Suffs

First, how cool is it that Suffs exists, and that it's so good, and that it's been recognized and rewarded? And how sad is it that the show is still timely? But things are changing. The night it became clear that Kamala Harris would be the democratic nominee for president, the audience chatted "Kamala, Kamala, Kamala" as the show started. The cast had to freeze to wait for the audience to wind down, and how moved they must have been! History honoring history. (You can watch a video here.)

Shaina Taub's book, music, and lyrics have been compared to those of Hamilton, and the show has even been called "Hamilton for women." Ignoring the fact that Hamilton is Hamilton for women, and that Suffs is Suffs for women and men, there are certain similarities. Both are excellent shows. They share a more-or-less-historically-accurate depiction of a scrappy, outspoken protagonist; the humanization of people from the past; some nontraditional casting; and occasional similarities between songs. 

But Suffs is its own, unique, excellent show. It is full of joy, comraderie, warmth, and humor. It also depicts the mistreatment suffered by suffs both in jail and on the street--and it acknowledges just how long it took for suffrage to be achieved. 

(And who kept women from having suffrage in the first place? Those ostensible heroes of Hamilton!)

It seems to me that there is something missing from Suffs, some song or scene or something that would unify the show and bring it home. But while it's not perfect, its quality is undeniable, and the festive feel in the audience--full of women and girls when I saw it--is inspiring and moving. The cast is wonderful, and the all-female orchestra is fabulous.

I tip my hat to Shaina Taub for her talent and her heart and also for her ability to make this show happen! To get it to Broadway! 

Suffs depicts history and it makes history. It's a hell of an accomplishment.

Wendy Caster