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Well Behaved Women
Music & Lyrics by Carmel Dean
Carmel Dean’s acclaimed song cycle is a musical celebration of the many historic women who refused to behave. From Cleopatra to Malala Yousafzai, Frida Kahlo to Cathy Freeman, Mary Magdalene to Virginia Woolf, and more, these women will make you laugh, move you, uplift you, and ignite you. Well-behaved? As if. |
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SERENITY RIVERA |
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Well-Behaved Women was originally performed at Joe’s Pub in January 2020, with a subsequent production in Sydney, Australia. A studio cast recording is available through Concord Theatricals Recordings. Orchestrations are by Lynne Shankel, and additional lyrics are by Miriam Laube.
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Director’s Note
I am incredibly proud to launch the Eastside High School Theatre program and to see our students take on this inaugural production with such dedication and passion. They have worked tirelessly, pushing themselves creatively and collaboratively, and their hard work is evident in every aspect of this show. It's been an amazing journey to witness their growth and commitment to bringing this performance to life.
This could not have been accomplished without the support of our administration, at both the school and district levels, and the collaboration of the Eastside High School Fine Arts Department. We sincerely thank each and teacher, staff member, parent, and volunteer who has made this possible.
"Well-Behaved Women" the musical is an important production because it challenges gender norms and highlights the stories of women who defied societal expectations. For students, it offers a powerful platform for discussing gender equality and the impact of individuals who have shaped history by standing up for themselves and their rights. The musical empowers both students and audiences by showcasing the strength and resilience of these women, inspiring reflection on personal potential, and societal change.
Women climbing ladders aren’t just reaching for the top—they’re redefining the rungs as they rise. Ladders, after all, are symbols of growth, ambition, and breaking barriers. And the ladders on our set? Crafted to symbolically support those leaps forward, while shattering ceilings at every step.
In Well-Behaved Women, the glamorous costume designs given to the characters serve as a deliberate and powerful artistic choice that deepens the narrative and themes of the production. The reflect the contrast between society's expectations, and their true power. These costume choices are not just about historical accuracy or period details, but rather about making a visual statement that underscores the lives, legacies, and struggles of the women being portrayed—women whose contributions were often overlooked or undervalued in their own time. The glamorous costumes allow the women to take center stage visually, reclaiming the space and recognition they were often denied.
Additionally, the musical serves as a compelling way to explore history and social movements through the lens of theater, combining art and activism. It encourages meaningful dialogue, promotes diverse storytelling, and engages audiences in conversations about gender, identity, and societal roles.
Women's history is everyone’s history. #theatreinourschools
- Lyndsey Chance
Acknowledgements
Katrina T. McCombs, Superintendent
Gloria Martinez-Vega, Principal
Tonya Wilson, Senior Lead Educator
Special Content Areas
A HUGE thank you to the faculty and staff of Octavius V. Catto Family School and Boys & Girls Club of Camden County for lending us their space and helping to make our show a success. Special gratitude goes out to Mr. Bryan Dixon (Principal), Mr. Waddington, and Mr. Sulik (Music Teacher).
A special thanks to Mr. Donahue's talented
art students for creating our Frida Kahlo Inspired Paintings!
Mara Martinez, Tra Giang Nguyen, Ashley Pineda, Dana Lopez Garcia, Odalys DeJesus, and Kamani Bennett.
Content Warning
**Please be advised: Well Behaved Women depicts the true stories of heroic women from history. It is best suited for patrons 13 and older for occasional use of language, brief depictions of violence, real world issues, and culturally charged narrative. Parental guidance is suggested.
