Ariana Burks remains enthusiastic about her "roles" in "Suffs."
Burks, a Chicago native, is one of the performers in the musical "Suffs," which runs July 7 to 19 at CIBC Theatre in Chicago.
"I cover four different roles in the show," Burks said, explaining she is an offstage principal cover or what can be described as a standby performer. The individuals she must be prepared to portray if called upon to take the stage are Ida B. Wells, Dudley Malone, Mary Church Terrell and Phyllis Terrell/Robin.
"Suffs," which was created by Shaina Taub, revolves around the story of the women's suffrage movement, its prominent leaders and the oppositions they endured and successes they had.
"I love all the characters in the show," Burks said. The actor said she's actually been called upon to perform onstage many times since she's been on the national tour for the past year.
"It can be pretty challenging since the characters I cover are drastically different," she said, when asked how difficult it is to know the lines and help build the characters of four different people. Burks said while she's in Chicago, she knows she'll be going onstage to perform in at least two shows in the Chicago run.
I'm excited for my family and friends to see me in the show," she said. Burks said it offers a good look at the important women's movement and what the key individuals in the movement went through to help make changes for women. She added she's excited for audience members who may not know a lot about the movement to learn about aspects of it they may have never heard about and "the dedicated and hard work" that went into the passing of the 19th Amendment.
"A lot of people don't know these women were also imprisoned and tortured," she said.
Burks said the production also highlights the significant work Black women did for the movement.
"Suffs" runs July 7 to 19 at CIBC Theatre in Chicago. Provided photo.
According to Burks, the score of "Suffs" is both powerful and beautiful with pop-rock influences, ballads and anthem-like numbers.
The actor said the production will appeal to everyone as it offers a strong story, great music and an important message.
"A lot of people don't expect it to be so moving," she added. "It's a wonderful piece of theater."
Burks, who grew up in Chicago's Chatham neighborhood, also lived in Hyde Park and Edgewater. She currently resides in New York.
"Chicago will always be my home," she said.
FYI: "Suffs" runs from July 7 to 19 at CIBC Theatre, 18 W. Monroe, Chicago. Tickets are $37 to $147 with selected premium seats available. Visit www.BroadwayInChicago.com.