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19: The Musical: An American Suffrage Story
“19 is a rousing, ovation generating musical, full of history and dance.” — William Powell, DC Metro Theatre Arts
19: The Musical is the dynamic and little-known story of Alice Paul, Ida B. Wells, Susan B. Anthony, Carrie Chapman Catt, Inez Milholland and the other suffragists who fought to get women the right to vote — the 19th Amendment. The inspirational story of these fearless women is brought to life through jazz, traditional musical standards style, spoken word, and hints of gospel. Alice Paul and the suffragists' fight for equality have been re-imagined for a new generation with a poignant and uplifting message that will resonate for years to come.
Book and lyrics by Jennifer Schwed and Doug Bradshaw. Music composed and arranged by Charlie Barnett.
19: The Musical is the dynamic and little-known story of Alice Paul, Ida B. Wells, Susan B. Anthony, Carrie Chapman Catt, Inez Milholland and the other suffragists who fought to get women the right to vote — the 19th Amendment. The inspirational story of these fearless women is brought to life through jazz, traditional musical standards style, spoken word, and hints of gospel. Alice Paul and the suffragists' fight for equality have been re-imagined for a new generation with a poignant and uplifting message that will resonate for years to come.
Book and lyrics by Jennifer Schwed and Doug Bradshaw. Music composed and arranged by Charlie Barnett.
Audiobook
Published March 26, 2024
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 40 reviews
April 9, 2024
19: The Musical by Jennifer Schwed and Doug Bradshaw is a full cast musical.
The write is about a group of women that paved the way for women to have the rights that we have today. Without these women and the trials and tribulations they experienced and suffered, women would still be viewed as nothing but an accessory to a male. They would not have the ability to work outside the home or have the opportunity to shape the world.
The women’s suffrage movement is often glossed over in history lessons, so I enjoyed learning details that I hadn’t known. I was aware prior to this about the marches, including the night of terror, and the conditions that the women paving the future suffered. This was great in highlighting that even during their journey, they often warred with themselves over how to protest. This was educational but in a very fun way. I had never heard of Alice Paul before this. I felt that current trends and references were entertaining but also seemed out of place.
The music is fun and keeps you engaged. The musical was educational, told in a quick entertaining way. I would definitely recommend listening.
The write is about a group of women that paved the way for women to have the rights that we have today. Without these women and the trials and tribulations they experienced and suffered, women would still be viewed as nothing but an accessory to a male. They would not have the ability to work outside the home or have the opportunity to shape the world.
The women’s suffrage movement is often glossed over in history lessons, so I enjoyed learning details that I hadn’t known. I was aware prior to this about the marches, including the night of terror, and the conditions that the women paving the future suffered. This was great in highlighting that even during their journey, they often warred with themselves over how to protest. This was educational but in a very fun way. I had never heard of Alice Paul before this. I felt that current trends and references were entertaining but also seemed out of place.
The music is fun and keeps you engaged. The musical was educational, told in a quick entertaining way. I would definitely recommend listening.
April 20, 2024
This is an audiobook recording of 19: the Musical. This is the story of women's suffrage and the women who worked so hard to make the 19th Amendment happen. Told in spoken word and brilliant and catchy songs, 19 is not to be missed. While I am sure seeing a live production would be the ultimate experience, the audiobook performance can stand on its own. Full of HERstory and the modern quips and references which make Broadway what it is, 19 is fun and engaging to listen to and informative from the perspective that women's stories are so often glossed over in HIStory class. Bravo to the writers and entire cast!
Listen to this with your girls!
Thank you to NetGalley and Through the 4th Wall for the opportunity to listed to the audiobook ARC.
Listen to this with your girls!
Thank you to NetGalley and Through the 4th Wall for the opportunity to listed to the audiobook ARC.
April 11, 2024
I really enjoyed this. I love musicals and I am also a feminist. I wish they taught our journey as women in school. All of it. I was deeply moved by the performance and I’ll be thinking about it for days… well done (lots of clapping!)
Thanks Through the 4th Wall via NetGalley.
Thanks Through the 4th Wall via NetGalley.
August 15, 2024
Make sure you clear your schedule just like you would if you were going to the theater when you sit down to listen to this book because you will absolutely not want to put it down. I’d recommend gathering the other important women in your life and putting it on the speakers to enjoy together!
As a trained journalist and a daughter with vastly different political views from her family, I spent much of my formative years being apathetic. But as I’ve aged and seen more of the injustices of the world, I’ve found myself fired up about the injustices toward minorities and the voiceless in society. And, the creators of this musical remind us – and it is an incredibly timely reminder – that we can’t afford to sit by and be apathetic. That it is time to reclaim our time and our power!
We’ve all heard of Susan B. Anthony. I’ve read a little more, so Alice Paul and Ida B. Wells were familiar, but many of the names in this story were unfamiliar – which is a tragedy all its own. Many of these women suffered greatly in ways that, while we hear them, our imaginations will not do them justice. They fought – and some died – so that we could have a voice, and today, many of us don’t exercise it. On some level, I’m sure most of us know the fight was hard, degrading, and disheartening, but how much we can only imagine.
If you are a woman, if you love a woman, if you don’t absolutely hate women, you need to listen to this and hear the rally call within it. These women fought tooth and nail for nearly a decade, and even in winning, they barely did so. It will be a much easier fight to keep what they’ve done than it will be to fight for it again.
Each of these women was special, beautiful, and beautifully portrayed. Apparently, there is an ebook, but I highly recommend the audiobook version. The songs are imprinted on my soul, and I have absolutely come out the other side changed. Beautifully crafted songs, passionate words, a moving story—now is the time to listen.
I’m really looking forward to seeing more by this group, and I would LOVE to see this performed live. Living in New Orleans, we sometimes get to see Broadway and other shows, so fingers crossed!
Who’s It For?
Sometimes, I can narrow down exactly who would enjoy a book. But others, I genuinely think that everyone should read a book. This is one of those times. I think everyone – especially in the United States – could benefit from a refresher course on the fight for women’s right to vote. I wanted to call it equality, but that’s not quite right. Not really.
Content Warnings: Sexism, Racism (esp. Mansplaining), Death, Imprisonment, Cruel and Unusual Punishment, War
As a trained journalist and a daughter with vastly different political views from her family, I spent much of my formative years being apathetic. But as I’ve aged and seen more of the injustices of the world, I’ve found myself fired up about the injustices toward minorities and the voiceless in society. And, the creators of this musical remind us – and it is an incredibly timely reminder – that we can’t afford to sit by and be apathetic. That it is time to reclaim our time and our power!
