SUFFS - Music Box Theatre (05/11/24)

There is something distinctly poetic about the timing of a show that tells the story of American suffrage coinciding not only with the US presidential election, but one where women are at the forefront of public consciousness. Shaina Taub’s debut musical “Suffs” both reopens the conversation on women’s rights, and highlights how much of a struggle it has been, and continues to be to this day amid mass political division.

(L-R) Kim Blanck, Hannah Cruz, Nikki M James, Nadia Dandashi, Shaina Taub, Ally Bonino © Suffs

“Let mother vote” being exclaimed in the very first line, we come to learn is profoundly loaded, and an indicator as to the journey on which we are about to be taken. Suffs is not only educational for Americans and foreigners alike, it is a rousing powerhouse of a show that has you rooting for these women from the start. And given the subject matter and antiquated attitudes, it seems fitting this story being told exclusively by women, with the almost caricaturish nature of the male characters being portrayed a hilarious touch.

Taub’s score, though not necessarily a bona fide hit-fest, serves its purpose brilliantly, the storytelling through song is truly magnificent, one must applaud the overall flow and clarity of the narrative, Taub fully deserving of every accolade. All effectively embellished with a simple, yet stunning array of creative elements, especially Riccardo Hernandez' scenic design.

Shaina Taub as Alice Paul

The show’s writer also shows everyone her talents as a performer, taking on the lead of Alice Paul with a great deal of charisma and gusto, and the unabridged talent she’s surrounded by on that stage was simply extraordinary. Jenn Collela is always a phenomenal presence, and the back and forth between hers and Taub’s characters was delightful, as the conflicting mindsets of the old guard and new blood is expressed brilliantly.

Other highlights include Kim Blanck as Ruza, whose gumption and fire is consistently potent, and Nadia Dandashi’s Doris sweet yet determined. Nikki M James though gives the most emotionally commanding performance, her Ida B. Wells perhaps the best qualified to express the collective disdain women have felt about having to “wait their turn”, which is perhaps the most significant takeaway from this beautiful, rousing piece of theatre

★★★★☆

Suffs plays at the Music Box Theatre until the 5th of January 2025.

{PR/Gifted tickets}