In a school with 3 to 1 ratio of girls to boys, it was only a matter of time a musical about female heroes hit the stage. 

“Heroines” is a new musical that offers a story about women fighting for independence. 

This musical brings together iconic female characters from “The Merry Widow,” “The Threepenny Opera,” and operettas of Gilbert & Sullican. 

“Heroines’” Musical Director Lynn Morrow had asked Stage Director Jane Erwin Hammett to put together operetta scenes for what at the time they knew would be a production featuring a mostly female cast. Hammett wrote and choreographed this steampunk production. 

“I realized when I started, I wanted to rattle the cage,” Hammett said, referring to the rebel spirit of the female character. “I took the traditional role of the obedient wife and mother, and with some challenges, showed the ability of women to acquire some say in what happens in their life.” 

Hammett hopes that the audience leaves with a sense of how important it is to have control over their lives. 

These issues occur within different races, socioeconomic statuses and any other situations that can cause someone getting marginalized from society. 

Each character is pulled from her original opera, and in this one they all come together to share their stories. 

When they begin to witness each other’s struggles, they realize the need to stand up for other women in their shoes and rebel against the society they are living in. 

Jenny is the protagonist in “Heroines” who has to decide whether or not to betray the man who controls her. 

Manon, a French chanteuse, is determined to survive with or without a man. Anna is a woman trying to negotiate more say in her relationship. 

Freda, Lotte, Guisse, Ida, Melissa, Lucy, Margaret, Rose and Patience also join this cast to help women gain independence of their lives and change the way women are treated. 

A Sonoma State University theatre arts department original, an empowering story of women and for anyone who wants to gain control over their own life. 

“Death to the Invader,” “Ladies of the Town,” “I Wanna Be Bad” and a list of other musical numbers will fill the show with the sound of these talented performers.

Admission prices to performances range from $10 to $17. Sonoma State University students are admitted free for all performances with valid SSU ID. The show opens in Person Theater on Thursday and runs until Feb. 15.