ESHS Theatre is a Proud Participant in
Song List
In the Beginning – Eve
The Warrior Queen– Boudicca & Iceni Rebels
On the Railroad– Harriet Tubman & Freedom Seekers
If Shakespeare Had a Sister – Virginia Woolf
Stay and Fight– Cleopatra & Egyptian Court
Ladies of the Press- Eleanor Roosevelt &
Suffragettes
Only Girl at the Table- Mary Magdalene &
Square Dancers
The Water is Where?- Fanny Durack & Mina Wylie
Hey, Bobby Riggs- Billie Jean King & Tennis Players
Yo Simplemente Soy-Frida Kahlo & Folk Painters
A Mother’s Love- Hua-Li & Divine Dancers
Papa, Are You There?- Malala Yousafzai
One Step Closer-Janet Armstrong
You Were There- Cathy Freeman
Lady Liberty- The Statue of Liberty & Immigrants
Order in the Court- Sandra Day O’Connor, Ruth
Bader Ginsburg, Sonia
Sotomayor, & Elena Kagan
We Rise– Ensemble
Cast
Creative Team
Lyndsey Chance
Kim Hunter
Elijah Davis
Franlly Morillo Abad
Meet the Company
Star Cebollero
Serenity Rivera
Franlly Morillo Abad
Mbali Mduma
Sharleny Fracisco
Alexis Coston
Roxan del la Cruz
Lyndsey Chance
Kim Hunter
Elijah Davis
Franlly Morillo Abad
How Can I Help?
Volunteers can play a crucial role in supporting the Eastside High School Theatre Department by assisting with:
1. Assisting with set construction, painting, costume design, and lighting or sound operations
2. Helping with fundraising efforts and promotion
3. Joining the Tiger Theatre Booster Club
4. Volunteering to work concessions, merchandise sales, or take tickets during performances.
5. Purchasing personal or business ads to be published in Tiger Theatre production playbills
6. Purchasing Tiger Theatre merchandise
7. Donating old tools and/or gently used household items that can be used as props or costumes
8. Assist with social media, posters, or flyers to
promote shows
Please email eastsidetigertheatre@gmail.com with questions or to volunteer.
The Characters
In the Bible, Eve is the first woman and is often depicted as the temptress of Adam. Her name, "Ezer kenegdo", translates to "helper suitable" in Hebrew, but can also be translated as "rescuer" or "savior". Eve's role as the first woman to give birth and name the first child implies her maternal authority. In Christian art, Eve is often depicted being tempted by a serpent in the Garden of Eden.
Boudicea was a queen of the ancient British Iceni tribe, who led a failed uprising against the conquering forces of the Roman Empire in AD 60 or 61. She is considered a British national heroine and a symbol of the struggle for justice and independence. Boudica's husband Prasutagus, with whom she had two daughters, ruled as a nominally independent ally of Rome. He left his kingdom jointly to his daughters and to the Roman emperor in his will. When he died, his will was ignored, and the kingdom was annexed and his property taken. In 60/61, Boudica led the Iceni and other British tribes in revolt. They destroyed Camulodunum (modern Colchester), earlier the capital of the Trinovantes, but at that time a colonia for discharged Roman soldiers. Suetonius, meanwhile, regrouped his forces, possibly in the West Midlands, and despite being heavily outnumbered, he decisively defeated the Britons. Boudica died, by suicide or illness, shortly afterwards.
Harriet Tubman (born Araminta Ross, c. March 1822[1] – March 10, 1913) was an American abolitionist and social activist. After escaping slavery, Tubman made some 13 missions to rescue approximately 70 enslaved people, including her family and friends, using the network of antislavery activists and safe houses known collectively as the Underground Railroad. During the American Civil War, she served as an armed scout and spy for the Union Army. In her later years, Tubman was an activist in the movement for women's suffrage.
Adeline Virginia Woolf (/wʊlf/;[2] née Stephen; 25 January 1882 – 28 March 1941) was an English writer. She is considered one of the most important modernist 20th-century authors. She pioneered the use of stream of consciousness as a narrative device. Woolf became one of the central subjects of the 1970s movement of feminist criticism. Her works, translated into more than 50 languages, have attracted attention and widespread commentary for inspiring feminism. A large body of writing is dedicated to her life and work. She has been the subject of plays, novels, and films. Woolf is commemorated by statues, societies dedicated to her work, and a building at the University of London. Much examination has been made of Woolf's mental health. From the age of 13, following the death of her mother, Woolf suffered periodic mood swings.[1 However, Hermione Lee asserts that Woolf was not "mad"; she was merely a woman who suffered from and struggled with illness for much of her life, a woman of "exceptional courage, intelligence and stoicism", who made the best use, and achieved the best understanding she could of that illness.
