As Americans today are debating about democracy under the current president, it couldn’t be a better time for the inspirational musical “Suffs.
The Tony Award-wining show with book, music and lyrics by Shaina Taub details with nuance the years-long, hard-fought challenges facing women seeking the right to vote in the early 20th century.
The national tour of the show onstage at the Orpheum Theatre in San Francisco through Nov. 9 is classy and thoughtful. And as it brings to the light the history of feminists whose names are sadly unknown to most of the general public, it’s also among a crop of musicals (“Hamilton,” “Six,” “Les Misérables,” “Parade”) that are as educational as they are entertaining. Really, how people know that Harry Burns in 1920 was the Tennessee representative who voted to pass the 19th Amendment, giving American women the right to vote?
Still, it’s the women who rule in “Suffs,” which boasts an impressive all-female cast portraying diverse leaders of the suffrage movement: Maya Keleher is commanding as Alice Paul, the upstart young rabble-rouser with endless drive who challenges Carrie Chapman Catt (the confident Marya Grandy), the seasoned leader advocating a slow, steady approach.
Directed with nice economy by Leigh Silverman, they’re joined by Ida B. Wells (Danyel Fulton), the Black journalist fighting for racial justice; Lucy Burns (Gwynne Wood), Alice’s steadfast college cohort; Inez Milholland (Monica Tulia Ramirez), the charismatic parade martial; Ruza Wenclawska (Joyce Mermer Zheng), the feisty Polish-American activist; Doris Stevens (Livvy Marcus), the writer documenting pertinent events; Mary Church Terrell (Trisha Jeffrey), the Black suffragist willing to make more concessions than Wells; and Alva Belmont (Laura Stracko), the socialite who funds political activities.
The women playing the men are good, too: Jenny Ashman is energetic as disingenuous President Woodrow Wilson; Brandi Porter is a delight as sympathetic Dudley Malone, an aide to Wilson who ultimately joined forces with the women.
While Taub cleverly and succinctly delineates the myriad characters (the show is easy to follow!), at the same time, she doesn’t go too deep, and emotional impact doesn’t really register until the conclusion. Likewise, the melodic and often anthemic score is largely homogeneous.
Still, although audiences may not be deeply touched by the individuals and their struggles, their collective movement and efforts are powerful. Count “Suffs” as an important history lesson that goes down easy.
“Suffs” continues through Nov. 9 at the Orpheum Theatre, 1192 Market St., San Francisco. Tickets are $62 to $275 at broadwaysf.com or (888) 746-1799.The post Review: ‘Suffs’ tunefully tells story of women’s fight to vote in America appeared first on Local News Matters.