League Night at Broadway SF Celebrates the Spirit of Suffs

The historic struggle for women’s suffrage was brought to life in spirit at the Broadway SF’s League Night, where members of the League of Women Voters assembled at a special preview of Suffs, the Tony-award-winning musical celebrating the brave women who earned women’s right to vote. The event was kicked off with a private pre-show reception, which brought together members of the League from throughout the Bay Area in celebration of the women in the struggle, who tirelessly sought their equal voice in our democracy. There was an air of excitement throughout, with members mingling over appetizers and drinks. Among the attendees was a powerful example of the League’s pipeline to civic leadership: Berkeley Mayor Adena Ishii, former president of LWVBAE.

LWVUS CEO Celina Stewart and LWVSF Co-President Alison Goh delivered stirring remarks that drew powerful connections between the suffrage movement and today’s ongoing work to protect and expand voting rights especially during the present contentious political climate. Goh spoke on the project Unite and Rise 8.5, an ambitious campaign to mobilize 8.5 million in order to protect and preserve our democracy. The message was clear: the League’s work is more vital than ever as the organization continues its mission as a backbone for civic action and defense of democratic values. Stewart reminded attendees that the League’s work today extends far beyond voter registration to encompass comprehensive efforts to combat voter suppression, ensure fair representation, and protect the fundamental right to vote against the current coordinated attacks.

Following the reception, members took their seats for the main event: Suffs, the groundbreaking musical by Shaina Taub that has captivated audiences with its powerful portrayal of suffrage leaders including Alice Paul, Carrie Chapman Catt, and Ida B. Wells. The show brings to vibrant life the strategic battles, personal sacrifices, and ultimate triumph of the movement that secured women’s constitutional right to vote. The performance was breathtaking, inspiring, and a true testament to the power of theater to illuminate history and ignite action. From the soaring musical numbers to the intimate character moments, Suffs reminded the audience that democracy has always been a work in progress, won through the courage and determination of ordinary people doing extraordinary things.

The evening was both celebration and call to action—a reminder of the work of the suffragists, ongoing in the League of Women Voters’ non-partisan work to protect democracy, empower voters, and ensure every voice is heard. League Night at Suffs was the perfect example of the League’s mission to mobilize, inspire, and educate the next generation of civic leaders. From protecting the right to vote to securing our equality in our constitution to mobilizing millions in support of our founding ideals, the evening was just another reminder of why the League’s work is just as important in 2025 as in 1920. As we face the challenges ahead, the words of Suffs ring as true today as they did then: “Keep marching, keep marching on.”

–Sara Faiyaz