House of Fallen Women is a provocative new musical that reimagines the stories of women throughout history who were cast as “fallen” for daring to break society’s rules around sex and power. Narrated by Eve—the original rule-breaker—the show explores what really makes a person dangerous.
Featuring the stories of Zelda Fitzgerald, Colette, Josephine Baker, Anne Boleyn, Victoria Woodhull, Lulu White, Evelyn Nesbit, Marilyn Monroe, Mary Magdalene, and more.
(Scroll down for character list and song clips)
Concept Album Coming 2025
A New Musical About the Women Your Mother Warned You About
CHARACTERS
(in order of appearance)
Eve
"The Way the Story Goes"
Eve, the “first woman" of the Bible, unleashes her frustration and rebellion in the opening number, "The Way the Story Goes.” In the song, she exposes how her narrative has been distorted, and invites the audience to reimagine it through the telling of the experiences of women throughout history - her "daughters"! - who've shared her fate.
"Original Life"
Zelda Fitzgerald is a spirited young girl yearning for a life beyond conventionality and longing for uniqueness. When her mother tells her all women must choose between one of two paths - traditional or tragic - she expresses her desire to forge a path of her own in the song "Original Life."
"Only For A While"
Colette is a shy girl from the country living in early 20th-century Paris, caught in the tight grip of societal norms and a restrictive marriage. Despite her sharp mind and love for writing, she is trapped by her domineering husband, who makes her write under his name. In "Only For A While," we see Colette's struggle as she wrestles with her longing for both love and personal freedom.
"Don't Talk, Evelyn"
Evelyn Nesbit is a young ingénue caught in the glittering yet perilous world of early 20th-century New York City's elite. In the song "Don't Talk, Evelyn," she wrestles with the choice between silence and ambition, navigating a world where her dreams hinge on the favor of powerful men.
"Patient A"
Louise Augustine Gleizes is a young woman trapped between the confines of societal expectations and her own sexuality and mental health challenges within the austere walls of Salpêtrière Hospital in Paris. The song "Patient A" chronicles her journey through a hysteric episode while in solitary confinement, taking her from despair to ecstasy and back again.
"Mrs. Force Astor Dick"
Titanic survivor Madeleine Force Astor Dick is a disgraced socialite, now navigating the tumultuous waters of early 20th-century societal expectations. The song "Mrs. Force Astor Dick" captures her courageous stand as she faces her abusive third husband in court, pleading for a divorce and the right to reclaim her identity.
"Untied Boat"
Xu Yuanji is a brilliant yet temperamental young poet wrestling with the complexities of love and societal expectations in ancient China. The song "Untied Boat" captures her emotional turmoil after being cast aside by her husband for outshining his first wife. Xu Yuanji metaphorically likens herself to a boat set adrift, emphasizing that affection becomes conditional only when one conforms.
"Let Them Look At You"
Josephine Baker is a struggling chorus girl contending with both racism and jealous cast members in 1920's America when she's given the opportunity to have her big break in Paris. The pivotal song "Let Them Look at You" captures her internal struggle as she contemplates a daring topless solo dance that could both ruin her reputation and define her career.
"Nirvana Is Here"
Draupadi, a character from ancient Indian epic literature, unveils the intricate dynamics of polyandrous marriage with her five husbands to other characters who feel constrained by traditional roles. In the song "Nirvana is Here" Draupadi reflects on the liberation found in loving and being loved by multiple partners, celebrating the diversity of intimacy and connection she experiences within her unconventional marital arrangement.
"Moonshine Like Mine"
Maggie Bailey is an independent and clever woman hailing from the rugged Appalachian mountains, where she crafts the finest moonshine known to the region. In the spirited song "Moonshine Like Mine," Maggie celebrates the artistry and satisfaction of her craft, weaving tales of the smoothest brew and the pride that comes from being valued for her unique talents.
"Diamonds"
Lulu White is as a provocative and shrewd character navigating the tumultuous world of New Orleans' Storyville district in the late 19th century. Her song "Diamonds" showcases Lulu's unapologetic perspective on her profession, drawing parallels between her role as a sex worker and the and the the societal expectations imposed on women.
"Follow Me"
Victoria Woodhull is a psychic medium who leaves her small midwestern town to run for President of the United States after specific instructions from her spirit guide. He tells her it is her destiny to advocate for social freedom and sexual emancipation for women, and she obeys, fearlessly challenging the societal norms of the restrictive 19th century America. The song "Follow Me" captures her impassioned speech, where she champions free love and the right of women to control their own bodies and desires.
"Voices"
Anne Boleyn is the unapologetically sharp-tongued and self-determined second wife of Henry VIII grappling with the impending threat of arrest on the eve of her downfall. In the haunting song "Voices," Anne is consumed by a whirlwind of fear and doubt, torn between the chilling warnings of danger and the pervasive societal gaslighting which causes her to doubt herself.
"They Say I'm a Witch"
Agnes Waterhouse is a widow living on the edge of town, caught in the tumult of witch trials in 16th-century England and facing accusations that threaten both her life and her daughter's. The song "They Say I'm a Witch" unfolds as Agnes vehemently denies the charges against her, grappling with the injustice and hysteria gripping her community, and gradually realizing that, amidst the chaos, she in fact does possesses powers that transcend the ordinary realm
"If I Had a Daughter"
Marilyn Monroe is portrayed as an iconic yet vulnerable figure navigating the complexities of fame and personal longing. In the heartfelt song "If I Had a Daughter," Marilyn reflects on the wisdom she would impart to a hypothetical daughter, imagining moments of guidance and intimacy that she yearned for but never experienced. Her character in the musical offers a glimpse into the poignant complexities of a woman who longed to impart lessons of life and love, yet found herself perpetually misunderstood and adrift.
"Where the Mind Is"
Mary Magdalene emerges as a steadfast and spiritually attuned character, defiant in the face of skepticism and judgment from her peers. In the song "Where the Mind Is," Mary confidently asserts her truth, disregarding the doubt and potential slander from the other apostles regarding her special teachings from Jesus. The song becomes a testament to Mary's ability to rise above societal expectations and stand firm in her beliefs.