Posted: 4/13/24 at 3:13pm
Perhaps, but her Wilson is 10x better now.
Posted: 4/13/24 at 3:46pm
At the matinee right now. The show was just stopped for a technical issue.
Posted: 4/13/24 at 5:21pm
Saw it a few nights ago. Thus far, this is the only musical this season I can see winning the Tony. It's one of those rare instances where I think the message and the relevancy are capturing the general public, and exciting them, in a way that the die-hard theater goers aren't necessarily seeing. While everyone on the boards are knit picking Suffs, most everyone I know is flipping out over it. Keep in mind, I do run in a more politically inclined circle, but it is hitting all of them, and myself, hard. Out of all the shows this season it's the only one that got my blood pumping and it stayed with me despite any artistic reservations I had about it. There are some truly incredible moments and all around great music and performances on that stage.
I'll also be VERY CURIOUS if the major press outlets send all their male reviewers like we saw with The Notebook. Can't imagine that would be a good look for the "industry" in 2024.
Posted: 4/14/24 at 12:04am
The show isn’t perfect and it still has some directorial problems, but it’s leaps and bounds better than at the Public.
Act 1 is incredibly strong. It’s really FUNNY (paced almost like a musical comedy) and has a clear throughline. It’s conventionally structured and some of the score resembles that of Alan Menken or Ahrens & Flaherty. The “have your cake and eat it too” elements (re: Ida Wells and the Black suffs) seemed better here than at the Public and serve as an additive, not a distraction.
I wish Act 2 was half as good as act one: the story they focus on isn’t as engaging and tonally darker, but they land the ending more effectively now than two years ago.
The scenic design is effective enough and I found all the wood-paneled pieces attractive. A musical that could benefit from a more sumptuous Santo Loquasto/Michael Yeargan-style scenic treatment.
The score begs for a slightly larger orchestration which might make it pop even more...two more strings (there are just 2 right now), a horn, and maybe another reed. Or maybe it's the sound design that needs improvement. Looking forward to hearing the album.
If critics are seeing Lempicka, The Wiz, and Suffs on consecutive days, there's no question that Suffs stands above the rest. Compared to something like Lempicka, it’s nice to have competence and coherence in storytelling (and a compelling leading lady who can sing the notes).
Updated On: 4/14/24 at 12:04 AM
Posted: 4/14/24 at 8:25am
I’m just about as baffled at the mixed reception for this show as I am at the current political landscape in this country.
Shaina and team really put in the work since the Public. It was smart to get rid of the two act openers where all of the cast play men. Perhaps this is a good part of the reason why all of the actress really live and breathe their characters.
I found Hannah Cruz exponentially more magnetic than Philippa Soo. Emily Skinner brought flare to her small parts. And the physical production is so much more appealing. It’s not the height of Broadway complexity, but perhaps that’s for the best in letting the story and the characters take the forefront.
The score is bouncing in my head days later and, unlike any other musical I’ve seen this season, the entire show had the momentum of a locomotive - quite an accomplishment for a plot that’s basically a struggle of something NOT getting done.
This would certainly have my vote for Best Musical.
Posted: 4/14/24 at 9:02am
I also want to add that I took my 7 year old daughter and 10 year old son and they loved it and, shockingly, had very little trouble following the plot.
Posted: 4/14/24 at 9:29am
Melissa25 said: "dramamama611:Question: was Catt's being gay present at the public? Was it indirect or subtle and I missed it? Or am I just absolutely forgetting it?
No I thought the same exact thing and don’t remember it at The Public either. But I could be forgetting too."
There was a beat about 10 minutes from the end of the show, "oh, btw, here's Catt walking off with her girlfriend" blink and you'd miss it, moment in the Public production.
Posted: 4/14/24 at 10:31am
Saw this last night after not caring much for it at the public, but was really taken with it last night. The whole thing felt much more focused than it was at the Public, which made the time fly by quickly. The material has a great forward momentum and urgency now.
