★★★★★ REVIEW: Suffs (Broadway) | the Tony Award nominated new musical at the Music Box Theatre
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- Опубликовано: 20 июн 2024
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OHMYGOD HEY!
One of the shows I saw during my recent two week trip to New York was SUFFS, the brand new Musical currently playing at the Music Box Theatre on Broadway.
The show, which was recently nominated for several Tony Awards, features a book and score by Shaina Taub who also stars alongside Jenn Colella, Nikki M James, Emily Skinner, and more.
Check out this new video review to find out why I love this show...
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00:00 | introduction
02:14 | overview / synopsis
07:02 | the material
15:38 | performances
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ABOUT SUFFS
Suffs, the six-time Tony Award-nominated musical from Shaina Taub about the lives and legacies of unsung changemakers in the women’s suffrage movement of 1920, is marching onto Broadway with producers Hillary Rodham Clinton and Malala Yousafzai.
Just about century ago, the Nineteenth Amendment secured the voting rights of some women, largely thanks to key figures of the women’s suffrage movement: Inez Milholland, Ida B. Wells, and Alice Paul, to name a few. However, this movement was not without its faults. With an honest, 21st-century lens, the Suffs musical examines both the crucial building blocks and the cracks in the foundation of the women’s suffrage movement through the women that pioneered it.
With a book and score by fast-rising composer Shaina Taub (also known for collaborating with Elton John on The Devil Wears Prada musical), Suffs off Broadway brings forth an exciting new voice in musical theatre. Taub now makes her Broadway debut after winning the 2014 recipient of the esteemed Jonathan Larson Award and earning acclaim with her work composing and starring in the Public’s Twelfth Night and As You Like It musical adaptations.
Tony Award nominee and two-time Obie Award winner Leigh Silverman (Violet) directs Suffs on Broadway. Alongside Taub in the cast is Tony Award winner Nikki M. James as Ida B. Wells, Tony Award nominee Jenn Colella as Carrie Chapman Catt, Grace McLean as President Woodrow Wilson, Hannah Cruz as Inez Milholland, Kim Blanck as Ruza Wenclawska, Anastacia McCleskey as Mary Church Terrell, Ally Bonino as Lucy Burns, Tsilala Brock as Dudley Malone, Nadia Dandashi as Doris Stevens, and Tony Award nominee Emily Skinner as Alva Belmont/Phoebe Burn.
Rounding out the company are Hawley Gould as the Alternate for Alice Paul, Jaygee Macapugay as Mollie Hay, and Laila Drew as Phyllis Terrell/Robin. The ensemble will feature Dana Costello as well as Jenna Bainbridge, Monica Tulia Ramirez, and Ada Westfall making their Broadway debuts. The cast will also include Christine Heesun Hwang, Kirsten Scott , Housso Semon , and D'Kaylah Unique Whitley.
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SUFFS couldn’t have a better cheerleader than you sir. Your enthusiasm speaks louder than words.👍🙏👏👏👏👏👏👏👏❤️
We saw it on our trip to New York a few weeks ago, by total accident. We didn't plan to see it at all, had zero expectations and after the first act my friend and I turned to each other, both with tears in our eyes being like "what the fuck, this is ABSOLUTELY BRILLIANT" We still can't believe that we almost missed this show!! Easily one of our favorites from the trip!! Thanks for the amazing review, just hearing about it gave me chills all over again!
I'm so glad you reviewed this (I'm the person who asked you on Twitter last week) and I'm so glad you loved it! I saw it last week (with my Mother) and it was an incredibly powerful and moving experience. I cried 3 times, and it was the first show in a long time that I actually WANTED to stand for at the curtain call. There are so many parallels between this and Hamilton, both within the show and about the production, and it absolutely should be as big and talked about as that was. I also think that in a few years, when it becomes available for school productions, every high school and college and theatre camp is going to be clamoring for it, with the multitude of fantastic female roles.
When i was younger i dreamed of writing and directing a musical just like this one, I'm so thrilled that a strong woman has!
I'm glad you mentioned Emily Skinner's 11:00 song - it was absolutely devastating. I haven't seen any other reviewers acknowledge this beautiful moment. My only quibble was that it seemed like there was an extended denouement before they finally got the finale. I do agree it was a great and original work with an amazing ensemble cast.