We’ve all heard of Susan B. Anthony. I’ve read a little more, so Alice Paul and Ida B. Wells were familiar, but many of the names in this story were unfamiliar – which is a tragedy all its own. Many of these women suffered greatly in ways that, while we hear them, our imaginations will not do them justice. They fought – and some died – so that we could have a voice, and today, many of us don’t exercise it. On some level, I’m sure most of us know the fight was hard, degrading, and disheartening, but how much we can only imagine.
If you are a woman, if you love a woman, if you don’t absolutely hate women, you need to listen to this and hear the rally call within it. These women fought tooth and nail for nearly a decade, and even in winning, they barely did so. It will be a much easier fight to keep what they’ve done than it will be to fight for it again.
Each of these women was special, beautiful, and beautifully portrayed. Apparently, there is an ebook, but I highly recommend the audiobook version. The songs are imprinted on my soul, and I have absolutely come out the other side changed. Beautifully crafted songs, passionate words, a moving story—now is the time to listen.
I’m really looking forward to seeing more by this group, and I would LOVE to see this performed live. Living in New Orleans, we sometimes get to see Broadway and other shows, so fingers crossed!
Who’s It For?
Sometimes, I can narrow down exactly who would enjoy a book. But others, I genuinely think that everyone should read a book. This is one of those times. I think everyone – especially in the United States – could benefit from a refresher course on the fight for women’s right to vote. I wanted to call it equality, but that’s not quite right. Not really.
Content Warnings: Sexism, Racism (esp. Mansplaining), Death, Imprisonment, Cruel and Unusual Punishment, War
April 4, 2024
"19: The Musical" is an audio full cast version of the musical called "19" about the Women's Suffrage Movement in America. The songs are excellent and very catchy. The musical tells of the biggest challenges and public actions of the movement. They used the phrase, "Organize, Agitate, Educate," to define their methods. In this play, Alice Paul was the leader for most of the public events.
A lot of the peaceful protests and marches were met with violence and imprisonment. Hunger strikes in jail were handled with forced feedings. This was hard to listen to.. but must have been truly horrifying to live through! Telling this part of our history in a musical makes it more approachable. Think "Hamilton," for instance.
During one march, the women were attacked in the street by men. Then, it was the women who were thrown in prison. One night in 1917, the guards were told to attack the female prisoners. It was called the Night of Terror. This injustice finally got out to the press, and this began to change public sentiment. The 19th Amendment giving the right to vote to women was finally passed on August 26, 1920!!
All my gratitude to the leaders of the Women's Suffrage Movement - Susan B. Anthony, Alice Paul, Lucy Burns, Carrie Chapman Catt, Inez Milholland, Ida B. Wells, as well as to all the participants!
Highly recommend to all! Know your herstory!
Thank you to Netgalley and Through the 4th Wall for providing this audio recording in exchange for my honest review.
A lot of the peaceful protests and marches were met with violence and imprisonment. Hunger strikes in jail were handled with forced feedings. This was hard to listen to.. but must have been truly horrifying to live through! Telling this part of our history in a musical makes it more approachable. Think "Hamilton," for instance.
During one march, the women were attacked in the street by men. Then, it was the women who were thrown in prison. One night in 1917, the guards were told to attack the female prisoners. It was called the Night of Terror. This injustice finally got out to the press, and this began to change public sentiment. The 19th Amendment giving the right to vote to women was finally passed on August 26, 1920!!
All my gratitude to the leaders of the Women's Suffrage Movement - Susan B. Anthony, Alice Paul, Lucy Burns, Carrie Chapman Catt, Inez Milholland, Ida B. Wells, as well as to all the participants!
Highly recommend to all! Know your herstory!
Thank you to Netgalley and Through the 4th Wall for providing this audio recording in exchange for my honest review.
September 12, 2024
19: The Musical is the story of Alice Paul, Ida B. Wells, Susan B. Anthony, Carrie Chapman Catt, Inez Milholland and the other suffragettes who fought to get women the right to vote—the 19th Amendment!
This is a musical audiobook, which I found to be so unique. I remember in college I listened to a lot of musical scores, but for those there is context left out due to scenes that aren’t sung. This was more like an operetta in that the short dialogue scenes are included on the recording. I also liked the addition of a narrator setting the scenes at the beginning of each so that the listener knows where they are in space and time.
This story is so important because women haven’t stopped fighting for our rights even since the 19th Amendment—especially Black women who didn’t gain the right to vote across the entirety of the country until 1965! And despite all people aged 18+ having the right to vote in the USA, there is still a lack of equity that people of color and low income face today. And in the last few years we’ve even had repeals on women’s rights, which are egregious affronts to human rights at large!
In the end, I give this musical audiobook, that includes jazz, traditional musical standards style, spoken word, and hints of gospel, four stars because it ends on the important message that the fight isn’t over!
This is a musical audiobook, which I found to be so unique. I remember in college I listened to a lot of musical scores, but for those there is context left out due to scenes that aren’t sung. This was more like an operetta in that the short dialogue scenes are included on the recording. I also liked the addition of a narrator setting the scenes at the beginning of each so that the listener knows where they are in space and time.
This story is so important because women haven’t stopped fighting for our rights even since the 19th Amendment—especially Black women who didn’t gain the right to vote across the entirety of the country until 1965! And despite all people aged 18+ having the right to vote in the USA, there is still a lack of equity that people of color and low income face today. And in the last few years we’ve even had repeals on women’s rights, which are egregious affronts to human rights at large!
In the end, I give this musical audiobook, that includes jazz, traditional musical standards style, spoken word, and hints of gospel, four stars because it ends on the important message that the fight isn’t over!
September 30, 2024
This is a full-cast audiobook recording for the musical "19." Coming off the 100th anniversary of the 19th amendment, I was excited to see this musical being produced! It did not work for me, however. I think many may love this though.
Things I didn't like:
The musical choices were not to my tastes. I did not enjoy the anachronistic language mingled into the dialogue either. Because of the anachronistic language, it became hard to tell what sentiments were of the time and what were the authors' interpretation of history. This made some of the race discussions... awkward, to say the least.
Things I did like:
The "characters" represented were very endearing. I researched many of them during and after the musical, and they were definitely amazing women that should be remembered. While I didn't appreciate the anachronistic language, I found the characterization of President Wilson very appropriate (and funny).
(Rating this with my fiction rating system, despite it being based on true events)
Characters 4/5
Plot 3.5/5
Storytelling 2/5
Enjoyment 2/5
Atmosphere 2/5
Things I didn't like:
The musical choices were not to my tastes. I did not enjoy the anachronistic language mingled into the dialogue either. Because of the anachronistic language, it became hard to tell what sentiments were of the time and what were the authors' interpretation of history. This made some of the race discussions... awkward, to say the least.
Things I did like:
The "characters" represented were very endearing. I researched many of them during and after the musical, and they were definitely amazing women that should be remembered. While I didn't appreciate the anachronistic language, I found the characterization of President Wilson very appropriate (and funny).
