Suffs
A musical about the brilliant, passionate, and funny American women who fought tirelessly for the right to vote. Written by Shaina Taub, the second woman in history to write the book, music, and lyrics, and star in a Broadway musical.
Where to watch
Great Performances on PBS (from May 8, 2026)
theatrical history
Composer and performer Shaina Taub commenced working on Suffs around 2014, reportedly after being gifted a copy of Doris Steven’s Jailed for Freedom, which recounts the harrowing and often violent stories of the women who fought for women’s suffrage in the United States. Taub’s previous works include Twelfth Night and Old Hats (filmed live in 2016).
Director Leigh Silverman joined the creative team early on, along with choreographer Raja Feather and dramaturg Ayanna Thompson. Cast members during early workshops at Joe’s Pub included Jenn Collela and Nikki M. James.
Suffs was scheduled to open off-Broadway at The Public Theater in September 2020 (the centenary of the passing of the 19th amendment giving women in the United States the right to vote was August 2020), however the opening was delayed due the corona-virus induced theatre shutdown.
Off-Broadway Run
Suffs finally began previews off-Broadway at The Public on March 13, 2022, and officially opened on April 6, 2022. Under the direction of Leigh Silverman, the musical featured choreography by Raja Feather Kelly, music direction by Andrea Grody, orchestrations by Mike Brun, scenic design by Mimi Liem, costume design by Toni-Leslie James, lighting design by Natasha Katz, and sound design by Sun Hee Kil.
The cast included Jenna Bainbridge, Ally Bonino (Lucy Burns), Tsilala Brock (Dudley Malone), Jenn Colella (Carrie Chapman), Hannah Cruz (Ruza Wenclawska), Nadia Dandashi (Doris Stevens), Aisha de Haas (Alva Belmont), Stephanie Everett, Amina Faye, Holly Gould, Cassondra James (Mary Church Terrell), Nikki M. James (Ida B. Wells), Jaygee Macapugay, Grace McLean (Woodrow Wilson), Susan Oliveras, Mia Pak, Monica Tulia Ramirez, J. Riley Jr., Phillipa Soo (Inez Milholland), Shaina Taub (Alice Paul), Angela Travino, and Ada Westfall.
Right before opening, Shaina Taub tested positive for Covid and standby Holly Gould played Alice Paul.
Suffs received mixed reviews. Critics praised Shaina Taub’s book and score, and were generally positive about the spare scenic design, but often felt that the show was too dense, and too long with its three-hour run time. Critics also felt the musical was not substantive enough in its portrayal of Black feminists, though ultimately felt the story overall was an important one.
Writing for TimeOut, Raven Snook complimented Shaina Taub’s compositional style as “her own enchanting style and vernacular,” and described the score as “a catchy mix of jazz, Tin Pan Alley and pop earworms.” Snook noted the production’s attempt to “spotlight women of color,” though felt these characters were “sidelined.” Ultimately, Snook believed the show had a “brilliant future.”
Theatre blogger Harry Forbes was effusive in his praise, noting “with its tuneful score and first-rate cast, it’s certainly a worthy musical in every way, not least in popularizing the story of these pioneering women.”
In a review for The New York Times, Maya Phillips was less enthusiastic. Phillips stated that aside from a “few moments of levity” from Grace McLean as Woodrow Wilson, “a general stiffness pervades the production,” and that in the show’s attempts to cover a lot of ground felt it was “bloated with information.”
The off-Broadway run was nominated for multiple awards including Outstanding Musical and Outstanding Performances (Nikki M. James and Jenn Colella), (see Awards and Nominations below).
The Public Theater run was sold out and extended twice before it concluded its off-Broadway run on May 29, 2022.
Broadway Transfer
Suffs transferred to Broadway where it began previews at the Music Box Theatre on March 26, 2024. The musical was reportedly capitalized for $19million.
Suffs was produced by Broadway veterans Jill Furman, Rachel Sussman, Oskar Eustis, Patrick Willingham, and The Public Theatre, along with two well-known women making their Broadway producing debuts, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and girl’s education activist Malala Yousafzai. As quoted in The New York Times, Hillary Clinton described Suffs as “historic and relevant,… it’s emotional, and it shows the relationships among these women who fought so hard to get us the right to vote.”
Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Laureate for her work promoting girls’ education after being shot by the Taliban, was criticized for her involvement with the show. As reported by Turkish media outlet TNT World, Yousafzai received pushback for partnering with Hillary Clinton and for promoting a “Western feminist and liberal political agenda” in Pakistan.
Most of the creative team were replaced for the Broadway run, reportedly due to challenges with scheduling. The Broadway creative team was helmed once again by Leigh Silverman with choreography by Mayte Natalio, scenic design by Riccardo Hernández, lighting design by Lap Chi Chu, sound design by Jason Crystal, costume design by Paul Tazewell, hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe, make-up design by Joe Dulude II, and orchestrations by Michael Starobin. The production stage manager was Lisa Iacucci.
The Broadway cast included Shaina Taub (Alice Paul), Nikki M. James (Ida B. Wells), Jenn Colella (Carrie Chapman Catt), Grace McLean (President Woodrow Wilson), Hannah Cruz (Inez Milholland), Kim Blanck (Ruza Wenclawska), Anastacia McCleskey (Mary Church Terrell), Ally Bonino (Lucy Burns), Tsilala Brock (Dudley Malone). Nadia Dandashi (Doris Stevens), Emily Skinner (Alva Belmont and Phoebe Burn), Laila Erica Drew (Phyllis Terrell and Robin), and Jaygee Macapugay (Mollie Hay).
Shortly before the Broadway opening, Taub shared in an interview with Laura Zornosa of The New York Times the significance of producing the musical in a fraught election year, stating it was “a reminder to people that in way harder times, we’ve been able to save and preserve our democracy, and that seeing this story from over a century ago can give us hope and energy to carry forward.”
After 24 previews, Suffs officially opened on April 18, 2024.
With Suffs, Shaina Taub became the second woman in history to write the book, music, and lyrics, and star in a Broadway musical. She was preceded by Micki Grant with Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope (Grant also contributed music and lyrics to Your Arms Too Short to Box with God).
As reported by Elisabeth Vincentelli in The New York Times changes for the Broadway run included a substantially revised book, “delineated” characters and story, a new opening number (“Watch Out for the Suffragette!” was replaced with “Let Mother Vote”), a new song “G.A.B (great American Bitch)”, and a new minimalist set.
Broadway Critical Reception
Suffs received mixed to warm reviews with critics generally praising Shaina Taub’s score and the performances of the cast. Most critics had reservations about the scope of the work, and its struggle in telling multiple stories at once.
The Washington Post’s Elisabeth Vincentelli, who had described the off-Broadway run as “a didactic, dull, overstuffed mess,” was still not enthusiastic about the show, stating that the characters were not “explored in much depth.” Vincentelli did feel however that the Broadway production was “tighter, more confident, often rousing and downright entertaining.”
Charles Isherwood, writing for The Wall Street Journal, praised “Taub's rich and often rousing score and the terrific cast,” but felt that the musical was occasionally “a bright but exhaustingly busy historical pageant…” Like Vincentelli, Isherwood felt the characters were not fleshed out enough, particularly highlighting the characters of Inez Milholland (Hannah Cruz) and Ruza Wenclawska (Kim Blanck), as ”more symbol than substance.”
The NY Times theatre critic Jesse Green felt the show was vastly improved from its off-Broadway run and praised Shaina Taub for the way “she uplifts enjoyable melody with structural craftiness.” Green also noted the “fine performance” of the all-female cast and despite concerns the show didn’t hit emotionally, stated it “feels like a rally… an opportunity to buoy the politically discouraged.”
Amelia Merrill, in a review for the New York Theatre Guide stated the show’s civic education was ”simplistic” and felt that “Leigh Silverman’s production is beautiful, but beauty is skin-deep.”
In a four-star review for TimeOut New York, Regina Robbins enthused “Suffs is a full-throated musical call to action… this unapologetic love letter to those who risked life and limb to get women a seat at the table is also heart-tugging, vibrant and charming.”
Awards
Suffs was nominated for a slew of awards including 6 Tony Awards, 8 Drama Desk Awards, 4 Drama League Awards, 5 Outer Critics Circle Awards, and a Grammy Award for Best Theatre Album. Suffs won the Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score, making Shaina Taub the first solo woman to win in both categories. For more awards see Awards & Nominations below.
