Staff Reports
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton is facing challenges with her Broadway musical, “Suffs,” as it struggles to attract audiences during a crucial season. The musical, which revolves around the 1913 suffragette movement, has reported an 81% attendance rate for the week ending on May 5, placing it in the lower quarter of all Broadway shows for the week. Despite efforts to increase attendance, the gross revenue has remained relatively stagnant, hovering around $630,000 per week.
Clinton-produced musical struggles to fill seats in Broadway run https://t.co/EPUuf4OOdp
— Washington Examiner (@dcexaminer) May 13, 2024
The show, which features Tony-winner Nikki M. James and has garnered six Tony nominations, has failed to draw in the crowds as expected. This is particularly disappointing given the initial success it experienced at the smaller Public Theater before its Broadway debut, where it reportedly sold out during an extended run.
Produced by Clinton and Malala Yousafzai, the musical is marketed as a portrayal of “brilliant flawed women” breaking barriers across generational, racial, and class divides to achieve victory in their ongoing fight. However, despite the star-studded cast and poignant subject matter, “Suffs” continues to struggle to fill seats, raising questions about its future on Broadway.
Clinton’s involvement in the production comes as part of her endeavors with HiddenLight Productions, a production company she runs with her daughter, Chelsea Clinton. The company’s documentary, “In Her Hands,” which tells the story of Zarifa Ghafari, the first female mayor in Afghanistan, has garnered acclaim, including an Emmy win.
As “Suffs” faces challenges on Broadway, Clinton’s ventures in the entertainment industry through HiddenLight Productions continue to attract attention. However, the struggle of “Suffs” to draw in audiences underscores the challenges that Clinton may face in finding success in the competitive world of Broadway theater.
