‘Suffs’ Review: Broadway Musical About Women’s Fight for the Vote Gets Thrilling and Entertaining Musicalization
19.04.2024 - 03:21
/ variety.com
Frank Rizzo A musical that captures the sweep of history in all its complexities without sacrifice of character or credibility is no easy feat. But “Suffs,” which tells the story of the final push to achieve the 19th Amendment giving women the right to vote in 1920, does just that with a singular vision and a collective collaboration that is smart, inspiring and thoroughly entertaining.
Since its initial bow in 2022, “Suffs,” created by composer-lyricist-book writer-lead actor Shaina Taub, has been inevitably compared to another musical epic created by a multi-hyphenate that began at the same theater at The Public which offered fresh perspectives of the American experience — and then went on to be a theatrical sensation. “Suffs” may not elicit the same musical furor of “Hamilton” but it’s sure to find a following not only of contemporary suffs, but musical fans, too.
After further development from its initial run, Taub’s female-centric creation has now rightfully earned its place. It’s evident in its inventive storytelling, combined with its musical richness and emotional engagement, fueled by the vigor of brilliant outsiders demanding their place not only in history but on Broadway.
Avoiding didacticism, “Suffs” embraces entertainment from the get-go with its playful opening song, “Let Mother Vote,” led by Carrie Chapman Catt (Jenn Colella), an old guard suffragist leader who favors a ladylike way of asking for women’s right to vote. Enter Alice Paul (Taub), a young firebrand appalled that in the 60-plus years since Susan B.
Anthony began the movement, women have still not won victory. Anthony has been dead for seven years when “Suffs” begins in 1913, and it’s easy to understand a new generation’s frustrations with the
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