By Brenda Hillegas

When ‘SUFFS‘ takes over the Academy of Music this January, the moment will feel especially full circle for Philadelphia.

The first national tour of the Tony-award winning musical arrives in the city Jan. 6–18, bringing with it the story of the suffragists who pushed, protested and persevered to secure women’s right to vote. Created by Shaina Taub — who originated the role of activist Alice Paul — ‘SUFFS’ blends history with urgency, asking modern audiences to reconsider how progress is made and who gets remembered for it.

For Philadelphians, the story carries a deeper resonance. Alice Paul was shaped in this city, earning both a master’s degree and a Ph.D. from the University of Pennsylvania. In 1911, she helped launch Philadelphia’s first street-corner campaign advocating for women’s suffrage, using public space as a platform for political change long before such tactics were widely accepted.

Now, Paul’s voice returns to Philadelphia through Maya Keleher, who takes on the role for the tour. 

Keleher recently sat down with Metro to discuss what drew her to Alice Paul and her story, how the role has shaped her perspective of leadership and why Philadelphia audiences should see ‘SUFFS’ ahead of America’s 250th birthday.

What drew you to the role of Alice Paul? Is there anything about her story that resonates with you personally?

Alice’s tenacity and passion grabbed me right away. She knows what she wants and goes after it with such clarity and conviction. I really relate to the emotional rollercoaster she rides while fighting for what she believes in. My own life has held incredible highs — like marrying my husband, Alex — and some painful lows, especially the loss of my dad in 2024. Alice’s journey mirrors the unpredictability of life. Her resilience feels universal, and I think most people can see a piece of themselves in her when they take a step back.

Did you have a chance to see ‘SUFFS’ while it was in NYC? What were your initial reactions to the story?

I didn’t get to see it in New York, though I really wish I had! It was on my list, but I never made it before it closed. I first heard about it from friends who were auditioning, and it immediately struck me as a powerful, timely story. Everyone kept talking about how incredible the music was, so I was excited to dive in.

How has stepping into Alice Paul’s shoes influenced your perspective on leadership or finding your own voice, both on and off stage?

I’ve learned that leadership isn’t linear. Becoming a leader doesn’t mean you suddenly get everything right. Alice constantly has to pick herself, her friends, and her cause back up after setbacks and misunderstandings. Real leadership is about adaptability — staying flexible, staying committed, and remembering that the cause matters far more than the moments that try to knock you down.

Doing this show eight times a week is both a gift and a challenge. It’s a big story, and I want to honor it fully. I’ve realized it all comes down to choice — the choice to show up, dig deeper, share this history, and accept that however I feel that day is exactly where I need to be. Alice didn’t feel 100% every day, and allowing my own humanity to inform hers has been very helpful. She’s taught me that multiple things can be true at once, and that all of my own personal layers can fuel the work.

Is there a scene or song in ‘SUFFS’ that you find especially powerful or meaningful?

Shaina Taub crafted this story with such precision that every moment feels meaningful. Different parts land differently for me from night to night. Lately, the scene leading into ‘Show Them Who You Are (Reprise)’ has been especially impactful. Alice says, “I don’t understand why I always need to explain why I am the way I am and why I want what I want. I’m not crazy, and I shouldn’t have to justify myself.”

As a woman, I often feel that same pressure to justify my choices when all I want is to make them and move forward. Speaking those words onstage eight times a week in front of an audience feels incredibly cathartic.

Given Alice Paul’s connections to Philadelphia and the surrounding area, including her time at the University of Pennsylvania, how does it feel to bring her story to this city?

It feels incredibly special and a little surreal. Performing this show in places that were part of Alice’s actual life gives the story a deeper sense of context and immediacy. It’s a reminder that Alice and the women who fought alongside her were alive not that long ago, and their work is still shaping our lives. Bringing her story to Philly only strengthens my connection to her humanity and to how real her fight was.

With America’s 250th anniversary approaching, why do you hope Philadelphia audiences will see ‘SUFFS’?

I believe that learning about history and staying curious about it is, in itself, a celebration of America, even when that history is difficult to swallow. I hope audiences come to see our show to deepen their sense of how we arrived at this moment in our country, and to leave the theater with a little more hope for the future.

Who are the women, past or present, that continue to inspire you and your work?

It’s quite hard to narrow it down, but for the sake of brevity, I’ll say my mom, my mother-in-law, and my niece. My mom, Sarah, has shown me how to find compassion for others everywhere I go. My mother-in-law, Colleen, has taught me how to keep going even when life gets tough. And my niece, Cora, inspires me to be the fullest version of myself and to never give up on my dreams. I want her to grow up believing she can pursue anything she’s passionate about, and I hope that by following my own path, I’m showing her what that looks like.

‘SUFFS’ is on stage at the Academy of Music from Jan. 6 to 18. For more information and tickets, visit ensembleartsphilly.org