Hillary Clinton Makes Broadway Producing Debut with “Suffs” Musical Celebrating Women’s Suffrage
Former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton made her Broadway producing debut with the new musical “Suffs,” a show that celebrates the campaign for women’s right to vote from 1913 to the ratification of the 19th Amendment in 1920. The opening night of the musical was met with excitement and praise from audiences and critics alike.
The timing of the show’s premiere in a presidential election year, coupled with the current efforts to tighten voting laws in some states, adds an extra layer of significance to the production. Broadway has been seeing a rise in female-centric stories, and “Suffs” is no exception, drawing in a strong audience interest and ranking in the top 10 of Broadway shows in terms of filled seats.
The musical, which features mainly women behind the scenes, including producer Malala Yousafzai, a Nobel Peace Prize winner and activist, highlights the importance of women’s fight for the right to vote. Yousafzai, who attended the opening night with her husband, emphasized the historical and emotional relevance of the show.
“Suffs” creator Shaina Taub, who wrote the book, music, and lyrics, expressed her excitement for the community building around the production after years of development and rewrites. The star-studded opening night audience included notable figures like filmmaker Ken Burns, editor Anna Wintour, and performers Sara Bareilles and Lin-Manuel Miranda.
As the cast delivered a powerful performance filled with feminist anthems, the audience was moved to a standing ovation, with Clinton among the first to rise and applaud. The night continued with a celebratory party at Pier Sixty, where guests enjoyed a variety of gourmet bites and drinks.
The message of empowerment and the importance of voting resonated with attendees, as one young woman in a gold-sequined dress declared, “I’m going to vote!” The success of “Suffs” not only marks a milestone for Clinton and Yousafzai in their producing debuts but also serves as a reminder of the enduring legacy of women’s suffrage.