(Rating this with my fiction rating system, despite it being based on true events)
Characters 4/5
Plot 3.5/5
Storytelling 2/5
Enjoyment 2/5
Atmosphere 2/5
May 6, 2024
Fun audiobook. I really liked the way it brought history alive. It was a little weird when I used my normal speed, but hearing the music really made the story pop. I am excited to try more audiobooks in this style.
4 stars
4 stars
April 3, 2024
Firstly I would like to thank Jennifer Schwed , Doug Bradshaw , Through the 4th Wall Publishing and Net Galley for providing me with a copy of ' 19 : The Musical ' on audiobook to listen to and review .
I am personally an avid follower of musical theatre and have watched many documentaries about the suffragette movement, so this book was the perfect blend for me. I had heard a little about the stage production at the time of its opening , but in all honesty I feel that it is a production that is not widely known about.
The story follows the defiant tale of the women who risked their lives to stand up to oppression and fought for their rights to vote. Their fearlessness paving the way for a better future for subsequent generations. The title '19 ' refers to the 19th amendment that needed to be passed for the suffragist movement to be victorious and for females to be given equal rights.
Whilst we have all heard of Emily Pankhurst , embarrassingly I had not heard of Alice Paul before today. Hearing her story retold in such a modern and unique way was inspiring . Like ' Hamilton' and 'Six' before it , this musical brought history back to life.
The whole book is very immersive combining the spoken word with haunting musical numbers. The first song giving a very lively and upbeat introduction with a jazzy composition which has honkytonk vibes . I felt it was very reminiscent of Chicago and Bonnie and Clyde.
Any Musical that can rhyme ' Crusading and Persuading' Is an absolute winner for me .
The tale translates well from the stage book to an audiobook version and it is very easy to visualise . I only wish there were more stage shows told in this way.
I was completely awestruck by both the physical and psychological abuse these women endured whilst imprisoned , but they didn't falter . The story is completely harrowing and the music reflects the turmoil of this . This is a book for all ages especially as it's told in such a modern way to engage the younger listener. Whilst providing historical accuracy it is told in an engaging up to date way with contemporary terminology such as ' scratch that' ' slow your roll' and ' #blessed'
I also adored the letters that Alice wrote to her mother that were emotional as Alice tells her of her plight and her hopes and dreams.
I devoured this book in one sitting and enjoyed every single minute to a point that I want to listen to it all over again in the near future. The cast performs so well and their voices are outstanding. The finale is exceptional , the vocal blending and the way the story is drawn to a close stayed with me for a long while after the final note had reverberated.
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars
#19TheMusical #NetGalley
I am personally an avid follower of musical theatre and have watched many documentaries about the suffragette movement, so this book was the perfect blend for me. I had heard a little about the stage production at the time of its opening , but in all honesty I feel that it is a production that is not widely known about.
The story follows the defiant tale of the women who risked their lives to stand up to oppression and fought for their rights to vote. Their fearlessness paving the way for a better future for subsequent generations. The title '19 ' refers to the 19th amendment that needed to be passed for the suffragist movement to be victorious and for females to be given equal rights.
Whilst we have all heard of Emily Pankhurst , embarrassingly I had not heard of Alice Paul before today. Hearing her story retold in such a modern and unique way was inspiring . Like ' Hamilton' and 'Six' before it , this musical brought history back to life.
The whole book is very immersive combining the spoken word with haunting musical numbers. The first song giving a very lively and upbeat introduction with a jazzy composition which has honkytonk vibes . I felt it was very reminiscent of Chicago and Bonnie and Clyde.
Any Musical that can rhyme ' Crusading and Persuading' Is an absolute winner for me .
The tale translates well from the stage book to an audiobook version and it is very easy to visualise . I only wish there were more stage shows told in this way.
I was completely awestruck by both the physical and psychological abuse these women endured whilst imprisoned , but they didn't falter . The story is completely harrowing and the music reflects the turmoil of this . This is a book for all ages especially as it's told in such a modern way to engage the younger listener. Whilst providing historical accuracy it is told in an engaging up to date way with contemporary terminology such as ' scratch that' ' slow your roll' and ' #blessed'
I also adored the letters that Alice wrote to her mother that were emotional as Alice tells her of her plight and her hopes and dreams.
I devoured this book in one sitting and enjoyed every single minute to a point that I want to listen to it all over again in the near future. The cast performs so well and their voices are outstanding. The finale is exceptional , the vocal blending and the way the story is drawn to a close stayed with me for a long while after the final note had reverberated.
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars
#19TheMusical #NetGalley
April 3, 2024
Firstly I would like to thank Jennifer Schwed , Doug Bradshaw , Through the 4th Wall Publishing and Net Galley for providing me with a copy of ' 19 : The Musical ' on audiobook to listen to and review .
I am personally an avid follower of musical theatre and have watched many documentaries about the suffragette movement, so this book was the perfect blend for me. I had heard a little about the stage production at the time of its opening , but in all honesty I feel that it is a production that is not widely known about.
The story follows the defiant tale of the women who risked their lives to stand up to oppression and fought for their rights to vote. Their fearlessness paving the way for a better future for subsequent generations. The title '19 ' refers to the 19th amendment that needed to be passed for the suffragist movement to be victorious and for females to be given equal rights.
Whilst we have all heard of Emily Pankhurst , embarrassingly I had not heard of Alice Paul before today. Hearing her story retold in such a modern and unique way was inspiring . Like ' Hamilton' and 'Six' before it , this musical brought history back to life.
The whole book is very immersive combining the spoken word with haunting musical numbers. The first song giving a very lively and upbeat introduction with a jazzy composition which has honkytonk vibes . I felt it was very reminiscent of Chicago and Bonnie and Clyde.
Any Musical that can rhyme ' Crusading and Persuading' Is an absolute winner for me .
The tale translates well from the stage book to an audiobook version and it is very easy to visualise . I only wish there were more stage shows told in this way.
I was completely awestruck by both the physical and psychological abuse these women endured whilst imprisoned , but they didn't falter . The story is completely harrowing and the music reflects the turmoil of this . This is a book for all ages especially as it's told in such a modern way to engage the younger listener. Whilst providing historical accuracy it is told in an engaging up to date way with contemporary terminology such as ' scratch that' ' slow your roll' and ' #blessed'
I also adored the letters that Alice wrote to her mother that were emotional as Alice tells her of her plight and her hopes and dreams.
I devoured this book in one sitting and enjoyed every single minute to a point that I want to listen to it all over again in the near future. The cast performs so well and their voices are outstanding. The finale is exceptional , the vocal blending and the way the story is drawn to a close stayed with me for a long while after the final note had reverberated.
