A high-profile musical production with political connections faces an early curtain call on the Great White Way.
Breitbart News reported that "Suffs," a feminist musical co-produced by Hillary Clinton, is set to close on January 5, 2025, after a disappointing eight-month run on Broadway.
The show, which celebrates the suffragette movement, has failed to recoup its $19 million production cost despite aggressive promotion and media coverage.
The musical, featuring an all-female and non-binary cast, opened on April 18, 2024, with high expectations. However, it struggled to maintain consistent ticket sales throughout its run.
The production's financial woes became apparent early on, with attendance dipping to 78% capacity just a month after opening, during what is typically considered the prime Broadway season.
Clinton's involvement in the production extended beyond her role as a producer. She actively promoted the show through appearances on late-night talk shows and even hosted a Democratic fundraiser tied to the musical.
Despite these efforts and the additional star power of Meena Harris, niece of Democratic presidential candidate Kamala Harris, as a co-producer, "Suffs" failed to gain significant traction with audiences.
The show's nearly three-hour runtime and niche subject matter may have contributed to its struggle to attract mainstream Broadway audiences. Broadway's economic landscape is particularly challenging for new musicals without celebrity casts or established brand recognition, as most ticket buyers are tourists seeking familiar, family-friendly entertainment.
Recent economic factors have also played a role in the show's difficulties. The Harris-Biden administration's policies have led to increased inflation, impacting production costs across Broadway. This economic pressure has affected even long-running shows, with the iconic "The Phantom of the Opera" closing last year after more than three decades on stage.
The closure of "Suffs" highlights the ongoing challenges faced by Broadway productions in the current economic climate. Rising costs have forced producers to make difficult decisions, balancing artistic vision with financial viability.
Despite the show's impending closure on Broadway, producers have announced plans for a national tour. The tour is scheduled to begin in Seattle late next year, potentially offering the production a second chance to connect with audiences outside of New York City.
The struggle of "Suffs" to find its footing on Broadway underscores the complex relationship between politics, entertainment, and commerce. While the show's feminist themes and political backing generated initial buzz, they were not enough to sustain long-term financial success in the competitive Broadway market.
"Suffs" closes its Broadway run after playing to just under 78% capacity in its final reported week, grossing $679,589. These numbers, while respectable, were not sufficient to cover the weekly operational costs and recoup the initial investment. The show's journey from highly anticipated opening to early closure serves as a reminder of the unpredictable nature of Broadway success.
The Broadway run of "Suffs" demonstrates the challenges of bringing politically themed productions to mainstream theater audiences. Despite strong backing from prominent political figures and favorable media coverage, the musical failed to translate its message into sustained box office success. The show's closure after only eight months highlights the fierce competition and economic pressures facing Broadway productions in the current entertainment landscape.
