Hillary Clinton’s venture into Broadway has hit a sour note, as her much-publicized feminist musical, Suffs, has performed poorly at the box office. Intended to celebrate the suffragist movement, the musical has now announced an early closure, adding to the list of failures associated with the former Secretary of State.
Suffs, which debuted to much fanfare earlier this year, failed to connect with theatergoers. Despite its historical theme and extensive promotion, the musical’s ticket sales have been far from impressive. Reports indicate that the show struggled to sell enough tickets to cover its expenses, and low attendance figures ultimately led to the decision to close the production by January 5, 2024, just six months after its official launch.
The show, produced by Hillary Clinton along with other notable figures, centered on the struggle for the ratification of the 19th Amendment. While the topic had the potential to attract a socially conscious audience, the execution seems to have fallen short. The ambitious goal of celebrating feminist heroes and highlighting their fight for women’s voting rights was overshadowed by issues of profitability and audience engagement.
According to The New York Times, a substantial investment of $19 million was made in the production, a gamble that ultimately did not pay off. Despite multiple previews and a cast that featured the show’s creator, Shaina Taub, in the leading role as Alice Paul, Suffs struggled to gain traction in the competitive Broadway landscape. The figures tell the story: during the week ending October 6th, the production grossed a disappointing $679,589—far below the earnings needed to support such a large-scale musical.
Many have suggested that Suffs may have been too heavy-handed in its messaging, alienating audiences seeking entertainment rather than a lecture on feminist history. While its creators intended to connect two generations of women in the fight for voting rights, the musical ultimately struggled to resonate with theatergoers. The production’s feminist angle, undoubtedly intensified by Clinton’s involvement, likely played a role in its lukewarm reception from mainstream audiences who are fatigued by politically charged entertainment.
Despite this box-office disappointment, the producers have announced plans for a national tour starting in Seattle in September 2025. However, it remains uncertain whether Suffs can generate sufficient interest outside of New York City, where it struggled to leave a lasting impression.
This latest setback adds to a growing list of challenges for Hillary Clinton, who has faced criticism on various fronts over the years. From unsuccessful presidential campaigns to controversies surrounding her tenure as Secretary of State, Clinton’s reputation as a divisive figure persists. Her most recent foray into entertainment, intended to celebrate feminism, appears to have concluded like many of her previous projects— in failure.