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars
#19TheMusical #NetGalley
I am personally an avid follower of musical theatre and have watched many documentaries about the suffragette movement, so this book was the perfect blend for me. I had heard a little about the stage production at the time of its opening , but in all honesty I feel that it is a production that is not widely known about.
The story follows the defiant tale of the women who risked their lives to stand up to oppression and fought for their rights to vote. Their fearlessness paving the way for a better future for subsequent generations. The title '19 ' refers to the 19th amendment that needed to be passed for the suffragist movement to be victorious and for females to be given equal rights.
Whilst we have all heard of Emily Pankhurst , embarrassingly I had not heard of Alice Paul before today. Hearing her story retold in such a modern and unique way was inspiring . Like ' Hamilton' and 'Six' before it , this musical brought history back to life.
The whole book is very immersive combining the spoken word with haunting musical numbers. The first song giving a very lively and upbeat introduction with a jazzy composition which has honkytonk vibes . I felt it was very reminiscent of Chicago and Bonnie and Clyde.
Any Musical that can rhyme ' Crusading and Persuading' Is an absolute winner for me .
The tale translates well from the stage book to an audiobook version and it is very easy to visualise . I only wish there were more stage shows told in this way.
I was completely awestruck by both the physical and psychological abuse these women endured whilst imprisoned , but they didn't falter . The story is completely harrowing and the music reflects the turmoil of this . This is a book for all ages especially as it's told in such a modern way to engage the younger listener. Whilst providing historical accuracy it is told in an engaging up to date way with contemporary terminology such as ' scratch that' ' slow your roll' and ' #blessed'
I also adored the letters that Alice wrote to her mother that were emotional as Alice tells her of her plight and her hopes and dreams.
I devoured this book in one sitting and enjoyed every single minute to a point that I want to listen to it all over again in the near future. The cast performs so well and their voices are outstanding. The finale is exceptional , the vocal blending and the way the story is drawn to a close stayed with me for a long while after the final note had reverberated.
I wish I could give this book more than 5 stars
#19TheMusical #NetGalley
August 4, 2024
I’m sharing my thoughts on an unusual audiobook. It’s unusual in that it’s sung, a musical actually. The show was first performed in 2017 and has now been made available in audiobook format (there is a digital version available too) to bring the story to a wider audience.
In case you are unaware, the title refers to the 19th amendment which gave women in America the right to vote. The amendment was finally ratified in 1920 and in 19: The Musical we hear about some of the women whose efforts led to the amendment being passed. The main focus is on Alice Paul, Ida B. Wells, Susan B. Anthony, Carrie Chapman Catt and Inez Milholland and I have to confess that I think the only one I’d even vaguely heard of before was Ida B Wells. As a result of listening to their stories, I have now learned more about them and looked them up to find out more about their lives. They deserve to be remembered.
I felt one of the strengths of this musical audiobook is that is shows just how difficult it was for women to be taken seriously, even extremely intelligent and capable women like those we meet in the musical. The hardships that these women faced, being beaten and force-fed in some cases, really made me appreciate anew what people went through to give women like me the vote today. It’s sobering too to read about how black women had to fight doubly hard to be recognised as they were facing not just misogyny but racism too. Given some recent issues regarding women’s rights in the US in particular, much of what they fought for sadly still seems rather relevant.
Of course, with this being a musical, I really must comment on the music and singing. I really enjoyed the music throughout the performance with a wide variety of musical styles employed such as jazz and gospel. The musicians were excellent. The singers too gave powerful renditions of the musical numbers with occasional use of a narrator to link parts of the story. It’s a full cast musical so you quickly come to recognise each singer’s voice and I have to say I thought it was a very talented cast.
It’s festival time here in Edinburgh just now and I did actually have a look at the programme in the hope that 19: The Musical might be being performed here. Unfortunately it isn’t but if it had been, I would definitely have gone to see it and I think that shows how much I enjoyed listening to it.
In case you are unaware, the title refers to the 19th amendment which gave women in America the right to vote. The amendment was finally ratified in 1920 and in 19: The Musical we hear about some of the women whose efforts led to the amendment being passed. The main focus is on Alice Paul, Ida B. Wells, Susan B. Anthony, Carrie Chapman Catt and Inez Milholland and I have to confess that I think the only one I’d even vaguely heard of before was Ida B Wells. As a result of listening to their stories, I have now learned more about them and looked them up to find out more about their lives. They deserve to be remembered.
I felt one of the strengths of this musical audiobook is that is shows just how difficult it was for women to be taken seriously, even extremely intelligent and capable women like those we meet in the musical. The hardships that these women faced, being beaten and force-fed in some cases, really made me appreciate anew what people went through to give women like me the vote today. It’s sobering too to read about how black women had to fight doubly hard to be recognised as they were facing not just misogyny but racism too. Given some recent issues regarding women’s rights in the US in particular, much of what they fought for sadly still seems rather relevant.
Of course, with this being a musical, I really must comment on the music and singing. I really enjoyed the music throughout the performance with a wide variety of musical styles employed such as jazz and gospel. The musicians were excellent. The singers too gave powerful renditions of the musical numbers with occasional use of a narrator to link parts of the story. It’s a full cast musical so you quickly come to recognise each singer’s voice and I have to say I thought it was a very talented cast.
It’s festival time here in Edinburgh just now and I did actually have a look at the programme in the hope that 19: The Musical might be being performed here. Unfortunately it isn’t but if it had been, I would definitely have gone to see it and I think that shows how much I enjoyed listening to it.
May 2, 2024
Reviewed for Rebellious Magazine for Women -- you can read my review in full at:
https://rebelliousmagazine.com/review...
(excerpt)
Released April 2, 2024, 19: The Musical, a new full-cast audiobook, is an adaptation of the 2019 stage production of the same name, with book and lyrics by Jennifer Schwed and Doug Bradshaw, and music composed and arranged by Charlie Barnett. The show provides a detailed backstory of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which granted women the right to vote.
The women’s suffrage movement in the United States of America is one of those historical events that’s been flattened into a handful of names and locations and dates. We know there was a parade, some picketing – wasn’t somebody beat up or something? – and marching, and then we look up the date that the 19th Amendment passed and was ratified, and that’s it. 19: The Musical gives life to this history, fleshing out the names, being very descriptive of the locations, and being quite specific about the dates. This approach best reveals the sheer longevity and sometimes fierce and violent battles that made up the movement.
Those more familiar with the history will be assured to know that in the two-and-a-half-hour production, the “silent sentinels” and the “night of terror” are covered, along with the forced feeding of the women protestors, while they were on hunger strikes in prison, in both the UK and the USA.