The physical production leaves much to be desire, especially the lighting, choreography, and direction. I think the set might look better if the lighting design were better. Leigh Silverman’s direction continues to puzzle, but the strong material and committed performances from the entire cast are still able to shine.
Not the best thing you’ll ever see, but I was quite moved in a way I was not at the Public.
Posted: 4/14/24 at 11:47am
CoffeeBreak said: "Soo is leading a movie that came out last week.
https://playbill.com/article/see-phillipa-soo-learn-to-love-again-in-trailer-for-one-true-loves
wrote abook too. more projects to come...
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ALP_wBhQqvI"
One True Loves did not come out last week, it came out last year. It was released on April 7, 2023.
Posted: 4/14/24 at 12:04pm
There are many reasons why someone might not proceed with a Broadway production after doing the pre-Bway run (be it the choice of the actor or the choice of the creative team).
I don't believe Soo has posted a word about SUFFS on social since it was announced for Broadway, and I don't believe she was in the workshop last year (correct me on both points if I'm wrong). Not that that necessarily means anything, but you may read into it as you like.
I loved Hannah Cruz in the Broadway production. To be honest I don't remember a ton of Soo's performance at the Public.
Updated On: 4/14/24 at 12:04 PM
Posted: 4/14/24 at 12:07pm
I saw this last night after having really enjoyed it at The Public and echo the sentiments that it's great. It feels like Suffs 1.5 — that is to say, they have done so much work on it and I highly encourage those who had reservations two years ago to check out the new version.
I think the criticisms I'm seeing are slightly wavering (though not invalid, of course). I saw someone earlier in this thread mention that Act 1 was very focused whereas Act 2 started losing them — though the friend I saw the show with said the exact opposite was true of their experience. That is to say, for all the changes they've made, I'm not sure how much else they could do to please the net opinion of the show, had they gone and done another workshop or tryout. It's definitely been toyed-with to hell and back and I'd wager that for any given attribute they change that one person thinks needed to happen, another person will hold the opinion that said attribute "worked at The Public and now it's lesser-than".
That said, I think it's in great shape. It's a very easy recommendation to make for anyone interested in historically-driven and political theatre. If that's not your cup of tea, maybe stay away — but otherwise I think this is a fantastic contribution to that catalogue/genre of musicals that will leave people very moved and entertained.
One spoiler-thing I haven't seen discussed much:
I remember the "burning" march of Woodrow Wilson being a bit underwhelming at The Public but it totally stopped the show last night. An applause erupted when the fire was lit around his podium and having the number top off with the burning of the statue on the button of the song was awesome. People were losing their minds and it was such a powerful moment. It worked so damn well.
Updated On: 4/14/24 at 12:07 PM
Posted: 4/14/24 at 12:23pm
ErmengardeStopSniveling said: "There are many reasons why someone might not proceed with a Broadway production after doing the pre-Bway run (be it the choice of the actor or the choice of the creative team).
I don't believe Soo has posted a word about SUFFS on social since it was announced for Broadway, and I don't believe she was in the workshop last year (correct me on both points if I'm wrong). Not that that necessarily means anything, but you may read into it as you like.
I loved Hannah Cruz in the Broadway production. To be honest I don't remember a ton of Soo's performance at the Public."
Soo actually just posted a fun selfie on her Instagram story of her at the show, about 2 hours ago!
"Run to go see SUFFS. I'm in awe of this beautiful cast. Bravo friends <3 You and the show are incredible. Tears were shooting out of my face. I was so moved. Thank you for your gorgeous performances."
