The Los Altos main library has scheduled a live mini-musical, “Bella’s American Tale,” 7-8:30 p.m. Jan. 15 in the library program room, 13 S. San Antonio Road.

“Bella” the tale of a 20-year-old immigrant and her father who escape persecution and find passage on a boat to America in 1911, describes the terrors of Ellis Island, the teeming tenements of New York and the sweet music of Hester Street. The story dramatizes the horrific conditions of the sweatshops, culminating with the infamous Triangle Shirtwaist Fire of 1911 and its consequences for Bella and her fellow workers. Bella is a composite of the immigrants who came to this country during that period.

Director Steve Gill (also Papa), a retired teacher from Menlo School, where he started the drama program in 1980, has worked professionally with TheatreWorks, American Musical Theatre and San Jose Stage Company and has performed with West Bay Opera and the Foothill Music Theatre.

Mollie Hudner Thompson (Bella), mother of three and a lawyer, also sings and acts. She has performed with musical ensembles, chorales and rock bands, singing music ranging from Gershwin to Madonna.

Clara Brill (Violinist and Mime) studies at the San Francisco Conservatory of Music and performs with her own rock band and a classical string quartet. Her improvisational skills and passion add a haunting element to the story line.

For more information, call Gill 948-4648 or 906-6551, e-mail slugogill@yahoo.com or visit www.santaclaracountylib.org/losaltos/.