If this musical does anything — within its obviously Hamilton-inspired flourishes of using some present-day slang and phrases, some race-bending, a variety of song styles, some near-rap battles between characters (and an overlong Act I) — it shows the days, the weeks, the months, the years, the decades that it took for women to get the vote. It did not happen overnight, and at several points along the way, it looked like it might not happen at all, especially in the later years of the movement while World War I raged in the late 1910s. One song in the show has the refrain, “Protest, arrest, release, repeat.”
https://rebelliousmagazine.com/review...
(excerpt)
Released April 2, 2024, 19: The Musical, a new full-cast audiobook, is an adaptation of the 2019 stage production of the same name, with book and lyrics by Jennifer Schwed and Doug Bradshaw, and music composed and arranged by Charlie Barnett. The show provides a detailed backstory of the 19th Amendment to the Constitution, which granted women the right to vote.
The women’s suffrage movement in the United States of America is one of those historical events that’s been flattened into a handful of names and locations and dates. We know there was a parade, some picketing – wasn’t somebody beat up or something? – and marching, and then we look up the date that the 19th Amendment passed and was ratified, and that’s it. 19: The Musical gives life to this history, fleshing out the names, being very descriptive of the locations, and being quite specific about the dates. This approach best reveals the sheer longevity and sometimes fierce and violent battles that made up the movement.
Those more familiar with the history will be assured to know that in the two-and-a-half-hour production, the “silent sentinels” and the “night of terror” are covered, along with the forced feeding of the women protestors, while they were on hunger strikes in prison, in both the UK and the USA.
If this musical does anything — within its obviously Hamilton-inspired flourishes of using some present-day slang and phrases, some race-bending, a variety of song styles, some near-rap battles between characters (and an overlong Act I) — it shows the days, the weeks, the months, the years, the decades that it took for women to get the vote. It did not happen overnight, and at several points along the way, it looked like it might not happen at all, especially in the later years of the movement while World War I raged in the late 1910s. One song in the show has the refrain, “Protest, arrest, release, repeat.”
April 10, 2024
Have you ever had occasion to sit through a school play in which you don't know any of the students? If not, listening to this book will recreate that sensation without the need to leave your house.
I sympathize with the creators of this musical - they opened in late 2019 (as you will quickly figure out from the VERY time-stamped theme of "Reclaiming My Time" that repeats throughout the show), and I'm sure that many of the rough edges would have been sanded down after more extensive audience feedback. And of course, when Broadway reopened, the world had changed, and then Suffs came along, providing the final knockout punch to this being professionally staged again.
I also understand the desire to preserve all of the work that was presumably put into developing the musical by releasing it in audiobook form. And I imagine that funds were likely limited, so the capacity to revise the recording of the show to make it more suited to an audio-only format was limited.
That said, however - this is not a fun listen. The show is underdeveloped, with inconsistent themes both musically and tonally, and the voices of the cast are not at a level that is consistent with listener expectations of cast recordings. No character is fully developed, including Alice Paul who is the primary focus of the story - but the inclusion of Ida B. Wells as a symbol (which is conveniently forgotten when the "real" story gets going) is particularly problematic.
I can see this having moderate success in licensing to schools until the rights to Suffs become available, so the audio version may be of use to those involved with those productions - but for everyone else, spend your two hours going to see (or at least streaming) a better production of a different musical.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
I sympathize with the creators of this musical - they opened in late 2019 (as you will quickly figure out from the VERY time-stamped theme of "Reclaiming My Time" that repeats throughout the show), and I'm sure that many of the rough edges would have been sanded down after more extensive audience feedback. And of course, when Broadway reopened, the world had changed, and then Suffs came along, providing the final knockout punch to this being professionally staged again.
I also understand the desire to preserve all of the work that was presumably put into developing the musical by releasing it in audiobook form. And I imagine that funds were likely limited, so the capacity to revise the recording of the show to make it more suited to an audio-only format was limited.
That said, however - this is not a fun listen. The show is underdeveloped, with inconsistent themes both musically and tonally, and the voices of the cast are not at a level that is consistent with listener expectations of cast recordings. No character is fully developed, including Alice Paul who is the primary focus of the story - but the inclusion of Ida B. Wells as a symbol (which is conveniently forgotten when the "real" story gets going) is particularly problematic.
I can see this having moderate success in licensing to schools until the rights to Suffs become available, so the audio version may be of use to those involved with those productions - but for everyone else, spend your two hours going to see (or at least streaming) a better production of a different musical.
Thank you to NetGalley for the ARC.
May 27, 2024
Thank you to NetGalley and Through the 4th Wall for the advance audio recording of this title in exchange for an honest review.
I wasn't sure what to expect from 19: The Musical. It was unlike any other title I have ever received from NetGalley. It was sort of like a backer's audition recording, with one piano, and a full cast.
There were pieces reminiscent of Hamilton--a bit of homage? Like Hamilton, this story is taken from history (with a few timeline liberties), so the story itself cannot really be judged. Strong female characters, alarmingly one-dimensional male characters. Some scenes could easily be pictures; other scenes were harder to imagine from just the recording, though overview of scenes was included in the narration. Most horrifying to imagine was Alice Paul being force-fed in prison. Most memorable song was a duet between Alice and Ida B. Wells, each trying to get the other to stand in her shoes, when Ida wanted to march with the organizers, rather than with the Black contingent. Most powerful voice was probably the actress playing Wells.
Is there a place for 19? I could definitely imagine a touring company, with U.S. History classes in the audience. A video done with full orchestration would be almost as effective, and certainly more convenient and affordable to most schools. Still other schools would probably be interested in performing it. Broadway bound? Not without a bit more work.
I found this production to be educational and entertaining. The songs were good, the voices strong. The single piano gave it an audition feel. I could see teachers using it for women's studies classes or history classes studying suffrage. It does bring to life the names of that period.
I wasn't sure what to expect from 19: The Musical. It was unlike any other title I have ever received from NetGalley. It was sort of like a backer's audition recording, with one piano, and a full cast.
There were pieces reminiscent of Hamilton--a bit of homage? Like Hamilton, this story is taken from history (with a few timeline liberties), so the story itself cannot really be judged. Strong female characters, alarmingly one-dimensional male characters. Some scenes could easily be pictures; other scenes were harder to imagine from just the recording, though overview of scenes was included in the narration. Most horrifying to imagine was Alice Paul being force-fed in prison. Most memorable song was a duet between Alice and Ida B. Wells, each trying to get the other to stand in her shoes, when Ida wanted to march with the organizers, rather than with the Black contingent. Most powerful voice was probably the actress playing Wells.
Is there a place for 19? I could definitely imagine a touring company, with U.S. History classes in the audience. A video done with full orchestration would be almost as effective, and certainly more convenient and affordable to most schools. Still other schools would probably be interested in performing it. Broadway bound? Not without a bit more work.
I found this production to be educational and entertaining. The songs were good, the voices strong. The single piano gave it an audition feel. I could see teachers using it for women's studies classes or history classes studying suffrage. It does bring to life the names of that period.