You know your stuff, just got my ticket. Sold! Thanks for these brutally honest and detailed reviews 👌🏿
Just saw this last week. It was brilliant! The emotions it evoked were incredible. I was exhausted yet inspired as I left the theater with my sister.
Saw Suffs in April just after it opened. Loved it! So glad you did too. Even though it is a serious topic, it had more funny moments than I expected. It was the main reason I traveled to New York last month even though I was able to see other performances too. Very much hope it does well at the Tony’s!
The prison they were sent to is in Occoquan, Virginia. They really were force fed there. There is a Women’s Suffrage Memorial in the town, but I don’t believe it is where the jail was.
Besides being critically acclaimed, everyone I know who saw it loved it too. I've been on the fence cause I can't imagine the subject matter making a fun musical. But you clinched it for me - now I think I have to see it too.
Same here. I wasn’t super excited about seeing it. I dragged my husband who I was sure wasn’t going to enjoy it. After the first act, he applauded and screamed-BEST SHOW ON BROADWAY!!! I was crying half the show. It was so emotional, especially because I have a daughter and it’s so important for their age to understand the fight for women’s rights! YOU WILL LOVE THE SHOW!!
I just saw it-it is brilliant. it is not a boring history lesson or too well meaning or any other thing it perhaps looks like it might be. it is inspiring. it is delightful. it is funny. it is emotional. it beautifully sung and acted. It is also important. I cannot recommend SUFFS enough.
Saw this in previews, it was the best show I saw on Broadway that trip
I’ve been so interested in seeing this and thrilled for the glowing review. For the first time started searching for tickets while watching one of your videos.
I saw Suffs two years ago at The Public and twice now on Broadway. There are many changes from then to now (tighter book, new songs, other stuff cut) but the biggest overhaul is the tone. I cried so much at the show downtown because the message made it sound like nothing would ever change; we'd have to fight forever for small gains. The new version completely reframes this to be a message of hope: there will always be work but we can do it because we've done it before! One of the more subtle but deeply impactful changes. ALSO, Jen Colella's role has been boosted for Broadway which better contrasts Alice and Carrie, and that helps so much. Plus it strengthens the idea that we pass the work on from generation to generation, and we learn from each other. I liked the show downtown, but I can't say enough about how much I love this new version.
Editing to add: Grace McLean had a song in Act 2 during which she transformed from President Wilson to his wife, Edith Wilson. It’s absolutely right to have been cut (it would ruin the momentum and its obscure American history). but I wish I could see it again bc she was so amazing doing it.
That’s interesting! When I watched it on Broadway, my friends and I wondered why the suffragists did not contact the First Lady (presuming she would advocate for them since she is also a female.)
@@josephlim6854 Edith Wilson was against the suffrage movement but became extremely powerful and influential when Woodrow Wilson had several strokes that incapacitated him. She controlled access to him while he recovered. By this point, the 19th amendment was already working its way to ratification (and she wouldn’t have helped the suffs if it was needed).
@@joypiedmont2619 yes I read that after the show and thought she would have been a good foil to the protagonist.
yay mickey jo!! i am seeing this the first week of June, and I cannot wait!! this is also a late thank you for the 2 videos you did about HERE LIES LOVE. it was clear your feelings about that show, and it was wonderful to watch you champion that show even though they had already announced the closing. (which yes-was way way too early. heartbreaking.) I hope SUFFS goes the opposite way!
the public theater is such an important institution in terms of art. they have always been this wonderful places where art and politics can come together in an artful and important way. the public is responsible for both SUFFS and HERE LIES LOVE. but also A CHORUS LINE, HAIR, THE NORMAL HEART, FUN HOME, HAMILTON, and many many more. they are the perfect theatre for the off-the-beaten path musical to begin, find its voice, and then ultimately sing. I am lucky that I have seen so many of their productions over the years. thanks again for posting. I so enjoy your channel.
I’m going in two weeks to see it and the fact that you raved about it makes me even more excited to see it!
I saw the Wednesday matinee of SUFFS (5/29). I have the week off and did the morning RUSH tickets line. I loved it. Shaina Taub was not in but her understudy, Hawley Gold, was wonderful. I laughed and teared up a couple times. Great cast. Hope it wins at least Book and Score at the Tony awards.
So glad you enjoyed it as much as you did. This was my favorite show this season.