Posted: 4/14/24 at 9:44pm
Hillary and Shaina will be on the Kelly clarkson show tomorrow. Suffs is doing four major morning show and talk shows in the next two weeks. working hard for that Tony
Posted: 4/15/24 at 11:50am
Broadway Flash said: "Hillary and Shaina will be on the Kelly clarkson show tomorrow. Suffsis doing four major morning show and talk shows in the next two weeks. working hard for that Tony"
Or just trying to move tickets for a show with a terrible title... (Wish them the best and look forward to seeing it)
Posted: 4/15/24 at 7:14pm
This afternoon's interview with Shaina Taub (Alice Paul) and Clinton, followed by Taub performing "Keep Marching":
Posted: 4/16/24 at 12:36pm
This might answer the Philippa Soo question
https://deadline.com/2024/04/phillipa-soo-cast-ryan-murphy-abc-1235886285/
Posted: 4/16/24 at 12:44pm
The "Inside the Playbill" has been posted on Playbill Vault, suggesting the show is frozen.
Posted: 4/16/24 at 1:10pm
Does anyone know why Shaina was out for the press performance on Sunday?
I agree with others that this is the frontrunner now for Best Musical. The whole thing moves with great pacing and intention. Outstanding performances from everyone. Genuinely moving moments. Political relevancy. And it was the first time in this crowded spring of new musicals where I sat there and thought "FINALLY. Now THIS is a musical theater score." I still have so many songs and musical moments bouncing around in my head, which is something that Water for Elephants and The Notebook sadly didn't do for me (despite liking those shows quite a bit). The Outsiders and Lempicka have a few songs that stand out and will be remembered, but Suffs feels like a true, complete body of music.
Really my only complaint is with the physical production. I understand that they are evoking classic government buildings/architecture with the white columns and dark wood paneling, but I just don't find it very appealing or attractive to look at as far as a set is concerned. A more conceptual approach to the scenic design would elevate this piece a lot I think, and help the stage picture feel more full and alive. I also agree with an above poster that I wish I could hear the orchestrations with a few more instruments, Taub's score is really calling out for more. But such are Broadway budgets these days.
This could easily take Musical, score, and book. Niki M James, Jen Colella, and Hannah Cruz could all be in the mix for Featured Actress. Shaina has enough material to get into the Lead Actress lineup I think. Director might be harder just because there are so many high concept musicals this season where the directorial input is so obvious. And I don't see it scoring design nominations. But I think its looking at 5-8 Tony nominations, with 3 likely wins.
Posted: 4/16/24 at 2:12pm
I agree completely - its the only musical this season where I have genuinely left the theater feeling inspired. It actually might be the only one that has left me with any STRONG feelings that continued after the curtain call. And the excitement from the teenage women around me only elevated what was happening on stage. Real connection.
Hoping a few of the major press outlets send a few female critics this go around, but I sadly don't have much faith in theater journalism and criticism this season.
Posted: 4/16/24 at 11:23pm
Well, I’ll eat my hat! Sometimes I love it when my preconceived notions about a show are dead wrong. After seeing the three or so songs the show did with Playbill a few weeks ago, I pretty much wrote Suffs off as “not for me”. However, after reading the thoughts on here, I decided to check this out for myself, and I’m so glad I did.
First things first, the horse now has a head! It’s gold and looks pretty cool. The show itself is just so SOLID. The cast, the material, and even the design elements are all so strong and cohesive. The sparse set didn’t bother me at all, and the lighting and costumes are both beautiful.
Shaina Taub is such a talent! The fact that she wrote the music, lyrics, and book AND is starring in this AND turning in a great performance is quite the feat. The rest of the cast is just as good, too. LOVED Hannah Cruz. I’ve never really been a huge fan of Jenn Colella or Nikki M. James, but they are both *SO* good in this.
After seeing duds like Water For Elephants and The Great Gatsby recently, it’s truly a gift to have a new musical that is this strong. I highly recommend this. Not only was I wildly entertained, but I also learned a lot. I’m so happy I took a chance on this!
Posted: 4/16/24 at 11:33pm
bwayphreak234: First things first, the horse now has a head!
I am so glad to hear this! I am sure that scene plays so much better now. Thanks for your report and I’m glad you enjoyed it. I agree at this point after seeing many of the other new musicals, I tend to think Suffs will take the prize.
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