August 11, 2024
I wonder whether I would have joined these women if I had been alive back then? Would I have been brave enough? I doubt it. Yes I would have marched, but they were subjected to some terrible things. When Alice Paul goes on hunger strike in prison she is force fed with raw eggs, a nurse (albeit reluctantly) being ordered to hold her mouth open so the eggs can be rammed down her throat. Would I even have had the courage to refuse to hold her mouth open? Because standing by and doing something you don’t believe in is as bad as those giving the orders. But that’s an argument for another day.
Alice Paul, Ida B Wells, Carrie Chapman Catt, Lucy Burns, Inez Milholland (oh my God when she dies) and Susan B Anthony are the forgotten women who suffered for their cause at the turn of the last century until the suffrage bill was ratified in 1920. Without them American women would not have the vote. I’m surprised Donald Trump doesn’t want to take it away from them. But again I digress.
Here in England the Pankhursts and Emily Wilding Davison (who famously threw herself under the King’s horse at the Epsom Derby) for instance, are household names. They’ve made films and documentaries about them. The names I’ve listed above maybe household names in America – I’m afraid I don’t know.
19 The Musical (named after the 19th amendment) is a combination of the spoken word and songs in both the Jazz and Soul genres with a touch of Gospel. I particularly liked the songs in Act 1 Scene 19 ‘At Last Free’ and Act 2 Scene 4 the ‘Victory’ song. Also the amazing ‘Reclaiming My Time’ at the end. All the singers are very strong and some play multiple parts which I didn’t realise until the end credits.
I’d love to see it live on stage with all the costumes and sets. It would be fantastic. Of course it’s a true story and we can thank these courageous women for what they gave us, both here in the UK and in the US.
Many thanks to @lovebookstours for inviting me to be part of #19TheMusical blog tour.
Alice Paul, Ida B Wells, Carrie Chapman Catt, Lucy Burns, Inez Milholland (oh my God when she dies) and Susan B Anthony are the forgotten women who suffered for their cause at the turn of the last century until the suffrage bill was ratified in 1920. Without them American women would not have the vote. I’m surprised Donald Trump doesn’t want to take it away from them. But again I digress.
Here in England the Pankhursts and Emily Wilding Davison (who famously threw herself under the King’s horse at the Epsom Derby) for instance, are household names. They’ve made films and documentaries about them. The names I’ve listed above maybe household names in America – I’m afraid I don’t know.
19 The Musical (named after the 19th amendment) is a combination of the spoken word and songs in both the Jazz and Soul genres with a touch of Gospel. I particularly liked the songs in Act 1 Scene 19 ‘At Last Free’ and Act 2 Scene 4 the ‘Victory’ song. Also the amazing ‘Reclaiming My Time’ at the end. All the singers are very strong and some play multiple parts which I didn’t realise until the end credits.
I’d love to see it live on stage with all the costumes and sets. It would be fantastic. Of course it’s a true story and we can thank these courageous women for what they gave us, both here in the UK and in the US.
Many thanks to @lovebookstours for inviting me to be part of #19TheMusical blog tour.
August 9, 2024
This one was a little bit different as it's an audiobook version of the original 19 The Musical. 19 The Musical is about the Suffragists and the amazing women who helped bring about the 19 Amendment (The 19th Amendment prohibits US states from denying the right to vote to citizens of the United States on the basis of sex) this Amendment was certified in 1920 yet its still so relevant today; with the state of the world & politics at the moment, with the US possibly electing their first Female President and let's not forget that there are still many Countries around the world were women still cannot vote plus there's so much more they cannot do.
I mentioned before that I absolutely love History, it's one of my favourite topics but I also love musicals so this was the perfect combo for me & it was so good. This is a mixture of spoken word and really great music, 19 The Musical is all about the facts of the women & their movement at the time but it also has modern touches thrown in such as current sayings & references etc to give it that humorous, personal touch that you get with stage productions.
The cast & production was absolutely fantastic you couldn't help but become engrossed & I can only imagine how amazing the live production would be. This was brilliant, entertaining, funny and so educational without being stuffy, I would highly highly recommend listening.
I mentioned before that I absolutely love History, it's one of my favourite topics but I also love musicals so this was the perfect combo for me & it was so good. This is a mixture of spoken word and really great music, 19 The Musical is all about the facts of the women & their movement at the time but it also has modern touches thrown in such as current sayings & references etc to give it that humorous, personal touch that you get with stage productions.
The cast & production was absolutely fantastic you couldn't help but become engrossed & I can only imagine how amazing the live production would be. This was brilliant, entertaining, funny and so educational without being stuffy, I would highly highly recommend listening.
April 8, 2024
19 the Musical is a full cast audio recording of the musical 19, which is based on the Women’s Suffrage Movement and the journey of Alice Paul. Therese were many things that I enjoyed from this audiobook! I Liked how the scenes were introduced I found this really helpful to understanding the scenes. I Loved the vocals, and the lyrics. I enjoyed how so many things were expressed through the songs, one that stood out to me was the song Dear Mama, where you are really shown how these women were formed by their mothers, and those that came before them. I Enjoyed how the songs told the stories of the different women, How the suffragettes got to know each other and learned from one another. I did not realize that Alice Paul began working towards women’s equality in London, before doing the same in the United States. I Liked how media and quotes from current times were used in the songs.
“Nevertheless she persisted,” and one character asking another to take a selfie.
I overall really enjoyed this audiobook, and definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys musicals or would like to learn more about the women’s rights movement. Thank you to NetGalley and to the author and publisher of this audiobook for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
“Nevertheless she persisted,” and one character asking another to take a selfie.
I overall really enjoyed this audiobook, and definitely recommend it to anyone who enjoys musicals or would like to learn more about the women’s rights movement. Thank you to NetGalley and to the author and publisher of this audiobook for an ALC in exchange for an honest review.
May 26, 2024
If you don';t like opera this is probably not for you. I don't mind opera in the opera setting. Mt car an d my couch are not opera settings. I liked the story and the overall effect. It scares me that we are going backwards, would these strong women that fought for our rights approve of where we are right now? {This was a great story. It kept me wanting to keep listening. The narrator did a great job with the voices. The story had enough suspense to keep me hooked and wanting more. There was a pretty good twist at the end and the end tied up nicely. I would recommend this book to others for sure. Thanks Netgalley and Dreamscapes media for the opportunity to listen to this one. probably not, but I'm thankful that they fought for me way back then. The narration was good, the music was too much for me. I kind of knew what I was getting into but, still I had no idea. It was so loud and high pitched. So it you like opera this will probably be great for you . If you don't I would bypass this one. The story was great, I couldn't keep characters straight. The Netgalley app made it even harder since it kept failing. I listened to it in about two week intervals, That makes it hard to keep track of what is going on.