Writing about political theatre for The New York Times, Mark Harris noted that “attendance surged” in the wake of the 2024 election and that the show subsequently read “as a surprisingly sober assessment of how wins are achieved and of what they cost.”
Voting Partnerships
Shortly after opening on Broadway, Suffs partnered with When We All Vote, an organization founded by Michelle Obama to promote voter registration. Volunteers were available in-person at the show to help people register to vote, and online registration was available via the show’s official website. Custom sustainably-sourced and hand-embroidered sweaters from Lingua Franca were also made available, with 10% of proceeds going to When We All Vote.
Broadway Closing
It was announced in mid-October 2024 that Suffs had failed to attract enough ticket buyers to offset running costs, and would therefore close early.
Suffs was filmed live on Broadway in December 2024 (see Film History below).
Following 24 previews and 301 performances, Suffs closed on Broadway on January 5, 2025.
Licensing
At the 2025 International Thespian Festival, Shaina Taub announced the launch of The Young Are at the Gates Production Grant, an initiative of Educational Theatre Foundation and Music Theatre International. The grant included licensing rights and production materials, which would allow 10 schools to produce Suffs for free. The grant was ultimately awarded to 12 schools across the United States for productions in the 2025-26 season.
Music Theatre International holds the licensing rights for Suffs, though the rights are not currently available.
Current Performances
A national tour of Suffs is scheduled to perform across the United States between February and August, 2026.
Director Leigh Silverman joined the creative team early on, along with choreographer Raja Feather and dramaturg Ayanna Thompson. Cast members during early workshops at Joe’s Pub included Jenn Collela and Nikki M. James.
Suffs was scheduled to open off-Broadway at The Public Theater in September 2020 (the centenary of the passing of the 19th amendment giving women in the United States the right to vote was August 2020), however the opening was delayed due the corona-virus induced theatre shutdown.
Off-Broadway Run
Suffs finally began previews off-Broadway at The Public on March 13, 2022, and officially opened on April 6, 2022. Under the direction of Leigh Silverman, the musical featured choreography by Raja Feather Kelly, music direction by Andrea Grody, orchestrations by Mike Brun, scenic design by Mimi Liem, costume design by Toni-Leslie James, lighting design by Natasha Katz, and sound design by Sun Hee Kil.
The cast included Jenna Bainbridge, Ally Bonino (Lucy Burns), Tsilala Brock (Dudley Malone), Jenn Colella (Carrie Chapman), Hannah Cruz (Ruza Wenclawska), Nadia Dandashi (Doris Stevens), Aisha de Haas (Alva Belmont), Stephanie Everett, Amina Faye, Holly Gould, Cassondra James (Mary Church Terrell), Nikki M. James (Ida B. Wells), Jaygee Macapugay, Grace McLean (Woodrow Wilson), Susan Oliveras, Mia Pak, Monica Tulia Ramirez, J. Riley Jr., Phillipa Soo (Inez Milholland), Shaina Taub (Alice Paul), Angela Travino, and Ada Westfall.
Right before opening, Shaina Taub tested positive for Covid and standby Holly Gould played Alice Paul.
Suffs received mixed reviews. Critics praised Shaina Taub’s book and score, and were generally positive about the spare scenic design, but often felt that the show was too dense, and too long with its three-hour run time. Critics also felt the musical was not substantive enough in its portrayal of Black feminists, though ultimately felt the story overall was an important one.
Writing for TimeOut, Raven Snook complimented Shaina Taub’s compositional style as “her own enchanting style and vernacular,” and described the score as “a catchy mix of jazz, Tin Pan Alley and pop earworms.” Snook noted the production’s attempt to “spotlight women of color,” though felt these characters were “sidelined.” Ultimately, Snook believed the show had a “brilliant future.”
Theatre blogger Harry Forbes was effusive in his praise, noting “with its tuneful score and first-rate cast, it’s certainly a worthy musical in every way, not least in popularizing the story of these pioneering women.”
In a review for The New York Times, Maya Phillips was less enthusiastic. Phillips stated that aside from a “few moments of levity” from Grace McLean as Woodrow Wilson, “a general stiffness pervades the production,” and that in the show’s attempts to cover a lot of ground felt it was “bloated with information.”