I got to see Suffs on the 27th with my mom and we both BAWLED at the ending. I mean I was on probably my 4th cry watching the show, this show changed me and made me feel so seen in my femininity, history nerd, theatre kid.
We also stage door after and the cast is so genuinely nice and excited to talk to people. I’m still riding off the high of hearing Jenn Colella sing live and then meeting her (she called me darling).
OMFG what amazing timing, I just came back from seeing it tonight and ABSOLUTELY LOVED IT. 😍 I'm rooting for Shaina Taub to get all her flowers at the Tony's. I had the same level of excitement coming out of this that I did when I first saw Kimberly Akimbo so...maybe best musical underdog?? Still haven't seen Illinoise yet so I guess I shouldn't get ahead of myself LOL.
I saw Suffs randomly one day cause my friend had tickets and I was so impressed. Everyone was amazing
Yes!! Thank you for this incredible review! I've been a Suffs fan since its run at The Public, and it's been so cool to see its evolution for Broadway. This production is truly fantastic, and I can't stop thinking about it, or going to see it. The cast is brilliant, truly amazing ensemble. It's brilliant, and so needed right now. It's very cool bringing friends to see it, and all of them going "oh yeah, I have to see it again." It's been wonderful also chatting with fellow audience members of all ages before and after the show. Everyone seems to be leaving the theater moved and inspired. You really captured the magic of the show in this video!! Love to see more Suffs love!
You perfectly captured the magic of this show. Please go support original musicals (that are actually really good)!
Yay! I knew you’d like it! 👏
Dying to see this! I am hoping to catch it this summer.
I saw this the night after it opened. and I agree 100% , the BEST new musical on Broadway. emotional AND perfectly executed. these women DO IT RIGHT!
Saw this yesterday and loved it!!
MickeyJo live livestreammmmm!!! Yes!!! Thank you so much for doing that, both as an American fan who won't be in London in May 26 and as an immunocompromised person who never will be able to come to London 😢 I appreciate the accessibility!!! ❤
Love your channel! Thanks so much for this review. I'll be in NYC in July and was looking for a show rec. Tickets achieved. 🙂
this musical sounds actually amazing and ive never been more frustrated to live on the other side of the planet 😩 patiently waiting for the cast recording to drop
I loved it too! So glad to see ur five star review!!!
I loved this show so much at The Public Theater, and am so happy to hear you loved it! I absolutely agree with you on picking it as Best New Musical at the Tonys this weekend - although there's one show I'm seeing next month that I heard could beat it - I'm so curious to hear if it's the one you mentioned....
We have tickets for July, so excited that you loved it!
Mickey Jo, I love your reviews so much!!! They are so articulate and insightful and entertaining all at once. I am telling all of my friends to check out your RUclips channel because you, in my opinion, are the best theater critic out there right now. Someone really needs to hire you as a dramaturg!
Your reviews of Cabaret and the Outsiders are particularly spot-on, and I ran out to see Suffs solely on the enthusiasm of your review. Once again, I agree 100% with your observations and I thank you for turning me on to such a fantastic show. I just wish the Tonys had an award for best ensemble because every one of the main and featured performers was a standout. Hopefully Shaina Taub will clean up enough awards for everyone.
at 16:17 you mention Shaina Taub is the second woman to write the book and score and also star in a Broadway musical (and receive Tony Noms for best book, score and musical!) Theatre history snippet: the great Micki Grant was the first for Don't Bother Me I Can't Cope, Opening April 19, 1971 and running for over 1000 performances. Got Tony noms for best book, score and musical - and Micki won the Grammy that year for best show album. Great achievements for both women, but too bad it's 53 years in between!
If A Little Night Music wasn’t in the mix that Tony year, who knows perhaps Micki Grant’s musical would have won the Tony!
I can't wait to see this one!
What a detailed and thoughtful review! I really want to see this show now, it sounds incredible.
As for other reviews I am looking forward to. Please do one for Sweeney Todd, I am so curious to hear your thoughts!!! (Also Joe Locke hinted at playing Toby again today on Instagram? Have you heard anything about that / a potential West End transfer??)