April 5, 2024
19 the musical is about females fighting for the vote and women suffragettes. It mainly focuses on Alice Paul’s life from her first attendance at a Susan B Anthony speech to what would be her life’s passion she would pickit get arrested be force-fed she was also in the Washington DC jail on “the night of terror” until they get the vote and it’s all set to music. Some of the songs were pretty good the singers were very talented I do want to say when the guards were going into the jail cell on the night of terror and one of the solo singers sang my country ‘tis of the I’d really thought that was a bad look to take the word prey out of this song. It makes me wonder what else they changed but either way they hit all the highlights and although I didn’t hear a peep from Ida B Wells one of my favorite historical heroes They just mention her name at the beginning of the musical but I Degress this is still a great learning tool in only two hours long and I listen to all of it and probably will listen to it again. I want to thank the publisher and Net Galley for my free arc copy. Please forgive any mistakes as I am blind and dictate my review.
May 21, 2024
This was a new one for me. I have tried to stretch myself into new genres this year and this one certainly checked the box on that goal. 19: The Musical began as a stage show a few years ago and has since been adapted into this unique audiobook.
The message on women's' rights was as important a topic back then, as it is now. Taking the most prominent women in that time in history and making their stories both engaging and interesting, was very creative. Such a cool way to give voice to those who paved the way for the rest of us. The musical numbers were a joy to listen to; such talented people. Plus I give all credit to any book that showcases the irritation of ‘Mansplaining’. The stage directions included in the audiobook made it much easier to visualize what it must have been like to see it on stage.
Though I am not sure I would incorporate this type of audiobook often in my future listens (I would rather see the show live) I was happy to have ventured down this path for something a little different, and appreciate the early copy given to me by Books Forward PR!
If you are a big musical theater fan, this one might be worth the listen.
The message on women's' rights was as important a topic back then, as it is now. Taking the most prominent women in that time in history and making their stories both engaging and interesting, was very creative. Such a cool way to give voice to those who paved the way for the rest of us. The musical numbers were a joy to listen to; such talented people. Plus I give all credit to any book that showcases the irritation of ‘Mansplaining’. The stage directions included in the audiobook made it much easier to visualize what it must have been like to see it on stage.
Though I am not sure I would incorporate this type of audiobook often in my future listens (I would rather see the show live) I was happy to have ventured down this path for something a little different, and appreciate the early copy given to me by Books Forward PR!
If you are a big musical theater fan, this one might be worth the listen.
June 16, 2024
Book Title: 19: The Musical
Author: Jennifer Schwed and Doug Bradshae
Format: 🎧
Narrated by Katie Ganem, Millicent, Matia Ciarrocchi, Brenda Parker, Meredith Elg, Brian Lyon-Burk, Elizabeth Keith, Sidney Davis, Karen Spigel and Odette Guiterrez del Arroyo
Publisher: Through the 4th Wall
Genre: Historical- Musical
Audiobook Pub Date was: April 2, 2024
My Rating: 3 Stars
This is an actual musical!
The story is told in Two Acts
Act 1 has 19 Scenes and
Act 2 has 14 Scenes
It is the story of Alice Paul, Ida B. Wells, Susan B. Anthony, Carrie Chapman Catt, Inez Milholland and the other suffragists who fought to get women the right to vote — the 19th Amendment.
As a high school guidance counselor I attended many high school productions- plays, as well as vocal and music performances. This did remind me of our annual Veterans Day program which included narration as well the orchestra playing music appropriate for the scene.
This Historical Musical Theatre production was interesting and I learn more about the suffragette movement.
Thank you NetGalley and Through the 4th Wall for this interesting audiobook.
Audio Pub Date was April 2, 2024.
Author: Jennifer Schwed and Doug Bradshae
Format: 🎧
Narrated by Katie Ganem, Millicent, Matia Ciarrocchi, Brenda Parker, Meredith Elg, Brian Lyon-Burk, Elizabeth Keith, Sidney Davis, Karen Spigel and Odette Guiterrez del Arroyo
Publisher: Through the 4th Wall
Genre: Historical- Musical
Audiobook Pub Date was: April 2, 2024
My Rating: 3 Stars
This is an actual musical!
The story is told in Two Acts
Act 1 has 19 Scenes and
Act 2 has 14 Scenes
It is the story of Alice Paul, Ida B. Wells, Susan B. Anthony, Carrie Chapman Catt, Inez Milholland and the other suffragists who fought to get women the right to vote — the 19th Amendment.
As a high school guidance counselor I attended many high school productions- plays, as well as vocal and music performances. This did remind me of our annual Veterans Day program which included narration as well the orchestra playing music appropriate for the scene.
This Historical Musical Theatre production was interesting and I learn more about the suffragette movement.
Thank you NetGalley and Through the 4th Wall for this interesting audiobook.
Audio Pub Date was April 2, 2024.
September 9, 2024
Wow! What an important and unique audiobook. While I’ve listened to and seen many musicals, this was my first experience with a musical audiobook and as a music / musical lover, I really enjoyed listening.
19 the musical tells the historical story of the 19th amendment which legally guaranteed American White women the right to vote. American Black women didn’t gain the right to vote until 1965.
The musical was easy listening, had catchy tunes, and I thought everyone was very talented and did a great job telling the story and history. There are some parts I found a little tougher to follow, and wish I could have been reading the words along with listening, as this part of history isn’t something I know a lot about, and is an important part of history.
Some of the music was so poignant and made me cringe - like parts of the song playing here…equality and equal pay for men and women… a female president… these are STILL things being fought for and questioned over 100 years later.
There is still so much gender inequality, women’s rights issues, and racial injustice today, so the story is very relevant.
19 the musical tells the historical story of the 19th amendment which legally guaranteed American White women the right to vote. American Black women didn’t gain the right to vote until 1965.
The musical was easy listening, had catchy tunes, and I thought everyone was very talented and did a great job telling the story and history. There are some parts I found a little tougher to follow, and wish I could have been reading the words along with listening, as this part of history isn’t something I know a lot about, and is an important part of history.
Some of the music was so poignant and made me cringe - like parts of the song playing here…equality and equal pay for men and women… a female president… these are STILL things being fought for and questioned over 100 years later.
There is still so much gender inequality, women’s rights issues, and racial injustice today, so the story is very relevant.
April 12, 2024
Thanks to NetGalley and Through the 4th Wall for the digital audiobook of 19: The Musical.
Do you know who Alice Paul, Ida B. Wells, Susan B. Anthony, Carrie Chapman Catt, and Inez Milholland were? They were just some of the high-profile suffragists who fought for a woman's right to vote in the United States. I wouldn't say their stories are little-known as some are known better than others. The main character that drives the show is Alice Paul; check out PBS documentary The Vote and Ken Burns Not For Ourselves Alone for documentaries that cover the suffrage movement.
