Danyel Fulton and Trisha Jeffrey Star in 'SUFFS'

(l-r) Danyel Fulton and Trisha Jeffrey star in
'SUFFS'

By Darlene Donloe

SUFFS, the powerful and inspiring musical that tells the story of the American women who fought tirelessly for the right to vote, is set to open on November 19, 2025, at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles. 

Created by Shaina Taub, the first woman to ever independently win Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score in the same season, the show explores the triumphs and failures of a struggle for equality that's far from over. The subjects in the show are all based on real-life people.

SUFFS has garnered acclaim for its thought-provoking narrative, stunning score, and outstanding cast, earning it a spot on Broadway and now, a national tour.

The cast of 'SUFFS'

With a blend of humor, drama, and music, SUFFS brings to life the trailblazing stories of suffragists like Ida B. Wells and Mary Church Terrell, both Black, highlighting their determination, passion, and resilience. 

The musical features two accomplished actresses, Danyel Fulton as Wells and Trisha Jeffrey as Terrell, who share the stage with an all-female cast and crew that effectively delivers a message of empowerment and activism. 

Appearing in the musical was a no-brainer for the seasoned actresses, who both have an impressive list of credits.

“I was fortunate to be a part of an early development process in New York,” said Fulton, who said she’s been acting her entire life. “I was there to standby for the woman playing Ida at the time. I was introduced to SUFFS there. I didn’t have any details about the titan she actually was. By playing this role, I gained a lot of information. I learn something new about her every day – both on stage and by reading her work. To play her is an immense responsibility. I am introducing her to people like me. The show is important because a lot of our history is lost.”

Before taking on the role, Jeffrey, who began her career as a singer, had never heard of Terrell. 

“I didn’t know who she was,” said Jeffrey, one of the founding members of the Classical Theater of Harlem. “I found out when I joined the SUFFS class in New York for the national tour. It's great to play this civil rights activist.”

Jeffrey said she is still learning about Mary Church Terrell. 

“She was more than just an heiress,” Jeffrey said.  “She saw some terrible things. She saw the lynching of her friend. She actually saw her father get shot in the back of his head. She was an educator. She helped found the NCW and NAACP. She worked alongside Frederick Douglass. She helped with Ida’s investigations. It’s an honor to play her. I didn’t know Black women were part of the SUFFs movement. Who knew?”

Taub’s powerful production shines a spotlight on the fearless women who fought tirelessly for the right to vote, and the setbacks of a struggle that remains relevant today.

Fulton and Jeffrey bring a poignant juxtaposition to the stage, embodying the parallel struggles of Wells and Terrell, two Black women navigating a suffrage movement that often excluded them. 

As Ida B. Wells, Fulton channels the fiery spirit of a journalist and activist who fought for racial and gender equality, while Jeffrey's Mary Church Terrell embodies the elegance and determination of a prominent educator and clubwoman.

'SUFFS' opens at The Pantages on November 19, 2025

“Ida has a song in the show called ‘Wait My Turn’, a response to the leader of the march, when they tell her she can’t march in the front, she has to march in the back so she doesn't ruffle the feathers of donors,” Fulton said. “She’s told to wait her turn. Black women have always been told to wait their turn. Ida wasn’t going to wait. Look at what’s happening today. We see Roe v. Wade. We see Black women not getting their due medically. The fight is not over.  I’m personally not going to wait my turn either. We have to speak up for women who can’t.”

“Why is it we still, like they did, have to wait?” Jeffrey said. “I’m not waiting either.  When we’re doing the show, you can hear the difference in how they respond to Ida’s entrance and Mary’s entrance. Some people are uncomfortable about the conversation. They should be uncomfortable. Black women are often overlooked. Mary, a prominent educator and activist, was pissed off at President Wilson and started a petition to advocate for our right to vote. These women didn’t wait, and we shouldn’t either.”

Jeffrey said there is something ‘special’ about seeing two Black women on stage.

“What I appreciate is them showing our differences,” she said. “Ida and Mary were different, but they wanted the same things. They show how we’re different and the love we had for each other.”

Fulton said when it comes to navigating the complexity of Wells’ radical activism and her personal life, her goal is to ‘show the full scope of who a character is – both their hardness and softness.’

“People like seeing the truth on stage,” she said. “Ida was very much loved. She had six children, two of whom were from her husband’s first marriage. She had sisters. She was loved in her family and her community.  How do we show sisterhood? Even between Ida and Mary. Any time I get to smile, I try to take it. It’s a touchy balance beam, but I try to find the possibilities in the character.”

Jeffrey said exploring Terrell’s relationships and friendships was stimulating.

“Getting to know Mary was interesting because on stage she has limited time,” Jeffrey said. “I had to work hard at learning about her being a lover of the arts and being wealthy. She was fun but she was also an unseasoned militant. Trying to find the balance for the love of the movement and balancing her relationship with Ida was important. It’s an ongoing battle. The relationship between Ida and Mary was beautiful and complex.”

Through stimulating performances, SUFFS sheds light on the complex, often fraught experiences of Black women during this pivotal moment in history, revealing the painful truths of a movement that struggled to include them.

Fulton, 38, a Brooklyn-born storyteller, brings her impressive resume to the role. With credits like Ruby (Broadbend, Arkansas, Transport Group) and Dorothy (The Wiz, The Muny), Dionne (Hair, second national tour), and Shayla (Watch Night, The PAC), a powerful performance is imminent.

Jeffrey, too, is a seasoned actress with a remarkable track record that includes Little Shop of Horrors, All Shook Up, Rent, Motown, Sister Act, Caroline, or Change, and more.

Both Jeffrey and Fulton said they are ready to bring to life the stories of two powerhouse Black female historical figures.

“When given a talent, it’s your duty to use that talent in the world,” Jeffrey said. “I don’t think about what I get out of acting. For me, it’s more about what I can do through acting. I can tell Mary’s truth.”

“Acting is part of my calling,” Fulton said. “I hope to inspire people with Ida’s story. I want to tell important stories, especially for my people. To be part of the lineage of those who told our stories before me is very special.”

SUFFS, Pantages Theatre, 6233 Hollywood Blvd., Los Angeles, 7:30 p.m. Tues-Thur, 8 p.m. Fri-Sat., 2 p.m. Sat., 1 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. Sunday, November 18 – Dec. 7, tickets start at $66, 323 468-1700.