There are no words to say how much I love this review!! I do hope Suff folks see it. I did send it to them on Instagram and also to Jenn. We must have similar taste!! You turned me on to Ride which I am still in love with and your review of my all time favorite, Come From Away was also great!! I did see Suffs at the Public, as great as it was, I can see just from photos and reviews, it is even better. I am going to NYC in June. I can only be away for one full day (special needs animals at home) and was so torn as to what show to add to my two show day. I agonized over this as I saw the Tony nominations. Since I just couldn't decide, I got two for Suffs!! Now I am happy I did! Thanks so much for this and all your videos, you and Aeron are the best!!🤩😍🥰 Tell Aeron I am going to get my huge peanut butter cup because of him! AND of course getting goodies at Schmackarys because of your videos!!😄
Mickey Jo, excellent review! Thank you! I saw Suffs 3 times this week. It is truly the best show on Broadway. The cast, book and music are tight and well -developed. The show was sold out and enthusiastically received by the audience. My great hope is that it will have a very long run on Broadway and will follow up with a national tour. It deserves several Tony Awards.
I’m so glad you loved this show as much as I did! I need to go back & see it again. It also made me want to do further research on the movement, which also makes it a success to me.
My favorite new show of the season! (To be fair I haven’t seen Illinoise yet, but I’ve seen all the other new musicals.)
MickeyJo, love u so much! Suffs and Hells Kitchen two totally different show but loved them both, we see them both again in a heartbeat
SUFFS exceeded in every aspect what I had hoped for. Amazing characters performed by AMAZING actor/singers. Important history made into terrific entertainment. My choice for Best Musical.
thanks so much for the review. watched other people who saw this musical they didn't love it at all. i guess this a musical you love or hate. i've always love nikki m james.
Saw it at the Public and loved it, and I have heard it only got better! I really want to see the updated Broadway version.
Thank you for your review. Suffice makes you laugh and cry as well as realise that equality is ongoing. And this is what comes across from the exerpts. I hope to see it later.
I saw this twice on broadway and I enjoyed it, very strong cast and vocals are stellar
Saw the off broadway version and just saw the one on broadway yesterday. Blown away yet again. Very glad they tightened up the material especially the first act. Fan of a lot of the new songs. Overall very strong new musical
SEE THIS SHOW! I saw it in a preview and it was spectacular, for all the reasons you list here. It's remarkable, all the performances were out of this world. It's an important show and worth every penny of that ticket price.
I managed to get a single seat in a sold out mezzanine!!! Going next week ❤
I had a show opening and only chose this one based on the 4 song medley video. I enjoyed it.
The woman I sat next to at Sterophonic raved about this musical. Methinks I should check this out. Last night I purchased my ticket to Titanic at Encores. I trust we will see you both there?
You definitely should! It’s a show not to be missed. I think it’s the underdog for best musical
Ive just come out from opening night of 42 Balloons in Salford. Its absolutely fantastic. It was only half full but hope it gains some traction via word of mouth.
Hey Mickey not video related but you absolutely called it they just announced the filmed production of the B&C Concert 🎉🎉
This was by far the best new musical on Broadway this season! It’s a great show and I hope it finds an audience and has a decent run!
I saw this at the Public and I was thoroughly wowed by this show (I was already a fan of Shaina's with her version of Twelfth Night) There were so many changes between that show and the one on Bway and for the better. The one scene I miss from the Public (but completely understandable why it was cut) was Grace McLean dressing as both Woodrow and his wife. IT WAS AMAZING with that reveal. This and Lempicka are honestly my fave musicals of the season so far. Also fun fact: Alva Belmont was AKA Alva Vanderbilt who threw that notorious ball in 1883 as revenge against the Astor's 400 list. Look up the costumes for that including hers. Nearly every single person -slayed-
I loved Suffs! It was compelling, the music was great, and the performers were wonderful!
I know you had a huge great cast to shout out to, but what about the music? What genres and what does it sound like?
I only gave Suffs 3 stars. I thought the acting from the younger group was weak and I hated the staging. The stage was large and mostly bare, making it feel empty most of the time. Also, almost everything was played at center, which was monotonous. However, I did like how they covered race issues within the suffrage movement and thought Nikki did a great job.
I’m going tonight!!!!!
Terrific, I hope you enjoy!
I cannot wait until it starts touring the United States and comes to Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania!
You might consider a side trip to Chicago, on one of your NYC trips, as we often get pre-Broadway runs -- not to mention completely original works. Last year we saw Boop; currently running is the "Death Becomes Her" preview. We quite enjoyed both of them. Personally, I think the Betty Boop musical will have wider appeal. As much fun as "Death" was, the non-stop sniping does get tiresome.
