Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's Broadway production, "Suffs," is facing dismal box office numbers, ranking among the bottom third of all shows on Broadway despite its high-profile cast and political endorsements.
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton's Broadway production, "Suffs," has been struggling to fill seats during Broadway's busiest season this year. According to data from the Broadway League, the play's lagging numbers look even worse considering it's a new show during Broadway's peak season. The play is currently performing in the bottom 23% of all 35 shows on Broadway.
"Suffs," which first opened on Broadway last month, brings the women's suffrage movement of the early 1900s to the stage. It features an entirely female and non-binary cast, including Tony winner Nikki M. James, Jenn Colella, Emily Skinner, and Grace McLean as President Woodrow Wilson. Clinton is a co-producer on the stage play, along with Jill Furman, Rachel Sussman, and Malala Yousafzai.
Despite its political endorsements and star-studded cast, "Suffs" has failed to draw big crowds during Broadway's peak season. The play only reached 81% capacity across eight performances last week, placing it among the bottom eight productions in that category. This week's numbers were even worse, with the show only filling 78% of its total seats.
Critics have pointed out that the play's three-hour-long runtime and lack of a clear narrative arc may be contributing to its poor performance at the box office. Additionally, the musical's focus on historical events may not have the same appeal as more contemporary shows or musicals.
Clinton herself has stated that she relates to the characters in the play, highlighting the challenges of making change. However, her political affiliations and recent comments about a rematch between President Biden and former President Trump may have alienated some potential audience members.
Despite the disappointing box office numbers, "Suffs" continues to receive positive reviews from critics. The play has been praised for its historical accuracy, its powerful performances, and its timely message about the ongoing struggle for equality.
The play's future on Broadway remains uncertain, as it is unclear whether it will be able to improve its performance at the box office. However, the play's backers are likely hoping that positive word-of-mouth and strong reviews will help it to gain traction in the coming weeks.
