"Suffs," a Broadway musical chronicling the women's suffrage movement, produced by Hillary Clinton and Malala Yousafzai, will conclude its run due to financial constraints.
According to Fox News, the production, despite winning critical acclaim and receiving prestigious Tony Awards, struggled at the box office, prompting producers to announce the end of its Broadway performances.
The musical, which highlighted the historical struggle for women's voting rights, debuted in April. Despite positive reviews and accolades for its narrative and music, it faced financial challenges that hindered its profitability.
Initially capitalized for a gross of $19 million, "Suffs" struggled to achieve its financial targets. Weekly earnings fell short, with the week ending Oct. 6 generating $679,589, a sum insufficient for covering the expenses of a large cast musical.
Attendance issues were also evident early in its run. By the week of May 5, the musical reached only 81% capacity, placing it in the lower 23% of Broadway shows for that period.
Struggles to Fill Seats Persisted
The producers announced the end of "Suffs" on a Friday evening, signaling the conclusion of its Broadway journey on Jan. 5. By the end of its performances, it will have hosted 24 previews and 301 shows, slightly below average for a Broadway musical.
Despite these challenges, "Suffs" received two significant Tony Awards in June for Best Book and Best Score, marking a significant artistic achievement for the production team.
Hillary Clinton, at the Tony Awards, echoed her own experiences with change-making while introducing the musical. "Now, I have stood on a lot of stages," she remarked, "but this is very special."
Anticipated Tour to Commence Next Year
Following its Broadway closure, "Suffs" is expected to embark on a nationwide tour, starting in Seattle in September 2025. This tour offers a new opportunity for audiences across the country to experience the acclaimed production.
The production faced some external challenges as well. In July, radical protesters disrupted a performance, voicing their opposition to the musical's perspective, labeling it as "a betrayal of the next generation of feminists."
Their online statements criticized the production, which they claimed perpetuated "rehashed white feminism." This interruption added a layer of controversy to the musical's journey.
Responses and Reflections from Leaders
Clinton's engagement with the production reflects her longstanding advocacy for women's rights and change. As a producer, her involvement brought additional spotlight to "Suffs," particularly during the awards season.
Malala Yousafzai, a co-producer with a global focus on education and empowerment for girls, also played a key role in supporting the production. Her collaboration with Clinton marked a notable partnership in promoting feminist narratives.
As "Suffs" concludes on Broadway, its upcoming tour promises to continue its mission of recounting the struggles and successes of suffrage activists, offering reflection and inspiration to audiences nationwide.
Conclusion
The feminist musical produced by Hillary Clinton will conclude its Broadway run primarily due to financial difficulties. The show, which aimed to highlight feminist issues through its narrative and production, has faced challenges in sustaining its financial viability. Despite the backing of high-profile figures like Clinton, the musical couldn't generate enough revenue to continue its performances.