Ditto to everything you said. All 23 of the women on that stage make this a MUST SEE.
I have one more show slot on my trip, would you recommend this or Stereophonic?
I’m seeing Stereophonic next weekend. He told me it’s a must see, so I’m looking forward to it. That said, SUFFS is incredible. If you can try to see both, I would!
That's like asking me to choose between my children 😅
Good timing. Just listened to this yeserday on my phone while room painting. The score is nice and quaint but on first listening I did not find it very memorable. No songs grabbed me emotionally. I need a second listening on a real stereo speaker at home with a nice bottle of wine and a good doobie. Today I am listening to Water for Elephants first time.
Why does „Jenn Collela, singing a song about her life up to this point“ ring a bell? Lmao
As someone who was a girl in highschool theatre and is now trans, wow! An all female cast is not something that would ever have come to a thestre near me but we desperately need it. Especially bc it also includes crossdressing! Love it!
People were talking so much smack when Hillary Clinton and lin-manuel Miranda were pushing this and now look at them
I'm glad to see that this musical did well tbh
Once again, Mickey Jo, I agree completely with you. It is a brilliant show.
What do you think about shaunia taub wanting to be the female version of Lin Manuel Miranda and wanting to be in her own musical. Thanks in advance.
Hi
i agree with everything you said! i saw this show in early previews and Loved every bit of it. for me the biggest fault this show has is that some of its producers are white supremacists, notably hillary clinton. i’ve had a hard time reconciling her hands-on work with this show and its message. i feel like it could’ve done more to stay with its values, and perhaps the intersectionality piece would be stronger without her voice in the room.
Huh, interesting. Out of all the shows out right now this seemed the most......bad lol. My first initial vibe was Hamilton or Newsies but for girls and not as fleshed out. I haven't liked any of the music I've heard but I guess I'll give it a shot. It's always better on stage anyway.
I was afraid it would be too earnest or boring. it is the reverse. it is amazing. it is funny. it is moving. it is really brilliant. go see it.
A review of old Suffragette photos would reveal that the Suffs were practically all white, not the DIEfest of this musical.
The women portrayed by Black actors in Suffs were REAL PEOPLE. Just because you never saw a photo of them doesn't mean they didn't exist. There are actually many historical photographs of Ida B. Wells and Mary Church Terrell. And yes, they were prominent suffragists, not "suffragettes".
I saw an interview with the playwright, who is also the star, and Hillary Clinton, who helped with production.
I'm not a fan of musicals, but, the subject matter caught my eye.
We are slowly losing our rights, thanks to the SCOTUS and others.
Women need to unite and vote BLUE for Democracy.
even if you don't like musicals you should go. it tells the story brilliantly. you will be moved. it is such an important and timely (alas) story. you will be glad you went. thanks for posting.
This sounds like the feminist equivalent to 1776 which is awesome. I imagine Suffs and 1776 would be complementary in repertory playing simultaneously in the same season.
I saw this 2 weeks ago and while I liked it, it has no right to be sung-through. I think some moments would have had more impact if it was not sung through. Different strokes i guess.
It would be more popular if titled, “ Snuffs.”
Why would you be annoyed and claim there should be trans inclusion in this musical? This is a historic piece and whilst there were Trans people back then…they were in the shadows and not is front for the women’s right to vote! Same with black women too.
In fact what I said was I thought there was the capacity for overt allyship in the finale, which is a timeless call to action taking place years after the events of the show and speaking directly to a contemporary audience.
No you didn’t?! Why would you lie and claim that you specifically said you wanted the Trans community to be represented in this show!
It is okay to be a fan but not okay when you are giving a review while claiming you are a “Critic”!
As an aside, being Critic does not mean you give the synopsis and spoil every scene. You can describe the show without being lazy and spending the time spoiling.
This is a show that specifically does race inclusive casting it sounds like?? Did you even watch the review?
Also, Mickey Jo did accurately represent what he said in the review in is response. Sounds like you didn’t listen to what he said
No Rosie you are wrong. So, the question to you is, did you watch the review and/or read or comprehend what I originally wrote. Color was not part of my post nor what I criticized him for.
Rosie, if you are too lazy to do the work. Don’t blindly reply with nonsense that is not applicable!