The off-Broadway run was nominated for multiple awards including Outstanding Musical and Outstanding Performances (Nikki M. James and Jenn Colella), (see Awards and Nominations below).
The Public Theater run was sold out and extended twice before it concluded its off-Broadway run on May 29, 2022.
Broadway Transfer
Suffs transferred to Broadway where it began previews at the Music Box Theatre on March 26, 2024. The musical was reportedly capitalized for $19million.
Suffs was produced by Broadway veterans Jill Furman, Rachel Sussman, Oskar Eustis, Patrick Willingham, and The Public Theatre, along with two well-known women making their Broadway producing debuts, former Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and girl’s education activist Malala Yousafzai. As quoted in The New York Times, Hillary Clinton described Suffs as “historic and relevant,… it’s emotional, and it shows the relationships among these women who fought so hard to get us the right to vote.”
Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Laureate for her work promoting girls’ education after being shot by the Taliban, was criticized for her involvement with the show. As reported by Turkish media outlet TNT World, Yousafzai received pushback for partnering with Hillary Clinton and for promoting a “Western feminist and liberal political agenda” in Pakistan.
Most of the creative team were replaced for the Broadway run, reportedly due to challenges with scheduling. The Broadway creative team was helmed once again by Leigh Silverman with choreography by Mayte Natalio, scenic design by Riccardo Hernández, lighting design by Lap Chi Chu, sound design by Jason Crystal, costume design by Paul Tazewell, hair and wig design by Charles G. LaPointe, make-up design by Joe Dulude II, and orchestrations by Michael Starobin. The production stage manager was Lisa Iacucci.
The Broadway cast included Shaina Taub (Alice Paul), Nikki M. James (Ida B. Wells), Jenn Colella (Carrie Chapman Catt), Grace McLean (President Woodrow Wilson), Hannah Cruz (Inez Milholland), Kim Blanck (Ruza Wenclawska), Anastacia McCleskey (Mary Church Terrell), Ally Bonino (Lucy Burns), Tsilala Brock (Dudley Malone). Nadia Dandashi (Doris Stevens), Emily Skinner (Alva Belmont and Phoebe Burn), Laila Erica Drew (Phyllis Terrell and Robin), and Jaygee Macapugay (Mollie Hay).
Shortly before the Broadway opening, Taub shared in an interview with Laura Zornosa of The New York Times the significance of producing the musical in a fraught election year, stating it was “a reminder to people that in way harder times, we’ve been able to save and preserve our democracy, and that seeing this story from over a century ago can give us hope and energy to carry forward.”
After 24 previews, Suffs officially opened on April 18, 2024.
With Suffs, Shaina Taub became the second woman in history to write the book, music, and lyrics, and star in a Broadway musical. She was preceded by Micki Grant with Don’t Bother Me, I Can’t Cope (Grant also contributed music and lyrics to Your Arms Too Short to Box with God).
As reported by Elisabeth Vincentelli in The New York Times changes for the Broadway run included a substantially revised book, “delineated” characters and story, a new opening number (“Watch Out for the Suffragette!” was replaced with “Let Mother Vote”), a new song “G.A.B (great American Bitch)”, and a new minimalist set.
Broadway Critical Reception
Suffs received mixed to warm reviews with critics generally praising Shaina Taub’s score and the performances of the cast. Most critics had reservations about the scope of the work, and its struggle in telling multiple stories at once.
The Washington Post’s Elisabeth Vincentelli, who had described the off-Broadway run as “a didactic, dull, overstuffed mess,” was still not enthusiastic about the show, stating that the characters were not “explored in much depth.” Vincentelli did feel however that the Broadway production was “tighter, more confident, often rousing and downright entertaining.”
Charles Isherwood, writing for The Wall Street Journal, praised “Taub's rich and often rousing score and the terrific cast,” but felt that the musical was occasionally “a bright but exhaustingly busy historical pageant…” Like Vincentelli, Isherwood felt the characters were not fleshed out enough, particularly highlighting the characters of Inez Milholland (Hannah Cruz) and Ruza Wenclawska (Kim Blanck), as ”more symbol than substance.”
