt Girl’ creators Peter S. Kellogg and David Friedman.
“Peter’s words lend themselves incredibly to the music and the dialogue,” Chalfy said, “Peter and David are such a dynamic duo. David created some amazing lyrical touching melodies and rousing toe-touching numbers. He is great at doing big show stoppers and beautiful moments of intimacy.”
Chalfy grew up performing on the stage at the Bellevue Youth Theatre and Bellevue High School. She went on to earn a Masters of Opera from the Manhattan School of Music. She soon discovered the old art was not for her and entered back into the world of musicals and theater productions.
“Falling back into musical theatre allowed me to indulge my love of music, take risks, and have more fun,” she explained.
Chalfy now resides in New York City, but finds traveling back to the Northwest a refreshing break from the fast pace life.
“Growing up in Bellevue I spent so much time pinning away for life in New York City and now that I live there, this place is like paradise to come home to,” she said.
Lindsay Larin can be reached at 425.453.4602.
Where: Francis J. Gaudette Theatre, 303 Front Street North, Issaquah,
Dates: March 18–April 26
Times: 8 p.m. Wednesday through Saturday, 2 p.m. Sundays and selected Saturdays, 7:30 p.m. selected Tuesdays, and 7 p.m. selected Sundays.
Tickets: $22-$58
Box Office: 425.392.2202, Tuesday–Saturday, 11 a.m. to 7 p.m.; www.villagetheatre.org.
