Suffs at CIBC Theatre

“Thrilling, inspiring, dazzlingly entertaining.” – Variety

Chicago, the fight for democracy is coming your way this summer!

Your mothers and sisters will know you were there. Your children will know you were there. Your neighbors, friends, and family will know you were there. They will know that you were there to dig deeper than the surface; you were there to witness a historical story marching right into the present; you were there to witness a well-crafted theatrical sensation take its place among the greats of Broadway. They will know that you felt everything through every inspiring moment; they will know that you let a life-changing story nestle deep in between your ribs; they will know that you are standing firm for a vote, for a voice – fiercely, passionate, and bold. 

The struggle for equality is not over yet – and that is exactly where Suffs: The Musical comes in. Exploring the failures and triumphs of the American suffrage movement without fear, this production humanizes; it empowers; it moves; it entertains – and it will bring home its powerful message loud and very, very clear. 

So Chicago, are you going to let this intelligent, ambitious tale that crosses genders, generations, and races in? Are you going to be there to stand witness; to experience pure brilliance and passion; and most of all – enjoy a beautiful production? That’s right, Chicago – Suffs: The Musical is on the road, and is coming to the CIBC Theatre soon! 

Suffs Tickets

Tickets are available for purchase now directly from the CIBC Theatre’s box office, so hurry down there to get yours before the exceptionally high demand leaves you high and dry! If you’re all about convenience, and avoiding missing out on one of the hottest, biggest must-sees of the season, you can simply click on the Buy Tickets link to be redirected to select your seats. Here you’ll be able to select your preferred seats suitable to your taste and budget, complete your purchase, and download your buyer-guaranteed tickets straight to your phone within minutes. It has never been this easy – so don’t wait around, get in on the fight for a vote – get your tickets now! 

“‘Suffs’ is a full-throated musical call to action, and its message is neither subtle nor ambivalent: it wants to light a fire under you.” – Time Out Worldwide

SYNOPSIS

Suffs: The Musical perfectly captures the sweep of history in the final, very intense seven-year push for women’s rights to vote, leading to the ratification of the 19th Amendment. 

With inventive storytelling, Carrie Chapman Catt is standing firm in her quest to turn heads with a slow, state-by-state approach. With this method being contested with suggestions of moves towards a more disruptive, attention-grabbing approach, including parades, protests, and general civil disobedience, the tensions lead to Alice Paul eventually breaking away from the National American Woman Suffrage Association to form the National Woman’s Party. 

Upon Alice Paul’s arrest, there is a massive public outcry, and pressure is placed on President Woodrow Wilson, ultimately leading to the 19th Amendment being ratified. 

Suffs: The Musical is oozing with intensity, humour, sadness, spunk, and joy, with a unique, rich musical palette in every colour and style. The fact remains: Suffs: The Musical is only getting started, and definitely gets our vote.  

“It doesn’t just tell the story, it makes you feel it and its importance.” – BroadwayWorld

CREATIVE TEAM

Through it all, Shaina Taub’s immaculate book, music, and lyrics drive the message home that powerful women stand behind powerful women. Not only did she create one of the most relevant productions on the road today, but also became the first woman ever to independently win Tony Awards for Best Book of a Musical and Best Original Score. 

Of course, with a world-renowned creative team backing the struggle, mountains can be moved. The visionary creative team of Suffs: The Musical comprises of the ambitious talents of director Leigh Silverman (Violet, Well, Never Gonna Dance, Chinglish), choreographer Mayte Natalio, musical supervisor, co-vocal and incidental arranger Andrea Grody, scenic designer Christine Peters, costume designer Paul Tazewell, lighting designer Lap Chi Chu, sound designer Jason Crystal, orchestrator Michael Starobin, vocal arrangers Shaina Taub and Andrea Grody, and stage manager Maya Bhatnagar. 

“Taub’s show is a triumph.” – Downtown News

CAST

Audiences across North America can look forward to experiencing the powerhouse vocal deliveries and vigor of a cast that are not only standing firm for a vote, but a permanent place in Broadway history. 

The stellar cast includes the talents of Jenny Ashman as President Woodrow Wilson, Tami Dahbura as Mollie Hay, Danyel Fulton as Ida B. Wells, Marya Grandy as Carrie Chapman Catt, Trisha Jeffrey as Mary Church Terrell, Maya Keleher as Alice Paul, Livvy Marcus as Doris Stevens, Victoria Pekel as Phyllis Terrell, Brandi Porter as Dudley Malone, Monica Tulia Ramirez as Inez Milholland, Gwynne Wood as Lucy Burns, and Joyce Meimei Zheng as Ruza Wenclawska. 

“Memorable music, star-making performances, and an inspiring message with moments that tug at the heartstrings.” – New York Theatre Guide

HISTORY & LEGACY

Suffs: The Musical has been moving and entertaining audiences since its off-Broadway premier at The Public Theatre in Manhattan in April 2022. After receiving rave reviews, the production moved to the Music Box Theatre, where it had its Broadway premiere in April 2024. This production didn’t only reflect history, but also made history, with Shaina Taub becoming the very first woman to write the book, music, and lyrics, and also star in her own musical. 

Suffs: The Musical proves to be electrifying and life changing not only for audiences, but also for critics. To date, the production has racked up no less than two Tony Awards, three Outer Critics Circle Awards, and two Drama Desk Awards, among many nominations. 

In short, Suffs: The Musical is the biggest must-see of the season. 

“A good show, and good for the world.” – The New York Times

THE CIBC THEATRE

Whenever Broadway comes to Chicago, there’s only one place to be – and that’s the iconic CIBC Theatre! 

Situated at 18 West Monroe Street in the Loop area of downtown Chicago, the CIBC Theatre has been a hotspot for Broadway productions for well over a century. Initially a highly popular vaudeville theatre, the CIBC Theatre took a step in the direction of welcoming the best of the best from Broadway onto its stage right in the middle of the golden age of musicals. All the greats, from Gypsy and The Sound of Music to Oliver, Hello Dolly, and My Fair Lady, had their moments in the spotlight here. 

The CIBC Theatre was designed by architects Edmund R. Krause and the Rapp Brothers with the eye on fire safety and elegance. Boasting a breathtaking ornate, Beaux-Arts design with stunning gold leaf detailing, two proscenium stages, a gorgeous mosaic floor and elaborately decorated arch in the lobby, rich wood paneling and velvet seating for up to 1,800 patrons in the auditorium, and a dazzling grand domed ceiling, the CIBC Theatre has that vintage historic charm that will make even the unlikeliest theatregoer fall in love with it in an instant. 

To top this, the CIBC Theatre also features cutting-edge sound and lighting, crisp, pin-drop acoustics, excellent views of the stage from all seats, and incredible, modern amenities. The auditorium offers seating options across an orchestra floor, a dress circle, a mezzanine, and a balcony. 

“‘Suffs’ is right on time.” – Los Angeles Times