Shania Taub’s musical to end run on Jan. 5 and kick off national tour in fall.
“Suffs,” the groundbreaking musical chronicling the American women’s suffrage movement, has garnered attention for its impressive lineup of producers including Hillary Rodham Clinton and Malala Yousafzai. Despite winning Tony Awards for its score and book, as well as resonating with audiences due to its timely themes in connection with Kamala Harris’s candidacy, the show has faced challenges in ticket sales. As a result, the producers recently announced that the production will close on January 5 after 24 previews and 301 regular performances. However, plans are in place for a national tour starting in Seattle in September 2025.
Set in the early 20th century, “Suffs” portrays the struggles of two generations of women fighting for the right to vote, showcasing the internal divisions within the movement. The musical, created by singer-songwriter Shaina Taub who also stars as influential suffragist Alice Paul, was directed by Leigh Silverman. Despite a mixed reception during its pre-Broadway run at the Public Theater, the Broadway production received slightly better reviews, with critics acknowledging its significance but noting room for improvement in its impact on the audience.
Financially, “Suffs” has faced challenges with its box office performance, with grosses falling short of sustaining a large-cast musical. In a tough Broadway landscape where several productions have announced closures in recent months, the musical’s closure adds to the industry’s struggle. The rising production costs, shrinking audience sizes, and fierce competition among shows have made achieving success on Broadway even more daunting.
With lead producers Jill Furman and Rachel Sussman at the helm, “Suffs” was capitalized at $19 million, according to SEC filings, but has not yet recouped its investment. Despite its closure, the musical’s impact on raising awareness about the women’s suffrage movement and its relevance in today’s political climate cannot be understated.
Source: The NY Times
