Ensemble Arts Philly presents "Suffs" January 6-18 at the Academy of Music

PHILADELPHIA (WPVI) -- You can stand up and sing along with "Suffs" at the Academy of Music.

"'Suffs' is an amazing new work from Shaina Taub, a great new voice of the American musical theater," says Frances Egler, Vice President of Theatrical Programming and Presentations for Ensemble Arts Philly.

It's the first national tour of the hit Broadway musical.

"It's our first show of 2026, the year of the 250th anniversary of the U.S.," she says.

It tells the story of the women who fought for equality at the ballot box.

"It's based on the story of Alice Paul," she says.

Paul was a Moorestown, New Jersey native.

"'Suffs' starts in 1913, when Alice Paul meets Carrie Chapman Catt, who's been organizing to get women the right to vote," says Leigh Silverman, Director of "Suffs."

The show won two Tony Awards.

"Best book of a musical and best music and lyrics of a musical," says Egler.

"And this is a musical that deals with intergenerational struggle and perseverance," says Silverman. "Working to overcome prejudices of all kinds."

The all-female and non-binary cast portrays political figures like Woodrow Wilson as well as the activists, like Mary Church Terrell and Inez Milholland.

"There's Ida B. Wells, who is a legendary Black journalist of the time," says Egler.

"We do stand on the shoulders of these characters as we try to make change in our communities," says Silverman.

Their stories are told through designer Paul Tazewell's costumes.

"He really felt like each of these women were icons in their own way," she says.

And the Tony Award-winning score includes songs like, "The March (We Demand Equality)."

"Celebrate where we've come from and where we still need to go," says Silverman. "But really what the show is gonna leave you with, in our final number, is keep marching."

"The fight is worth it," says Egler.

Ensemble Arts Philly presents "Suffs" January 6 - 18 at the Academy of Music.

For more information:
Ensemble Arts Philly - "Suffs"
Link to Tickets at the Academy of Music

Academy of Music
240 S. Broad Street
Philadelphia, PA 19102