The Broadway musical "Suffs" is struggling to fill seats, despite being co-produced by former Secretary of State and presidential candidate Hillary Clinton and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai. The show, which premiered in April, finished in the bottom 23% among all 35 Broadway shows for the week ending May 5, according to Broadway League.com. The following week, it filled only 78% of its seats across all performances.
Directed by Leigh Silverman and written by singer-songwriter Shaina Taub, "Suffs" is a nearly three-hour-long play set in 1913, during the suffragette movement in America. The play follows a group of women as they fight for the right to vote, and explores themes of intersectionality and unity among women of different races, classes, and generations.
Despite its timely subject matter, the show is struggling to attract audiences. Its website describes it as an "entertaining and inspiring" retelling of the fight for women's suffrage, but some critics suggest that its political message may be turning viewers away. Daily Wire host Michael Knowles noted that the cast is made up entirely of "females or gender non-binary cast," and suggested that the play's struggles may be due in part to a "concerted promotional effort by the establishment media."
Hillary Clinton-produced play ‘Suffs’ failing to pack seats during peak Broadway season https://t.co/mz7xz6NmmT pic.twitter.com/36yhLRaK3u
— New York Post (@nypost) May 12, 2024
However, the play's co-producers, Furman, and Sussman, along with Clinton and Yousafzai, remain optimistic about its success. In an interview with the Associated Press, Clinton stated that she connects with all of the characters in the play, as she understands the challenges of taking risks in pursuit of progress. She also sees the play as relevant to today's political climate, stating that "we have a lot of challenges in our country" and that a play about voting in an election year is timely.
Critics have praised the performances of the all-female cast, many of whom have been involved in Broadway productions before. However, it seems that the play's political message may be overshadowing its theatrical qualities for some potential audiences. The New York Post reported that the play struggled to sell out seats for its eight performances during the May 5-12 timeframe, with an average of only 79% of seats filled. This marks a disappointing start for the play, especially given its high-profile co-producers.
Despite its struggles at the box office, "Suffs" has received positive reviews from audience members and critics alike. The show has been praised for its poignant and timely message, as well as its impressive performances and production quality. Additionally, the play has been lauded for its diverse and inclusive casting, adding a contemporary twist to a historical story.
While the fate of "Suffs" on Broadway remains uncertain, its co-producers remain determined to see the play succeed. Furman and Sussman have expressed their commitment to bringing important stories to life on stage and believe that "Suffs" has the potential to inspire and entertain audiences. As the play continues its run, it will be interesting to see if its message and performances can capture the attention and support of a wider audience.
In an era where political divisions are strong and activism is on the rise, "Suffs" serves as a reminder of the progress made by the suffragette movement over a century ago. However, the struggle for equality and representation is far from over, and this production aims to inspire audiences to continue fighting for progress and unity. As the play continues to run on Broadway, its relevance and impact will undoubtedly continue to be a topic of discussion among theatergoers and critics alike.