News Summary
Melanie MacQueen’s world premiere play ‘All These Women’ is currently being performed at Theatre 40 in Beverly Hills. The play highlights the women’s suffrage movement, beginning in 1913 with the inauguration of President Wilson and detailing the struggles of key figures like Lucy Burns and Alice Paul. The production’s rich narrative sheds light on the perseverance of suffragettes, culminating in the passage of the 19th Amendment in 1920. With strong performances and engaging costume design, the play invites audiences to reflect on the significance of voting rights today.
Beverly Hills, CA – Melanie MacQueen’s world premiere play “All These Women,” highlighting the history of the women’s suffrage movement, is currently running at Theatre 40 in Beverly Hills. This production eloquently narrates the struggles and triumphs of women who fought for their right to vote, commencing its story in 1913, with the inauguration of Democratic President Woodrow Wilson at a time when World War I loomed on the horizon.
The narrative dives deep into the divisions among suffragettes that posed significant threats to their progress in achieving suffrage. Key historical figures such as Lucy Burns and Alice Paul emerge prominently throughout the play, embodying the challenges faced in the long journey toward the 19th Amendment. This amendment, which states, “The right of citizens of the United States to vote shall not be denied or abridged…on account of sex,” was ultimately passed in 1920, marking a monumental victory for women in America.
Kristin Towers-Rowles plays Lucy Burns, a major leader in the suffragette movement, delivering a powerful performance that includes breaking the fourth wall. This technique fosters a connection between the historical events portrayed on stage and the modern audience. Anica Petrovic takes the role of Alice Paul, who was instrumental in organizing the first major women’s rights march in 1913 and played a crucial role in pushing for women’s voting rights.
Other notable cast members include April Audia, Jessica Kent, and Michele Schultz, who portray various historical suffragettes, helping to bring the ensemble’s dynamic to life. The engaging costume design by Michael Mullen further immerses the audience in the time period and the significant events of the suffrage movement.
The second act of the play intensifies as it depicts a hunger strike initiated by suffragettes, a tactic aimed at capturing President Wilson’s attention to push for their cause. Director Melanie MacQueen’s meticulous research was integral in uncovering often-overlooked historical facts about these passionate women, allowing the production to present a richer narrative of the era.
The play has a runtime of 2.5 hours, which allows for the substantial amount of dialogue and essential information to be conveyed clearly and effectively. Audiences can attend performances through October 19, with shows scheduled from Thursdays to Saturdays at 7:30 PM and Sundays at 2:00 PM. The venue for this significant production is the Mary Levin Cutler Theatre located within Beverly Hills High School.
Tickets for “All These Women” are priced at $35, plus service fees. They can be purchased through Theatre 40’s website or via phone. The play not only pays tribute to those who fought for women’s rights but also underscores the ongoing importance of remembering the struggles of the suffrage movement, especially in the context of contemporary voting rights challenges. As election seasons approach, audience members are invited to reflect on and appreciate the contributions of suffragists to American democracy.
Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic
HERE Resources
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World Premiere of ‘All These Women’ in Beverly Hills
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Beverly Hills to Premiere Groundbreaking Play on Women’s Suffrage
Beverly Hills Hosts Premiere of ‘All These Women’ Focusing on Women’s Suffrage
Theatre 40 Unveils New Season with Premieres and Classics
Additional Resources
- 10 News
- Wikipedia: Women’s Suffrage in the United States
- San Diego Union Tribune
- Google Search: Women’s suffrage movement
- The New York Times
- Encyclopedia Britannica: Women’s Suffrage
- NBC News
- Google News: Suffs musical
Author: STAFF HERE BEVERLY HILLS WRITER
The Beverly Hills Staff Writer represents the experienced team at HEREBeverlyHills.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Beverly Hills, Los Angeles County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as the Rodeo Drive Concours d'Elegance, the Beverly Hills artSHOW, Concerts on Canon, and holiday celebrations throughout the city. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Beverly Hills Chamber of Commerce and Visit Beverly Hills, plus leading businesses in luxury fashion, hospitality, and entertainment that drive the local economy. As part of the broader HERE network, including HERELosAngeles.com, HERESantaAna.com, HEREHuntingtonBeach.com, and HERECostaMesa.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into Southern California's dynamic landscape.
