The Cast Photo by Joan Marcus

Suffs tells of a pivotal part of the women's suffrage movement in the United States, beginning in 1913. Front and center in the fight are newcomer Alice Paul, who wants quick and decisive change now, and old-school organizer Carrie Chapman Catt, who approaches the movement with a measured, more patient demeanor. Also crucial to the attempt to expand voting rights are the Black women who have had to fight against racism, within and without the suffrage movement, for years. Through marches, protests, political activism, and rebellion, these powerful Americans keep up the fight, battle after battle. The show premiered on Broadway in 2024 following an initial 2022 run Off-Broadway.

The book, music, and lyrics for Suffs are all by Shaina Taub. The story is action-packed, includes many milestones and aspects of the movement, and contains interesting and unique characters. While it would have been nice to know more about some of the secondary people involved and their backstories, sufficient empathy and motivation for them are conveyed. The action drags a bit in the first half of Act 2, but the storytelling is generally tight and well structured. The plot addresses division within the movement as much as it does the pushback from the male establishment (primarily President Wilson).

Taub's score includes witty, smart, and moving lyrics that propel the story forward and provide depth to the characters. The melodic music encompasses a variety of styles and rhythms. Expository recitative is effectively used in several numbers. Driving anthems (the soulful "Finish the Fight," "Show Them Who You Are"), charm songs ("Great American Bitch," "If We Were Married"), introspective ballads ("Worth It," one of several numbers that musically sound like Hamilton, "A Letter From Henry's Mother"), and action-propelling book songs ("The Convention," "How Long?") are all of high-quality. The best composition in the show is "The March (We Demand Equality)," which has two distinct melodies that are both splendid. The show ends with "Keep Marching," which reminds us that there is still much work to be done for equal rights in this country. Shaina Taub, who also starred as Alice Paul on Broadway, deservedly won Tony Awards for Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score for the show.

As Alice Paul, Maya Keleher captures the spunky determination of the young leader while also making her extremely likeable. The show is in great hands with Keleher at its foundation. Marya Grandy displays the careful intensity of Carrie Chapman Catt skillfully and shows off a very strong singing voice. Danyel Fulton (Ida B. Wells) and Trisha Jeffrey (Mary Church Terrell) are heartbreaking and supply layered portrayals of the Black women who shoulder the extra burden of racial discrimination in the fight. Monica Tulia Ramirez excels as the bold and eccentric Inez Milholland, singing with power and conveying a full emotional arc.

Jenny Ashman is delightfully over-the-top as misogynist President Wilson, and Brandi Porter delivers delicate comic relief and plenty of heart as Dudley Malone. As Alice's friends and main supporters in the movement, Gwynne Wood (reliable Lucy Burns), Joyce Meimei Zheng (fiery Ruza Wenclawska), and Livvy Marcus (adorably nerdy Doris Stevens) all provide wonderful vocals and distinct, memorable takes on their roles. Laura Stracko (wealthy socialite Alva Belmont and Phoebe Burn, mother of a legislator with the deciding vote on suffrage rights) and Victoria Pekel (Phyllis/Robin) shine in their roles as well.

The direction by Leigh Silverman isn't particularly creative, but keeps the action moving sufficiently and clearly conveys the story. The choreography by Mayte Natalio is a bit of a mixed bag, with the actual dancing working well, but with some of the stylized movement feeling too inorganic at times. Dani Lee Hutch leads a lovely-sounding 12-piece orchestra consisting of both traveling and local instrumentalists.

Riccardo Hernandez provides a minimalist set design which suitably conveys the locations of the action. The lighting by Lap Chi Chu effectively uses back-lighting to present the actors in silhouette, and often has the back wall awash in solid colors. The costumes by Paul Tazewell are attractive and subtly show the small changes in fashion during a short progression of time.

Suffs is a thoughtful, intelligent, and well-crafted musical which will educate, entertain, and inspire audiences. It's likely this show will become a staple of high schools, colleges, and regional theatre companies, but here's an opportunity to see it as staged on Broadway and featuring a first-rate professional cast performing a first-rate score.

Suffs runs through May 17, 2026, at the Aronoff Center, 650 Walnut St., Cincinnati OH. For tickets and information, please call 513-621-2787 or visit cincinnati.broadway.com. For information on the tour, visit suffsmusical.com.