By: Richard L. Smith
A reimagined youth version of the Broadway musical “Suffs” is making its debut in West Orange as Pixie Dust Players presents “Suffs Jr.” at the JCC MetroWest from December 12 through 21. 
According to information released by Pixie Dust Players and JCC MetroWest officials, the junior adaptation introduces young performers to the story of the American women’s suffrage movement in an engaging and challenging new format.
Originally written for Broadway by Shaina Taub, “Suffs” chronicles the fight leading up to the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920, which granted many women the right to vote.
Less than a year after the show finished its Broadway run, the junior edition has arrived at the Maurice Levin Theater with two casts of local performers ages 6 to 18.
Pixie Dust Players founder and director Lindsay Maron is familiar with developing pilot productions, having overseen early versions of shows such as “Children of Eden Jr.,” “How to Train Your Dragon Jr.,” and “Prince of Egypt Jr.” She said “Suffs Jr.” presented a unique level of difficulty for young actors, but the cast rose to the challenge.
“We expected the cast to struggle with the complexity of the music, but they’ve exceeded every expectation,” Maron said in the release. 
“From the harmonies to the sung-through scenes, this is probably the strongest vocal pilot we’ve ever produced.”
The show explores the internal conflicts that shaped the suffrage movement, including generational divides and racial tensions, while highlighting the perseverance, flaws, and friendships of the women involved. 
Despite the historical weight of the material, Maron said the story moves quickly and remains accessible.
“This adaptation does a strong job of moving through the plot at a compelling pace without losing character development,” she noted.
“The challenge has been keeping the momentum while making sure the story stays clear.”
Developed by iTheatrics in collaboration with Taub, the junior version retains much of the depth of the original musical. Maron said that complexity has inspired her young cast.
“Because it’s challenging, the kids are motivated to rise to that challenge,” she said. “They understand the importance of the material, and it’s been exciting to watch them push themselves.”
“Suffs Jr.” will be performed at the JCC MetroWest Maurice Levin Theater, 760 Northfield Avenue in West Orange. Showtimes are Saturday, December 13; Friday, December 19; and Saturday, December 20 at 7:30 p.m., with matinees on Sunday, December 14, and Sunday, December 21 at 2 p.m. An additional performance will be held Monday, December 15 at 8 p.m.