Podcast Summary: "Suffs" on Broadway Closes This Weekend

Introduction

In the January 3, 2025 episode of ALL OF IT, hosted by Alison Stewart on WNYC, the spotlight is on the Broadway musical "Suffs" as it prepares to close its run this weekend before embarking on a national tour. "Suffs" is a critically acclaimed production that delves into the historic fight for women's suffrage, centering around the pivotal figure Alice Paul and featuring the powerful performance of Ida B. Wells by Tony Award-nominated actress Nicky M. James. The episode features an in-depth conversation with director Lee Silverman and Nicky M. James, exploring the artistic journey of "Suffs", its thematic depth, and the personal impacts it has had on those involved.

Adaptation from Off-Broadway to Broadway

Alison Stewart begins the discussion by addressing the transition of "Suffs" from its original Off-Broadway production at the Public Theatre to the larger Broadway stage. Director Lee Silverman shares insights into the creative evolution of the show:

Lee Silverman [01:35]:
"Shaina had started rewriting before we had even closed at the Public. She had big ideas. I think because she is the star of the show, she could feel nightly where audiences were leaning in, where they were sitting back, where there was confusion. She could feel it. And as the writer, she was already coming up with ways that she wanted to reconceive."

Silverman highlights the introduction of a new creative team, including a new orchestrator and choreographer, which contributed to reimagining and expanding the show's core narrative to suit the Broadway landscape.

Evolving Performances and Character Depth

Transitioning to the performance aspect, Alison Stewart inquires about the changes Nicky M. James aimed to incorporate as the show moved uptown. James elaborates on the heightened emotional depth and personal connection she developed with her character, Ida B. Wells:

Nicky M. James [02:25]:
"Between the public and Broadway, I had a child, so I became a mother. That aspect of Ida's life was something I didn't necessarily relate to as much before. Ida was a mother of four children, doing all this work while raising a family. So that has really changed how I approach this character and my connection to her."

James's personal experience with motherhood enriched her portrayal, allowing her to infuse Ida B. Wells's struggles and resilience with authenticity and emotional nuance.

Musical Highlights and Thematic Exploration

A significant portion of the episode focuses on the musical elements that define "Suffs". Alison Stewart introduces two poignant songs performed by Nicky M. James, each encapsulating critical aspects of Ida B. Wells's character and the broader themes of the musical.

1. "Wait My Turn"
   In this song, Ida confronts the intersectionality of race and gender, challenging the prioritization of white women's suffrage over black women's rights.

   Nicky M. James [04:45]:
   "You want me to put my sex before my race. I can't separate my blackness from my womanness."
   [04:51]

   This line powerfully underscores the inherent struggle of advocating for women's rights while simultaneously confronting racial injustice, highlighting the complexity of Wells's activism.

2. "The Convention, Part 1"
   This song dramatizes the tensions between Wells and fellow activist Mary Church Terrell during the 1916 National Women's Suffrage Association convention.

   Nicky M. James [10:20]:
   "Why are you fighting me? I am not the enemy."
   [11:09]

   The exchange captures the delicate balance between unity and personal conflict within the suffrage movement, emphasizing the necessity of diverse perspectives in achieving collective goals.

Interpersonal Dynamics and Intergenerational Tensions

Lee Silverman delves into the intricate relationships between characters, particularly the dynamic between Alice Paul and Ida B. Wells, as well as between Ida B. Wells and Mary Church Terrell. Silverman emphasizes the duality of conflict and camaraderie, reflecting the real-life challenges of collaborative activism:

Lee Silverman [06:15]:
"It's about the conflicts, and it's also about the joy of working together in community. ... How do we work together in such a difficult and fractious time?"
[06:03]

The portrayal of these relationships serves as a microcosm of broader societal struggles, illustrating how unity can coexist with differing methodologies and priorities.

The Impact of Motherhood on Performance

A heartfelt segment features Nicky M. James discussing how becoming a mother has profoundly influenced her approach to performing Ida B. Wells:

Nicky M. James [15:11]:
"Becoming a mother changed how I think about not just this show, but everything in my career. ... I want my child to be proud that I was doing something that I both believed in and thought made the world a better place."
[15:11]

James reflects on the balancing act between personal responsibilities and professional commitments, highlighting the supportive environment fostered by the "Suffs" production team, particularly emphasizing the importance of community and mutual support.

Creating an Inclusive and Supportive Environment

Director Lee Silverman addresses the broader implications of creating a workplace that accommodates and supports diverse needs, especially for women in the traditionally male-dominated Broadway scene:

Lee Silverman [17:34]:
"Broadway specifically has not been a very hospitable place for women in general. ... It was essential to this company that Nikki felt that way. We made sure that she could be breastfeeding if she wanted to in the rehearsal room..."
[17:34]

Silverman underscores the necessity of fostering an inclusive environment that respects and accommodates the personal lives of performers, advocating for systemic changes to make Broadway more accessible for women and parents.

Final Thoughts and Call to Action

As the conversation draws to a close, Silverman and James passionately advocate for audiences to witness "Suffs" before its Broadway closure:

Lee Silverman [20:04]:
"Suffs is a very unique theatrical experience. ... It's giving you something not just as entertainment and not just history, but an opportunity to feel hope, to sit in a room and feel the feelings with a group of other people who care."
[20:04]

Nicky M. James [21:05]:
"This show is hopeful without being naive or cynical. ... Shaina Taube's music is extraordinary. ... come see Suffs."
[21:05]

Both emphasize the musical's ability to inspire and unite, making a compelling case for its transformative power and encouraging listeners to support the production during its final Broadway run.

Conclusion

The episode of ALL OF IT offers a comprehensive exploration of "Suffs", highlighting its historical significance, artistic excellence, and the personal journeys of those who bring it to life. Through insightful dialogue and evocative performances, Alison Stewart, Lee Silverman, and Nicky M. James illuminate the enduring relevance of the women's suffrage movement and the continuing fight for equality. As "Suffs" prepares to close its Broadway chapter, this episode serves as both a tribute and a rallying call for continued advocacy and community engagement.