Cleopatra VII (69 BCE – 30 BCE) was the last active ruler of the Ptolemaic Kingdom of Egypt. Born into the Greek-speaking Ptolemaic dynasty, Cleopatra became queen at the age of 18 after the death of her father, Ptolemy XII. Known for her intelligence, political acumen, and charisma, she skillfully navigated Egypt's complex political landscape, forging strategic alliances with powerful Roman leaders. Cleopatra’s most famous relationships were with Julius Caesar and Mark Antony, both of whom played crucial roles in her efforts to maintain Egypt's independence from Rome. Her affair with Caesar resulted in the birth of a son, Caesarion, and after Caesar’s assassination, she allied with Antony. Their relationship, however, led to a confrontation with Rome, and in 31 BCE, Antony and Cleopatra were defeated by the forces of Octavian, Julius Caesar’s heir. Facing defeat and the prospect of capture, Cleopatra and Antony both committed suicide in 30 BCE, marking the end of the Ptolemaic rule and the annexation of Egypt into the Roman Empire. Cleopatra's legacy has been immortalized through literature, art, and films, where she is often depicted as a powerful, enigmatic figure who influenced the course of history.
Eleanor Roosevelt (1884–1962) was an American diplomat, activist, and the longest-serving First Lady of the United States, from 1933 to 1945, during her husband Franklin D. Roosevelt’s presidency. Born into a prominent New York family, she overcame a challenging childhood marked by the loss of both her parents at a young age. Eleanor married Franklin D. Roosevelt in 1905 and became an advocate for social reform, particularly focusing on civil rights, women's rights, and the welfare of the poor. As First Lady, she redefined the role, holding press conferences, writing a daily newspaper column, and speaking out on issues like racial segregation and labor rights. After FDR’s death in 1945, Eleanor continued her activism on the global stage. She became a U.S. delegate to the United Nations, where she played a pivotal role in drafting the Universal Declaration of Human Rights, solidifying her legacy as a champion for human rights and social justice. Eleanor Roosevelt remains an iconic figure, known for her advocacy, courage, and belief in the dignity and rights of all people.
Mary Magdalene was a devoted follower of Jesus Christ, believed to be from the town of Magdala. She was healed by Jesus of seven demons, symbolizing her spiritual transformation. Mary was present at Jesus' crucifixion and burial, and she is famously known as the first person to witness His resurrection, earning her the title "Apostle to the Apostles." Over time, her image became mixed with other biblical figures, but she is now recognized as a key witness to Jesus' life and resurrection. Mary Magdalene is venerated as a saint in many Christian traditions.
Fannie Durack (1889–1983) and Mina Wylie (1891–1985) were Australian swimmers who made history as the first women to represent Australia in the Olympic Games. In 1912, at the Stockholm Olympics, Durack won the gold medal in the 100-meter freestyle, becoming Australia’s first female Olympic champion. Wylie, her teammate, finished second, earning the silver medal. Their achievements were groundbreaking, as they were part of the first women’s swimming competition at the Olympics. Both women played key roles in promoting women’s participation in competitive swimming and are remembered as pioneers in Australian sport.
Billie Jean King (born November 22, 1943) is a legendary American tennis player, winning 39 Grand Slam titles. She is best known for her 1973 victory over Bobby Riggs in the "Battle of the Sexes," a key moment in the fight for gender equality in sports. King also founded the Women's Tennis Association and has been a strong advocate for women's rights and LGBTQ+ equality. Her legacy extends beyond her athletic success, making her a trailblazer for equality in sports.
Frida Kahlo (1907–1954) was a Mexican artist known for her vivid, surrealist self-portraits that explore themes of identity, pain, and culture. Despite suffering from lifelong health problems, including a bus accident in her youth, Kahlo became an iconic figure in art and feminism. Her works often incorporated symbolism reflecting her Mexican heritage and personal struggles. Kahlo’s unique style, blending folk art with surrealism, has made her one of the most celebrated artists of the 20th century. Her legacy continues to inspire with her boldness, resilience, and passion for life.
