Broadway has long had a reputation for bringing diverse stories to life. In 2024, two musicals–SIX and Suffs–are tackling period narratives through a contemporary lens to showcase the stories of historical women. While vastly different in style and approach, both shows not only feature historical women as their main characters but also present these stories in a distinctly modern way. Whether it's suffragists fighting for voting rights or the queens belting out pop anthems, both productions challenge traditional storytelling norms, shedding new light on women's stories from history.
Breathing Life into History: An Overview of Suffs
Suffs brings to life the suffragists, a group of women who campaigned for voting rights in the early 20th century. These women fought against societal norms and faced numerous obstacles in their quest for equality. The show is a brainchild of Shaina Taub, known for her work on Twelfth Night and As You Like It as a part of Shakespeare in the Park. Taub is not only the creator but also the star of the show, playing the role of Alice Paul. The production is directed by Leigh Silverman, with choreography by Mayte Natalio and a number of feminist advocates as producers, including activist Malala Yousafzai.
Shaina Taub was first introduced to suffragists by producer Rachel Sussman with the book Jailed for Freedom. Taub was immediately captivated by this untold, dramatic chapter of American history. As Taub delved deeper into the lives of individual suffragists, she found a wealth of complex characters.
The musical score of Suffs leans toward the traditional Broadway style, a decision that helps anchor the narrative in its historical context. Meanwhile, costume design by Paul Tazewell focuses on historical accuracy and attention to detail, beautifully capturing the period's fashion while also showcasing the individual personalities of the characters.
Perhaps the most notable aspect of Suffs is its commitment to spotlight the often-overlooked contributions of women of color in the suffrage movement. Characters like Ida B. Wells and Mary Church Terrell are given prominence, ensuring that their stories are not lost.
From Victims to Pop Divas: An Overview of SIX
SIX introduces audiences to the story of King Henry VIII and his six wives with the simple rhyme: divorced, beheaded, died, divorced, beheaded, survived. The unfortunate ladies in question—Catherine of Aragon, Anne Boleyn, Jane Seymour, Anne of Cleves, Katherine Howard, and Catherine Parr—are remembered as the victims of their spouses' infamous whiplash decisions. However, Broadway's SIX shows these six queens were so much more.
SIX is not your everyday, old-school Broadway musical, it’s a full-on pop concert with the queens resurrected as pop divas. In this production, the women emerge from the shadow of their notorious husband and engage in a playful competition. Each tells her life story, vying for the title of Henry VIII's most hard-done-by wife.
Produced by Toby Marlow and Lucy Moss, SIX brings the queens to life as contemporary pop stars, giving each of them a distinct voice and aesthetic. Catherine of Aragon trades barbs with her husband in a pop anthem reminiscent of Shakira, while Anne Boleyn exudes playful defiance, much like Avril Lavigne. Jane Seymour, who died giving birth to Henry's only legitimate male heir, tells her story in a soulful ballad echoing Adele. In a style similar to that of Nicki Minaj, Anne of Cleves raps her way through the story of her flattering portrait, Katherine Howard channels Ariana Grande in dealing with her sexually exploitative relationships, and Catherine Parr, who outlived Henry, takes a dramatic turn with empowered lyrics resonant of Alicia Keys.
The idea for the show originally sparked in Marlow’s head in college. Moss admits to initial skepticism, acknowledging the risks involved in such an unconventional approach. However, as a history graduate, she also recognized the opportunity the concept presented: a chance to reassess the reputations of Henry's wives and set the record straight. After the production’s successful run at the Edinburgh Fringe Festival, the creators faced a new challenge: the question of whether to expand the show. However, Moss and Marlow ultimately chose to stick to their original vision.
In this production, viewers are not just fed historical facts but instead witness relatable, empowering stories of women who were far ahead of their time, living life on their terms despite the historical constraints.
Contrasting Portrayals: Suffs vs SIX
While Suffs and SIX both tackle historical women's narratives, their approach to storytelling varies. Suffs aims for authenticity, anchoring its narrative in the real-life experiences of the suffragists, from victories to setbacks. The show has already become a firm favorite among traditional Broadway enthusiasts.
SIX, on the other hand, abandons the conventional narrative structure for a more audacious approach. The musical style of the show is unapologetically modern, featuring catchy pop tunes that are decidedly more Top 40 than Broadway. The costumes in SIX are a vital part of its storytelling. Far from the historical accuracy of Suffs, SIX’s costumes are a riot of colors, textures, and styles. Designed by Gabriella Slade, they incorporate elements of Tudor fashion - think ruffs, corsets, and extravagant sleeves - but with a modern twist. This approach not only distinguishes SIX from other historical musicals but also helps it connect with younger audiences.
Both Suffs and SIX breathe new life into the stories of historical women. If you're a fan of Broadway or simply someone interested in history told from a unique angle, these shows are a must-see. Whether you prefer the traditional format of Suffs or the concert-like style of SIX, both shows deliver high-quality performances and memorable scores that resonate with audiences. So dive into these stories, let them inspire and move you, and witness how Broadway continues to innovate the way we tell and perceive stories from history.