As educational as Hamilton, this audio version of the musical would be great to put on in local middle and high schools. Some of the songs are really catchy. However, I felt like Ida B. Wells was just thrown in there for representation and then promptly forgotten. I would love to see this on stage somewhere.
Do you know who Alice Paul, Ida B. Wells, Susan B. Anthony, Carrie Chapman Catt, and Inez Milholland were? They were just some of the high-profile suffragists who fought for a woman's right to vote in the United States. I wouldn't say their stories are little-known as some are known better than others. The main character that drives the show is Alice Paul; check out PBS documentary The Vote and Ken Burns Not For Ourselves Alone for documentaries that cover the suffrage movement.
As educational as Hamilton, this audio version of the musical would be great to put on in local middle and high schools. Some of the songs are really catchy. However, I felt like Ida B. Wells was just thrown in there for representation and then promptly forgotten. I would love to see this on stage somewhere.
April 25, 2024
3.5⭐️
I wish more Broadway plays did books like this because it makes art so much more accessible.
The sprinkled in modern references took away from the flow for me. It felt forced and out of place. They needed to either go all out with modern language or cut it out completely. There were also some lines in some early songs that felt a little wordy and jumbled.
I needed there to be more discussion about the fact that racist women were prioritized over women of color and fighting for “all women” realistically meant “all white women” because the southern states didn’t let any Black people, men or women, vote for almost another 50 years.
This part isn’t a critique of the book at all but it’s kind of hard to find info about the creators of this play or their production company which seems like a big miss as far as reach is concerned.
I wish more Broadway plays did books like this because it makes art so much more accessible.
The sprinkled in modern references took away from the flow for me. It felt forced and out of place. They needed to either go all out with modern language or cut it out completely. There were also some lines in some early songs that felt a little wordy and jumbled.
I needed there to be more discussion about the fact that racist women were prioritized over women of color and fighting for “all women” realistically meant “all white women” because the southern states didn’t let any Black people, men or women, vote for almost another 50 years.
This part isn’t a critique of the book at all but it’s kind of hard to find info about the creators of this play or their production company which seems like a big miss as far as reach is concerned.
April 12, 2024
I just reviewed 19: The Musical by Jennifer Schwed and Doug Bradshaw. #19TheMusical #NetGalley
NetGalley people, it is a "Listen Now" selection.
Like all great art, it evoked many emotions as I listened, especially "I will vote for Mother's freedom"
Because of the long history of oppression, some more violently than others, MAGA is a term I find so offensive. I have to wonder what period in history people think we need to revert to that was so great. Unless a candidate is working to progress our country for the good of all people, they don't get my vote.
Thank you NetGalley.
https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...
NetGalley people, it is a "Listen Now" selection.
Like all great art, it evoked many emotions as I listened, especially "I will vote for Mother's freedom"
Because of the long history of oppression, some more violently than others, MAGA is a term I find so offensive. I have to wonder what period in history people think we need to revert to that was so great. Unless a candidate is working to progress our country for the good of all people, they don't get my vote.
Thank you NetGalley.
https://www.netgalley.com/catalog/boo...
May 13, 2024
I love a musical and oh my goodness this doesn’t disappoint.
A powerful story that should not be forgotten. Full of powerful songs and an exceptional cast.
This was one of the most powerful audiobooks I’ve listened to this year. I was desperate to keep listening. The actors kept the story alive without the need for images and they were clear and easy to follow in both speech and song.
The plot is one which I thought I knew but the story actually taught me a great deal which I am ashamed to say I did not know before.
If this were ever to be turned into a stage production I would be first inline. I can also see me listening to this again and again.
A truly unique and wonderful audiobook.
A powerful story that should not be forgotten. Full of powerful songs and an exceptional cast.
This was one of the most powerful audiobooks I’ve listened to this year. I was desperate to keep listening. The actors kept the story alive without the need for images and they were clear and easy to follow in both speech and song.
The plot is one which I thought I knew but the story actually taught me a great deal which I am ashamed to say I did not know before.
If this were ever to be turned into a stage production I would be first inline. I can also see me listening to this again and again.
A truly unique and wonderful audiobook.
August 13, 2024
What a brilliant audiobook on such an important topic!
The story follows a group of suffragettes in America as they fight for the votes! I love reading subjects life this so hearing it, was a whole different experience.
The Audiobook is set up like a musical you would visually see, so each chapter is a scene from Act. Each are manageable chunks and gives entertaining chunks to the overall story.
The songs are catchy and memorable, offering potent messages of determination and hope.
It is a fantastic audiobook, and I can only imagine how brilliant it would be to see this live and in person!
Highly recommend
The story follows a group of suffragettes in America as they fight for the votes! I love reading subjects life this so hearing it, was a whole different experience.
The Audiobook is set up like a musical you would visually see, so each chapter is a scene from Act. Each are manageable chunks and gives entertaining chunks to the overall story.
The songs are catchy and memorable, offering potent messages of determination and hope.
It is a fantastic audiobook, and I can only imagine how brilliant it would be to see this live and in person!
Highly recommend
April 21, 2024
19: The Musical is an audio version of the musical telling the story of suffragists Alice Paul, Ida B. Wells, Susan B. Anthony, Carrie Chapman Catt, and Inez Milholland and their tireless work to get women the right to vote. Before listening to this musical, I had no idea how much brutality the suffragists endured to get us the right to vote. I really enjoyed this musical and would love to see more musicals converted to audiobooks like this.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an audio ARC of this book.
Many thanks to NetGalley for providing me with an audio ARC of this book.
April 15, 2024
This is a very educational musical and I think it will mostly find an audience in classroom settings. I did learn a lot and it's always fun to hear history put in a more entertaining format.
That said, it feels a bit rough around the edges. The characters aren't well developed and none of the songs were particularly catchy; I wouldn't ever go back and listen to them again. I was also sometimes confused about who was speaking. Some musicals really work when you just listen to the cast recording as opposed to seeing the stage version, but I just don't know that this was one of them.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy.
That said, it feels a bit rough around the edges. The characters aren't well developed and none of the songs were particularly catchy; I wouldn't ever go back and listen to them again. I was also sometimes confused about who was speaking. Some musicals really work when you just listen to the cast recording as opposed to seeing the stage version, but I just don't know that this was one of them.
Thank you to the publisher for the review copy.
April 15, 2024
Thank you Net Galley and Through the 4th wall publishing for this ARC! This was a wonderful musical with depth. I particularly enjoyed how it concluded in a way to keep you thinking about where we are today and a reminder that anything can change on a dime. I think it brings crucial equality issues to light and is really appropriate for today, in light of Roe v wade overturning, equal pay and other women’s rights we continue to struggle with today.
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