“A Mother’s Love” (Hua Mulan)
Hua Mulan is a celebrated Chinese heroine whose story has been passed down through centuries, most famously in the Ballad of Mulan. The legend tells of a young woman who disguises herself as a man to take her elderly father's place in the Chinese military, which was required during times of war. She serves with distinction, demonstrating bravery, intelligence, and skill in battle. After many years, Mulan reveals her true identity, and her courage and selflessness are honored.
Malala Yousafzai (born July 12, 1997) is a Pakistani education activist known for advocating girls' education in regions where girls face restrictions on learning. In 2012, she was shot by the Taliban for her activism but survived and continued her fight for education. In 2014, Malala became the youngest recipient of the Nobel Peace Prize at the age of 17. She co-authored the memoir I Am Malala and founded the Malala Fund to support girls' education worldwide. Malala has become a global symbol of courage, resilience, and the fight for equal access to education.
Janet Armstrong (born 1939) is best known as the first wife of astronaut Neil Armstrong, the first person to walk on the Moon. Janet and Neil were married in 1956 and had three children together. During Neil's career as an astronaut, Janet experienced the pressures of his public life, particularly during the Apollo 11 mission. She was a supportive figure throughout his journey to the Moon, though their marriage ended in divorce in 1994. Janet Armstrong has largely stayed out of the public eye, but her role as a significant figure in the life of one of history's most famous astronauts is notable.
Cathy Freeman (born February 16, 1973) is an Australian former sprinter, widely regarded as one of the country's greatest athletes. She became a national icon for her achievements in track and field, particularly in the 400 meters. Freeman won a gold medal at the 2000 Sydney Olympics, becoming the first Indigenous Australian to win an individual Olympic gold medal. She also earned a silver medal at the 1996 Atlanta Olympics and multiple World Championship titles. Known for her strong advocacy for Indigenous rights, Freeman’s legacy extends beyond athletics, as she became a symbol of reconciliation and national pride in Australia.
The Statue of Liberty, a gift from France to the U.S., was designed by Frédéric Auguste Bartholdi and dedicated on October 28, 1886. Standing at 305 feet, it symbolizes freedom and democracy. Located on Liberty Island in New York Harbor, it became a symbol of hope for immigrants arriving in the U.S. The statue was designated a National Monument in 1924 and remains an iconic symbol of liberty.
"Order in the Court”
Here are brief bios of the women who have served on the U.S. Supreme Court:
- Sandra Day O'Connor (born 1930)
Appointed by President Ronald Reagan, O'Connor became the first female U.S. Supreme Court Justice in 1981. Known for her moderate and swing-vote role on the Court, she served until her retirement in 2006. O'Connor was a key figure in numerous landmark decisions, particularly on issues like abortion and affirmative action.
- Ruth Bader Ginsburg (1933–2020)
Appointed by President Bill Clinton in 1993, Ginsburg was a trailblazer for gender equality and women's rights. Known for her powerful dissents and work on civil liberties, she became an iconic figure in American law and society, serving until her death in 2020.
- Sonia Sotomayor (born 1954)
Nominated by President Barack Obama, Sotomayor became the first Latina Supreme Court Justice in 2009. She is known for her emphasis on empathy and her work on civil rights, criminal justice reform, and healthcare.
- Elena Kagan (born 1960)
Appointed by President Barack Obama in 2010, Kagan is known for her strong legal background and her focus on institutional dynamics and the law's impact on society. Before joining the Court, she served as Solicitor General of the U.S.
- Amy Coney Barrett (born 1972)
Nominated by President Donald Trump in 2020, Barrett became the fifth woman to serve on the Supreme Court. Known for her conservative judicial philosophy, she previously served on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the Seventh Circuit.
These women have made significant contributions to the U.S. Supreme Court, shaping its decisions and the legal landscape of the nation.
