Those lamenting a missed opportunity to see Suffs on Broadway can soon catch a performance by the Tony Award-winning musical’s original cast on television. Suffs, featuring book, music and lyrics by Waitsfield native Shaina Taub, premieres on PBS’ “Great Performances” on Friday, May 8, at 9 p.m. It can also be seen on pbs.org and the PBS app.
The musical tells the story of American suffragists — who called themselves “Suffs” — during their final push for passage of the 19th Amendment, granting women the right to vote. It chronicles the fierce opposition they faced and explores the tension between activists who, though they shared a common goal, disagreed on the best way to reach it.
As Taub told Seven Days for an April 2024 cover story, “I think Suffs says that change is possible, but only if we act.”
Taub starred as Alice Paul, the firebrand who took the movement to the streets and picket signs to the White House. The cast also included Tony winner Nikki M. James as Ida B. Wells; Tony nominees Jenn Colella as Carrie Chapman Catt and Emily Skinner as Alva Belmont and Phoebe Burn; Hannah Cruz as Inez Milholland; and Grace McLean as President Woodrow Wilson. Tony nominee Leigh Silverman directed.
Suffs was developed and produced at the Public Theater in New York City. Following its sold-out extended run there, it moved to Broadway in spring 2024, after Hillary Clinton and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai signed on as coproducers, joining lead producers Jill Furman and Rachel Sussman.
The show opened at the Music Box Theatre on April 18, 2024, and ran for about 300 performances before closing the following January. In its review, the New York Times said the show contained “some fine performances,” but “its scenes often come off as educational skits.” As a drama, the review noted, “Suffs feels insufficient.”
Despite that tepid assessment, Suffs earned six Tony nominations, including one for Best Musical. Its two wins went to Taub for Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score Written for the Theatre.
“I grew up in Vermont watching the Tonys every year with my mom on TV and dreaming of being a part of this magical community,” Taub said as she accepted the award for Best Book, Playbill reported. “Thank you for letting me be part of it.”
Suffs is now touring nationally.
Now in its 53rd season on PBS, “Great Performances” presents international artists and companies from a wide variety of genres.
The Town Hall in New York City will host “A Special Advance Screening of Great Performances: SUFFS” on Monday, May 4, at 7 p.m. Following the screening, actress Phillipa Soo, best known for originating the role of Eliza Schuyler Hamilton in Broadway’s critically acclaimed Hamilton, will moderate a conversation between Taub, Silverman and James. Cast members will reunite for a live performance of the show’s finale, “Keep Marching.” Learn more at thetownhall.org.
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