The NY Times theatre critic Jesse Green felt the show was vastly improved from its off-Broadway run and praised Shaina Taub for the way “she uplifts enjoyable melody with structural craftiness.” Green also noted the “fine performance” of the all-female cast and despite concerns the show didn’t hit emotionally, stated it “feels like a rally… an opportunity to buoy the politically discouraged.”
Amelia Merrill, in a review for the New York Theatre Guide stated the show’s civic education was ”simplistic” and felt that “Leigh Silverman’s production is beautiful, but beauty is skin-deep.”
In a four-star review for TimeOut New York, Regina Robbins enthused “Suffs is a full-throated musical call to action… this unapologetic love letter to those who risked life and limb to get women a seat at the table is also heart-tugging, vibrant and charming.”
Awards
Suffs was nominated for a slew of awards including 6 Tony Awards, 8 Drama Desk Awards, 4 Drama League Awards, 5 Outer Critics Circle Awards, and a Grammy Award for Best Theatre Album. Suffs won the Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score, making Shaina Taub the first solo woman to win in both categories. For more awards see Awards & Nominations below.
Writing about political theatre for The New York Times, Mark Harris noted that “attendance surged” in the wake of the 2024 election and that the show subsequently read “as a surprisingly sober assessment of how wins are achieved and of what they cost.”
Voting Partnerships
Shortly after opening on Broadway, Suffs partnered with When We All Vote, an organization founded by Michelle Obama to promote voter registration. Volunteers were available in-person at the show to help people register to vote, and online registration was available via the show’s official website. Custom sustainably-sourced and hand-embroidered sweaters from Lingua Franca were also made available, with 10% of proceeds going to When We All Vote.
Broadway Closing
It was announced in mid-October 2024 that Suffs had failed to attract enough ticket buyers to offset running costs, and would therefore close early.
Suffs was filmed live on Broadway in December 2024 (see Film History below).
Following 24 previews and 301 performances, Suffs closed on Broadway on January 5, 2025.
Licensing
At the 2025 International Thespian Festival, Shaina Taub announced the launch of The Young Are at the Gates Production Grant, an initiative of Educational Theatre Foundation and Music Theatre International. The grant included licensing rights and production materials, which would allow 10 schools to produce Suffs for free. The grant was ultimately awarded to 12 schools across the United States for productions in the 2025-26 season.
Music Theatre International holds the licensing rights for Suffs, though the rights are not currently available.
Current Performances
A national tour of Suffs is scheduled to perform across the United States between February and August, 2026.
Film history
It was announced in mid-December that Suffs would be filmed live on Broadway toward the end of its run.
Suffs was filmed live between December 20 - 22, 2024.
In February 2026, it was announced that Suffs would air on PBS’ Great Performances from May 8, 2026.
Several Suffs creatives and cast members worked on other filmed live plays and musicals.
Creative team
Suffs was filmed live between December 20 - 22, 2024.
In February 2026, it was announced that Suffs would air on PBS’ Great Performances from May 8, 2026.
Several Suffs creatives and cast members worked on other filmed live plays and musicals.
