Interludes

THE HANGOVER REPORT – Shaina Taub’s highly anticipated and ambitious new musical SUFFS has great potential but needs some retooling

• By drediman
• April 7, 2022
• No Comments

Last night, the Public Theater’s world premiere production of Shaina Taub’s Suffs opened Off-Broadway at the Newman Theater (note that, due to positive Covid-19 cases in the cast, performances through this weekend have unfortunately been canceled). Ms. Taub’s musical is one of the season’s most highly anticipated productions, on- and off-Broadway (the run at the Public is already completely sold out), and it is already being eyed for a Main Stem transfer. The potential-filled musical tells the story of the women’s suffrage movement – which was largely spearheaded by militant suffragist Alice Paul – in the years leading up to the passing of the 19th Amendment.

Suffs takes obvious inspiration from the mega-hit Hamilton, which also began its life at the Public. Both musicals are hugely ambitious, mostly-sung creations that celebrate – through an aggressively contemporary lens – the lives of American political figures who have been largely glossed over in the history books (sadly, prior to watching the musical, the only suffragist I could name was Susan B. Anthony). First let’s start with the good. There’s much to appreciate about the show, particularly Ms. Taub’s score, which is distinctive in the conversational and organic manner in which it springs forth. As in previous works, there’s a refreshing transparency and matter-of-factness in her lyrics that’s approachable yet probing. Her sprawling book, however, is in need of judicious editing and re-shaping. The overstuffed and overlong musical occasionally loses momentum, especially in the mis-judged second act (there’s a prison hunger strike segment that goes on for far too long). Additionally, some of the relationships between characters can be more clearly defined and the show’s parallel narratives deserve more equal attention. Should the show move to the Great White Way, some serious thought should be expended on retooling the bones of the musical.

The production has been directed by Leigh Silverman, who endeavors to reign it all in with a stylized staging that’s part vaudeville and part serious music theater. Visually, the production is striking, but the scenic design (Mimi Lien’s severe, imposing set recreates the steps and columns of the U.S. Capitol) is more interesting in concept and proves unwieldy in practice (e.g., the blocking is often awkward, and choreographer Raja Feather Kelly is limited in what he can accomplish). The large, all-woman and non-binary cast is comprised of new and familiar faces, all of them committed. In the central role of Alice Paul, Ms. Taub gives a determined performance that’s bound to grow stronger as the material becomes more focused. Other standouts include Phillipa Soo, Nikki M. James, and Jenn Collela – each of whom bring considerable depth and a strong sense of individuality to their respective suffragist.

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SUFFS
Off-Broadway, Musical
The Public Theater
2 hours, 45 minutes (with one intermission)
Through May 15