In Their Footsteps
war through the eyes of five women who lived it
Vietnam, 1967-1973.
Five American women served their country during the war—two military officers, three civilian volunteers. Their voices carry memories both horrific and funny, poignant and endearing. What they witnessed in bunkers and on rooftops. What they survived in military vehicles racing through hostile territory. What they brought home in their bodies and hearts.
Five testimonies become one story revealing the often unknown human side of war. Through their exact words gathered in oral histories, In Their Footsteps transforms personal memory into shared understanding—using only five blocks that evolve into the landscapes of conflict and connection these women navigated.
Written by Ash Singer
Based on oral histories with Ann Kelsey, Judy Jenkins Gaudino, Jeanne "Sam" Christie, Lily Adams & Doris "Lucki" Allen
Runtime: 50 minutes
Community response
In Their Footsteps creates space for dialogue between veterans, historians, and audiences through post-show conversations that bridge past and present. Selected performances feature talk-backs with Vietnam War veterans and military historians who provide context for the experiences shared onstage.
The production has been embraced by veteran organizations nationwide, including performances at the Women's Overseas Service League annual convention and corporate leadership events focused on women's contributions to military service. Educational partnerships with schools and veteran groups have extended the conversation through digital programming, including radio play adaptations that reached new audiences during the pandemic and beyond.
By partnering with organizations serving veterans and military families, In Their Footsteps connects the stories of these five women to ongoing support for those who serve—acknowledging that the human side of war continues long after conflicts end.
What People Are Saying
“Five different experiences intertwine and make the lived experience indelible”
— Broadway World Italy
“Unmissable”
— Edinburgh Sunday Post
“What they have rendered is astonishing and memorable”
— Theatre Pizzazz
Production History
December 2017: Under St. Marks Theatre, NYC
March 2018: The Artist Co-op, NYC
July 2018: East to Edinburgh festival at 59E59 Theatres, NYC
August 2018: Edinburgh Fringe Festival, Edinburgh, Scotland
November 2018: The Kraine Theatre, NYC
March 2019: Merrill Lynch "Empowering Women Event", NYC
July 2019: BorderLight International Fringe Festival, Cleveland, Ohio
October 2019: Women's Overseas Service League annual conference, San Antonio, Texas
2020-2021: COVID-19 adaptations included a Zoom production and radio play that premiered on NPR station 88.3 WLIW-FM Long Island, streamed by schools and veteran organizations
November 2021: Onstage! Festival, Milan & Rome, Italy
2025: Winner, Gracie Award for Excellence in Radio Programming with WLIW-FM, Long Island’s NPR station
October 2025: Bronx Music Hall, Bronx, NY