Creative team
- Shaina Taub (composer and performer) - Old Hats
- Lap Chi Chu (lighting designer) - Yellow Face
- Paul Tazewell (costume designer) - Memphis, Mr. Saturday Night, Hamilton
- Riccardo Hernández (scenic designer) - Indecent
- Joe Dulude II (make-up designer) - The SpongeBob Musical, Allegiance, Holiday Inn
- Charles G. LaPointe (hair and wig designer) - Jersey Boys, Martin Short: Fame Becomes Me, Memphis, Newsies, Hamilton, Allegiance, Holiday Inn, The SpongeBob Musical, Mr. Saturday Night
- Jen Collela - Come From Away
- Anastacia McCleskey - Waitress
cast & creative credits
Theatre: Music Box Theatre, NYC
Co-Producers: Roy Furman, Allison Rubler, Cue to Cue Productions, Sanford Robertson, Kevin Ryan & Diane Scott Carter, Renee Ring & Paul Zofnass, Walport Productions, Judith Teel Davis & Joe Carroll, Tom and Michael D’Angora, Louise L. Gund, Erica Lynn Schwartz, Stone Arch Theatricals/Mayer Productions, Xan Weiser/Matters of the Art, Nothing Ventured Productions, Christin Brecher, Chutzpah Productions, Morgan Steward
Associate Producers: 16 Sunset Productions, The Broadway Investor's Club, Ari Conte, Rose Maxi, Jennifer Friedland, David Carroll, Julie Cohen, Lynne & Marvin Garelick, Phenomenal Media & Meena Harris, John Gore Organization, Laura Lonergan, Sally Martin, Peter May, The Mehiels, Nederlander Presentations, Inc., Brian Spector, Candy Spelling, Edward Walson, Zuckerberg/Segal, Needle Productions/Oddly Specific Productions, Alissandra Aronow/Wandi Productions, Craig Balsam/Jennifer Kroman, Burkhardt Jones Productions/Adam Cohen, Vibecke Dahle Dellapolla/Samantha Squeri, Funroe Productions/Kim Khoury, Sheri Clark Henriksen/Robert Tichio, Michelle Noh/Todd B. Rubin, Vasi Laurence/Nick Padgett, Seaview/Level Forward, Six Point Productions/Theatre Nerd Productions, Stanley S. Shuman/Marcie Hermelin Orley, Soto Productions/The Cohn Sisters, Theatre Producers of Color, The Shubert Organization, Miranda Gohh
Book, Music, & Lyrics: Shaina Taub
Director: Leigh Silverman
Musical Director & Supervisor: Andrea Grody
Orchestrations: Michael Starobin
Choreography: Mayte Natalio
Scenic Design: Riccardo Hernández
Costume Design: Paul Tazewell
Lighting Design: Lap Chi Chu
Sound Design: Jason Crystal
Hair & Wig Design: Charles G. LaPointe
Makeup Design: Joe Dulude II
Stage Manager: Lisa Iacucci
Cast:
Shaina Taub (Alice Paul)
Nikki M. James (Ida B. Wells)
Jenn Colella (Carrie Chapman Catt)
Grace McLean (President Woodrow Wilson)
Hannah Cruz (Inez Milholland)
Kim Blanck (Ruza Wenclawska)
Anastacia McCleskey (Mary Church Terrell)
Ally Bonino (Lucy Burns)
Tsilala Brock (Dudley Malone)
Nadia Dandashi (Doris Stevens)
Emily Skinner (Alva Belmont and Phoebe Burn)
Laila Erica Drew (Phyllis Terrell and Robin)
Jaygee Macapugay (Mollie Hay)
Phoebe Burn
Co-Producers: Roy Furman, Allison Rubler, Cue to Cue Productions, Sanford Robertson, Kevin Ryan & Diane Scott Carter, Renee Ring & Paul Zofnass, Walport Productions, Judith Teel Davis & Joe Carroll, Tom and Michael D’Angora, Louise L. Gund, Erica Lynn Schwartz, Stone Arch Theatricals/Mayer Productions, Xan Weiser/Matters of the Art, Nothing Ventured Productions, Christin Brecher, Chutzpah Productions, Morgan Steward
Associate Producers: 16 Sunset Productions, The Broadway Investor's Club, Ari Conte, Rose Maxi, Jennifer Friedland, David Carroll, Julie Cohen, Lynne & Marvin Garelick, Phenomenal Media & Meena Harris, John Gore Organization, Laura Lonergan, Sally Martin, Peter May, The Mehiels, Nederlander Presentations, Inc., Brian Spector, Candy Spelling, Edward Walson, Zuckerberg/Segal, Needle Productions/Oddly Specific Productions, Alissandra Aronow/Wandi Productions, Craig Balsam/Jennifer Kroman, Burkhardt Jones Productions/Adam Cohen, Vibecke Dahle Dellapolla/Samantha Squeri, Funroe Productions/Kim Khoury, Sheri Clark Henriksen/Robert Tichio, Michelle Noh/Todd B. Rubin, Vasi Laurence/Nick Padgett, Seaview/Level Forward, Six Point Productions/Theatre Nerd Productions, Stanley S. Shuman/Marcie Hermelin Orley, Soto Productions/The Cohn Sisters, Theatre Producers of Color, The Shubert Organization, Miranda Gohh
