In a significant yet unsurprising turn of events, the Broadway musical “Suffs,” co-produced by former First Lady and Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, is drawing the curtains on its run due to financial constraints. Despite an ambitious beginning and some critical acclaim, the show struggled to maintain the necessary momentum at the box office. According to filings reviewed by “The New York Times,” the production was capitalized to gross a staggering $19 million, but the numbers reveal it’s far from recouping that investment.
By October 6, “Suffs” had only managed to bring in $679,589 for the week – a figure insufficient to keep a large-cast Broadway show afloat. From its opening in April, the musical faced difficulties in consistently drawing audiences, with seat occupancy dwindling to 81% in early May. Competing with heavyweight productions like “Sweeney Todd,” “Romeo & Juliet,” and “Moulin Rouge! The Musical,” “Suffs” found itself in the bottom quarter of Broadway’s earnings chart by May.
Set against the backdrop of the women’s suffrage movement, “Suffs” had all the makings of a powerful, politically charged production. With Hillary Clinton and activist Malala Yousafzai involved as producers, and a storyline celebrating the hard-fought victories of early feminists, the show initially garnered significant attention. However, even with its promising concept and critical acclaim, including Tony Awards for Best Book and Best Score, it fell short of sustaining long-term commercial success.
The show’s struggles were further complicated by external criticism. In July, a group of radical protesters interrupted a performance, decrying the musical as a representation of “rehashed white feminism,” accusing it of sidelining the voices of intersectional feminism. Despite these controversies, the musical earned praise for its poignant storytelling and music.
Nevertheless, Broadway success often hinges on financial viability as much as artistic triumph. As “Suffs” prepares for its final performance on January 5, 2024, the production will have amassed 24 previews and 301 performances – a respectable, though below-average run for a Broadway musical. In a silver lining, “Suffs” is not vanishing entirely. A nationwide tour is slated to begin in September 2025, kicking off in Seattle, where it will continue to tell its story beyond the lights of Broadway.
The end of “Suffs” on Broadway serves as a reminder of the complex dynamics between art, politics, and commerce. Though it may have left an indelible mark on the stage, its financial downfall underscores the precariousness of high-budget productions, even those backed by major political figures like Hillary Clinton.
