The feminist Broadway musical "Suffs," produced by former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, is closing early, marking a significant setback for the high-profile production despite its critical acclaim and Tony Award wins.
The Daily Mail reported that the musical, which focused on the women’s suffrage movement, is set to close on January 5 after struggling to fill seats and meet its financial targets.
"Suffs," which tells the story of suffragists fighting for women's voting rights, had initially been projected to gross $19 million over its run. However, the show failed to reach that figure and, as of the week ending October 6, brought in only $679,589, far below the amount needed to cover typical Broadway production costs.
Despite strong critical reception and winning Tony Awards for its score and book in June, the musical could not attract enough theatergoers. By May 5, it was reported that the show was only filling 81 percent of its seats.
Producers confirmed that the show would close on January 5, months earlier than originally planned. The production will, however, re-launch as a national tour in September 2025, giving it another chance to reach audiences beyond New York City.
Clinton’s involvement in the production, alongside Malala Yousafzai and director Leigh Silverman, had initially generated considerable buzz around "Suffs." Shaina Taub, who wrote the book and starred as Alice Paul, was a central figure in the show’s creative process.
The story of Alice Paul and other suffragists fighting for women’s rights resonated with many, and Clinton’s participation helped align the show with broader feminist causes. However, the show's financial struggle reflected a stark contrast to its symbolic power and critical recognition.
While the production had notable creative success, with Tony Awards validating its artistic merit, it faced challenges in translating that acclaim into box office revenue.
Adding to the difficulties faced by "Suffs" was an incident during its preview. Pro-Palestine demonstrators disrupted the event, verbally attacking Hillary and her husband, Bill Clinton. Protesters accused the Clintons of being responsible for atrocities and genocides, with one demonstrator shouting, “Hillary, has anyone ever told you that you are the super predator?”
Another protester hurled insults at Bill Clinton, saying, “Bill Clinton, you’re a genocide supporter. F*** you, you piece of s**t.” The protesters voiced strong objections to the Clintons' political legacies, particularly in regard to U.S. foreign policy.
Despite the tense atmosphere, Clinton reportedly remained composed, seemingly unfazed by the confrontation. The demonstration did not appear to have a lasting impact on the production, but it certainly added another layer of difficulty to an already struggling show.
While the Broadway run is ending prematurely, the producers of "Suffs" are hopeful that the national tour in 2025 will offer the show a second chance to find its audience. By taking the production on the road, they aim to bring the story of the suffragists to a wider and potentially more diverse audience across the country.
Hillary Clinton’s involvement, along with other high-profile figures, will likely continue to attract attention, though whether it will translate into financial success remains to be seen.
The tour may allow "Suffs" to reach regions where audiences are more aligned with its message, potentially offering a more sustainable model for success outside of Broadway's competitive theater landscape.
Despite its creative achievements and strong message of empowerment, "Suffs" serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Broadway. Even with Tony Awards and critical praise, success on the stage is not guaranteed without consistent ticket sales.
The feminist themes of "Suffs" appealed to critics, and the historical narrative of the women’s suffrage movement was considered timely. However, the production’s failure to meet financial expectations may raise questions about whether political and social messages alone can drive a Broadway show’s success.
The early closure also represents another high-profile disappointment for Hillary Clinton, who, while largely serving in a supportive role, was still deeply associated with the production. Her backing of "Suffs" as a feminist project, combined with her involvement in the show’s marketing, adds to the weight of this early closure.
