By Afshin Razi
Suffs is a spirited musical centered on a group of activists in the United States fighting for women’s right to vote, chronicling the political chess match and personal sacrifices required to make change happen. The story opens in 1913, at a turning point for the American suffrage movement. After more than fifty years of organizing and advocacy, activists are still met with indifference, resistance, and at times outright hostility from those in power.
Enter Alice Paul, a young and outspoken suffragist who recognizes that only a constitutional change could secure voting rights once and for all. With Alice, there are no half-measures. The show follows her and a determined circle of activists as they embrace increasingly bold tactics to force a national confrontation, ultimately leading to the 1920 ratification of the Nineteenth Amendment, which enshrined the right to vote for women as a universal American reality.
Bringing this epic history to the stage is Shaina Taub, who made history by becoming one of the few women to independently write the book, music, and lyrics while also starring in a Broadway musical. Suffs first premiered off-Broadway at The Public Theater in 2022 before transferring to Broadway in 2024, where it quickly became one of the season’s most celebrated new musicals, winning Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score. Following its acclaimed Broadway run, the first national tour arrived at the Aronoff Center, running through May 17, 2026, presented by Broadway in Cincinnati.
of SUFFS. Photo by Joan Marcus, 2025.
Votes, Voices, and Vital Performances
At the center of the story is Alice Paul, portrayed with determination and warmth by Maya Keleher. Her performance anchors the production beautifully as she guides the audience through the victories, setbacks, and divisions within the suffrage movement. Keleher captures both the strength and stubbornness that defined Paul, creating a layered portrayal that feels inspiring without losing its humanity.
Marya Grandy brings dignity and emotional complexity to Carrie Chapman Catt, serving as both ally and ideological rival to Paul. Their scenes together are some of the strongest in the production, particularly during the show’s many compelling duets and confrontations. The tension between patience and urgency becomes one of the musical’s most fascinating themes.
Monica Tulia Ramirez leaves a major impression as Inez Milholland, delivering a performance filled with charisma and magnetic stage presence. Her scenes feel electric, particularly during the parade sequences where she commands attention the moment she enters. Jenny Ashman is equally memorable as President Woodrow Wilson, bringing sharp comedic timing and a playful theatricality that earns some of the evening’s biggest laughs.
Danyel Fulton delivers one of the show’s standout moments with the powerhouse number “Wait My Turn.” Her portrayal of Ida B. Wells adds necessary depth to the production’s exploration of race and feminism, reminding audiences that the fight for equality was never experienced the same way by every woman involved. Trisha Jeffrey also shines as Mary Church Terrell, helping connect the story’s different perspectives and generations of activism.
Importantly, every ensemble member contributes something meaningful to the production. Whether through soaring harmonies, emotionally charged movement, or tightly synchronized choreography, the ensemble becomes the heartbeat of the show. The choreography by Mayte Natalio plays a significant role in the storytelling, turning marches, protests, and public demonstrations into visually dynamic sequences filled with urgency and momentum.
Company of SUFFS. Photo by Joan Marcus, 2025.
Closing Doors, Opening Minds
The production’s technical elements are equally impressive. The scenic design uses moving panels and constantly shifting doorways in a clever symbolic touch that subtly reflects the many closed doors these women faced throughout their fight for equality. Scene transitions flow smoothly and purposefully, giving the production a cinematic rhythm.
Lighting and props work hand in hand to strengthen the storytelling. Lap Chi Chu’s lighting design helps shape the emotional tone of scenes while beautifully highlighting moments of triumph and heartbreak. Paul Tazewell’s costumes are excellent throughout, blending period authenticity with theatrical elegance. The white suffrage outfits become especially powerful visual symbols of unity and resistance.
Company of SUFFS. Photo by Joan Marcus, 2025.
Final Verdict
What makes Suffs so effective is how it takes a heavy, complex subject and still manages to make it feel engaging and approachable. It never slips into feeling preachy. Instead, it finds a strong balance between humor, emotion, and reflection, keeping the audience connected from start to finish. The way it threads together different waves of feminism also gives the story real depth, while quietly drawing clear connections to how these struggles still echo today.
By the time the finale arrives, Suffs leaves the audience energized, reflective, and genuinely moved. This is a production filled with strong performances, compelling storytelling, and a score that lingers well after the curtain call. It achieves the rare balance of craft and impact that turns recommendation into obligation—the kind of theatre that compels presence rather than suggestion. Treat your ticket not as a luxury, but as a vote for the kind of ambitious, soul-stirring theatre we must champion to ensure the continued viability of bold, original, and intellectually rigorous work like this.
by Joan Marcus, 2025.
Tickets to Suffs
The North American Tour of Suffs will be at the Aronoff Center from May 12 to May 17, 2026. Tickets are available through CincinnatiArts.org, by phone at 513-621-2787 or in person at the Aronoff Center Ticket Office.
Run Time: 2 hr 30 min, with one intermission