Book, Music, & Lyrics: Shaina Taub
Director: Leigh Silverman
Musical Director & Supervisor: Andrea Grody
Orchestrations: Michael Starobin
Choreography: Mayte Natalio
Scenic Design: Riccardo Hernández
Costume Design: Paul Tazewell
Lighting Design: Lap Chi Chu
Sound Design: Jason Crystal
Hair & Wig Design: Charles G. LaPointe
Makeup Design: Joe Dulude II
Stage Manager: Lisa Iacucci
Cast:
Shaina Taub (Alice Paul)
Nikki M. James (Ida B. Wells)
Jenn Colella (Carrie Chapman Catt)
Grace McLean (President Woodrow Wilson)
Hannah Cruz (Inez Milholland)
Kim Blanck (Ruza Wenclawska)
Anastacia McCleskey (Mary Church Terrell)
Ally Bonino (Lucy Burns)
Tsilala Brock (Dudley Malone)
Nadia Dandashi (Doris Stevens)
Emily Skinner (Alva Belmont and Phoebe Burn)
Laila Erica Drew (Phyllis Terrell and Robin)
Jaygee Macapugay (Mollie Hay)
Phoebe Burn
awards & nominations
OFF BROADWAY PRODUCTION
2022 Drama Desk Awards
Nominations
2022 Drama League Awards
Nominations
2023 Lucille Lortel Awards
Nominations
2022 Outer Critics Circle Awards
Nominations
BROADWAY PRODUCTION
2024 Tony Awards
Wins
Nominations
2024 Drama Desk Awards
Wins
Nominations
2024 Drama League Awards
Nominations
2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards
Wins
Nominees
2025 Grammy Awards
Nominations
2022 Drama Desk Awards
Nominations
- Outstanding Lyrics (Shaina Taub)
2022 Drama League Awards
Nominations
- Distinguished Performance (Nikki M. James)
- Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Leigh Silverman)
- Outstanding Production of a Musical
2023 Lucille Lortel Awards
Nominations
- Outstanding Featured Performer in a Musical (Nikki M. James)
- Outstanding Musical (Shaina Taub)
2022 Outer Critics Circle Awards
Nominations
- Outstanding Featured Actress in a Musical (Jenn Colella)
BROADWAY PRODUCTION
2024 Tony Awards
Wins
- Best Book of a Musical (Shaina Taub)
- Best Original Score (Shaina Taub)
Nominations
- Best Direction of a Musical (Leigh Silverman)
- Best Costume Design of a Musical (Paul Tazewell)
- Best Featured Actress in a Musical (Nikki M. James)
- Best Musical
2024 Drama Desk Awards
Wins
- Outstanding Costume Design of a Musical (Paul Tazewell)
- Outstanding Music (Shaina Taub)
Nominations
- Outstanding Orchestrations (Michael Starobin, Shaina Taub, Andrea Grody)
- Outstanding Wig and Hair (Charles G. LaPointe)
- Outstanding Sound Design of a Musical (Jason Crystal)
- Outstanding Lighting Design of a Musical (Lap Chi Chu)
- Outstanding Scenic Design of a Musical (Riccardo Hernández)
- Outstanding Featured Performer in a Musical (Emily Skinner)
2024 Drama League Awards
Nominations
- Outstanding Production of a Musical (Shaina Taub)
- Distinguished Performance (Nikki M. James)
- Distinguished Performance (Jenn Colella)
- Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Leigh Silverman)
2024 Outer Critics Circle Awards
Wins
- Outstanding Score (Shaina Taub)
- Outstanding Book of a Musical (Shaina Taub)
- Outstanding New Musical
Nominees
- Outstanding Direction of a Musical (Leigh Silverman)
- Outstanding Orchestrations (Michael Starobin)
2025 Grammy Awards
Nominations
- Best Musical Theater Album
research sources
Articles
Websites
- Michael Abourizk, “Broadway’s ‘Suffs’ will be filmed for PBS,” Broadway News (Dec 19, 2024)
