HERstory Musical Shows

Anita Kallen and Catherine Thomson, the HERstory Duo, are cabaret artists in Chicago, who create shows that celebrate the achievements of women. All the shows in their HERstory series are meticulously researched and crafted, not as collections of songs or concerts, per se, but as a form of musical storytelling that takes their audiences on a journey with songs and stories that entertain, educate, move, and inspire. Since 2019 their HERstory shows have been performed at or hosted by a variety of venues and organizations such as libraries, senior residences, community centers, intimate cabaret clubs, the Chicago History Museum, the Chicago Women’s History Center, and the Skokie Theatre, as well as civic, religious and corporate events. Although their HERstory shows focus on female triumphs (and tribulations), they are designed to appeal to both men and women. Anita and Catherine construct their shows with something for everyone!

Catherine and Anita premiered their HERstory series in 2019 with a sold-out debut of HERstory: The 19th Amendment Turns 100!, a celebration of the law that affirmed women’s right to vote. With music by Sondheim, Lennon & McCartney, the Sherman Brothers, Parton, Schwartz, Porter, and others, they weave in the story of women’s suffrage from second-class citizenship at the nation’s founding to the nail-biting final days in the fight for ratification of the 19th Amendment and then to present-day efforts to maximize the power of women voting. When the pandemic caused the cancellation of live performances, Anita and Catherine promoted a digital version of the show, which played around the country from 2019 to 2021. The show has since been updated and retitled as HERstory I: The 19th Amendment and the Power of the Vote!

In 2022, they followed up with a new show, HERstory II: Trailblazing Female Firsts, saluting the gutsy gals who boldly defied society’s conventions - going where no woman had gone before - and achieved groundbreaking female “Firsts.” With songs by Harold Arlen, Stephen Schwartz, Dolly Parton, Tom Lehrer, Kander & Ebb, and Sara Bareilles, among others, Anita and Catherine weave in inspiring stories of amazing women and their trailblazing triumphs.

In 2024, they added a third show to their repertoire, HERstory III: A Century of Songwriting Sisters, celebrating the famous and not-so-famous women songwriters who have contributed to Tin Pan Alley, the Great American Songbook, the Broadway canon, and contemporary popular music, with songs that span the decades. Anita and Catherine share songs by 20th century composers and lyricists from Carolyn Leigh, Dorothy Fields, and Dana Suesse, to Carole King, Joni Mitchell, and Gloria Estefan, among others, and entertain audiences with inspiring stories of how these women became part of the soundtrack of our lives.

HERstory IV: Women of the Windy City is the latest in the HERstory Series, offering a rousing musical tribute to the amazing women who have shaped Chicago's vibrant history and culture. With music by Johnny Mercer, Stephen Schwartz, Dolly Parton, Charles Strouse, Craig Cornelia, Stephen Sondheim, and others, they spotlight an array of women – from the famous and infamous to the “hidden figures” who have left an indelible mark on our city. Anita and Catherine now tour with all four HERstory shows, generally one-hour each, but shorter “highlight” versions of the shows are also available, ideal for luncheons and fundraising receptions where a full show would not be possible.

Anita and Catherine met in the summer of 2010, when they were among 38 students from around the world selected to attend the International Cabaret Conference at Yale University. They worked with Broadway veterans such as Faith Prince and Tovah Feldshuh, as well as cabaret legend Julie Wilson.

Sample Audience Quotes:
"A wonderful performance by smart, strong women with beautiful voices, music, humor and a fantastic historical journey shared.”
“Thoughtful, clever, funny, beautifully sung!”

Critical Response:
Catherine Thomson is "...a cabaret artist to watch. Not only does she sing like a canary and move like a cat, she gets the art of cabaret and thus is, above all, a wonderful story teller." – Cabaret Scenes magazine. “Thomson brings much to the cabaret table... She landed the humor beautifully.” – Cabaret Scenes magazine.

Anita Kallen is "rock solid vocally and confident interpretively which enables her to tell a heck of a story... Today's confident shimmery Kallen has become a real entertainer!" -- Cabaret Scenes magazine. "The grand Anita Kallen....engages the audience with her delightful style of storytelling." -- Chicago TheatreBeat.

Available Areas: North, West, Central, Chicago Metro

Core Audiences: Adult, Seniors, General

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