Musical celebrates “Perfect 36” that led to 19th amendment

The centennial of the 19th amendment, which gave women the right to vote, will be celebrated in song Aug. 26 with a virtual production of “Perfect 36.”

A joint collaboration of TheatreWorks Silicon Valley and the Woman’s Club of Palo Alto, “Perfect 36” commemorates a pivotal moment in democracy when Tennessee became the 36th state to ratify the 19th Amendment on Aug. 18, 1920.  The livestream begins at 5:30 p.m.

“Perfect 36” begins in 1920, when suffragettes vowed to secure the 36-state majority needed for women to get the vote. It was actually the territory of Wyoming that passed the nation’s first women’s suffrage law in 1869—long before Wyoming became a state in 1890—so Wyoming women automatically were eligible to vote as soon as the 19th Amendment became law.

TheatreWorks Assistant Artistic Director Giovanna Sardelli, who is hosting this event, says that in addition to celebrating the ratification of the 19th amendment, the production serves as a reminder to vote in the presidential election in November.

The Aug. 26 streaming will also include a conversation with the show’s award-winning playwright and lyricist Laura Harrington. Composer for the production is Mel Marvin, who has had six of his shows on Broadway, including “Yentyl” and “How the Grinch Stole Christmas.”

The local production is directed by Mac Pirkle founder of three regional theater companies including Nashville Repertory Theatre. “Perfect 36” has had recent readings at New York’s New 42nd Studio and at Nashville’s Hermitage Hotel.

A link to stream the show will be available at no charge on the TheatreWorks website on Aug. 26. Donations are encouraged and will support both the longtime Palo Alto theater company and the Woman’s Club of Palo Alto.

The Woman’s Club of Palo Alto is the largest women’s club in terms of membership in the state of California. The club originated in the 19th century during the Woman’s Suffrage Movement. Two of its early active members lead successful local drives for women’s voting rights in California in 1911.

For more information about the Aug. 26 livestreamed event, visit www.TheatreWorks.org or call 650-463-1960.