- Sarah Bahr, “Hillary Clinton and Malala Yousafzai Toast Their New Broadway Show,” NY Times (April 19, 2024)
- Sadiq S. Bhat, “Fury as Malala teams up with pro-war Hillary Clinton for musical project,” TRT World (April 24, 2025)
- A.A. Cristi, “Review Roundup: Shaina Taub's SUFFS Opens On Broadway!,” BroadwayWorld (April 18, 2024)
- Logan Culwell-Block, “These Schools Won Free Suffs Licenses Via Nationwide 'The Young Are at the Gates' Grant Program,” Playbill (Sept 11, 2025)
- Nancy Durrant, “Suffs review — a thundering suffrage musical produced by Hillary Clinton,” The Times (April 19, 2024)
- Joe Dziemianowicz, “Everything you need to know about ‘Suffs’ on Broadway,” New York Theatre Guide (Feb 29, 2024)
- Greg Evans, “Shaina Taub To Lead Cast Of Her Musical ‘Suffs’ In A Rare Broadway Feat,” Deadline (Jan 17, 2024)
- Greg Evans, ‘Suffs’ Musical By Tony-Winning Shaina Taub Gets May Airdate On PBS’ ‘Great Performances’ Deadline (Feb 12, 2026)
- Harry Forbes, “Suffs (The Public Theater),” Forbes on Film & Footlights (May 11, 2022)
- Jesse Green, “Review: In ‘Suffs,’ the Thrill of the Vote and How She Got It,” NY Times (April 18, 2024)
- Margaret Hall, “Broadway's Suffs To Be Filmed for PBS Great Performances,” Playbill (Dec 19, 2024)
- Mark Harris, “Why Does Every Play Seem Political Now?” NY Times (March 3, 2025)
- Molly Higgins, “Broadway's Suffs Partners with When We All Vote,” Playbill (April 3, 2024)
- Charles Isherwood, “‘Suffs’ Review: A Musical of Marching Women,” The Wall Street Journal (April 18, 2024)
- Amelia Merrill, “'Suffs' review — Broadway musical brings suffrage to the stage,” New York Theatre Guide (April 18, 2024)
- Loren Noveck, “Review: Suffs at the Public Theater,” Exeunt (April 6, 2022)
- Maya Phillips, “‘Suffs’ Review: Young, Scrappy and Hungry for the Right to Vote” NY Times (April 6, 2022)
- Michael Paulson, “Finding Music in Shakespeare, Suffragists and Mitch McConnell,” NY Times (July 27, 2018)
- Michael Paulson, ‘Suffs’ Won Tony Awards for Best Score and Book. Now It’s Closing.” NY Times (Oct 11, 2026)
- Regina Robins, “Suffs,” TimeOut (April 18, 2024)
- Jennifer Schuessler, “Friendship, Betrayal and the Fight: ‘Suffs’ Tells the Suffragist Tale in Song,” NY Times (March 24, 2022)
- Raven Snook, “Review: Suffs,” TimeOut (April 6, 2022)
- Raven Snook, “Shaina Taub: Making Feminism Sing in ‘Suffs’” American Theatre (March 21, 2024)
- Diep Tran, “Discover how the women’s suffrage movement inspired the history musical ‘Suffs’” New York Theatre Guide (July 14, 2022)
- Diep Tran, “Shaina Taub's Suffs to Air on PBS' Great Performances in May,” Playbill (Feb 12, 2026)
- Jose Triana, “Bridging History & Theatre: Inside a Production of Suffs,” Educational Theatre Foundation (March 5, 2026)
- Reggie Ugwu, “Nights Out With Malala, Making Time to Be Herself” NY Times (Oct 24, 2025)
- Elisabeth Vincentelli, “A spirited musical about suffragists is not a triumph, but much improved,” The Washington Post (April 18, 2024)
- Elisabeth Vincentelli, “On Broadway, ‘Suffs’ Has a New Tune (and 6 Tony Nominations)” NY Times (June 11, 2024)
- Laura Zornosa, “In an Election Year, ‘Suffs’ Takes a Political Battle to Broadway,” NY Times(April 8, 2024)
Websites
- Music Theatre International, “Suffs,” Accessed via: https://www.mtishows.com/suffs
- Playbill, “Suffs,” Accessed via: https://playbill.com/production/suffs-broadway-music-box-theatre-2024
- Playbill, “Suffs: off-Broadway,” Accessed via: https://playbill.com/production/suffs-off-broadway-public-theater-newman-theater-2022
- Playbill, “Suffs: Touring,” Accessed via: https://playbill.com/production/suffs-touring
Written by Luisa Lyons (March 2026)