Producer Rachel Sussman, alongside her colleague Jill Furman, is making history with the Broadway musical "Suffs," set to open at the Music Box Theatre on April 18, 2024. The musical, born out of Sussman's intuition during a dinner conversation with composer-lyricist Shaina Taub, delves into the stories of American suffragists, offering a nuanced exploration of their struggles and triumphs in the fight for women's right to vote.
Sussman's journey as a producer began during her time as an acting student at New York University, where she interned at Second Stage Theater. Inspired by her passion for producing, Sussman has played a pivotal role in bringing "Suffs" to fruition, alongside Furman, who shares her commitment to championing women's voices in the arts. "Suffs" makes history as the first Broadway musical with an all-female and nonbinary cast, lead creative team, and producing team. Notably, former U.S. Secretary of State Hillary Rodham Clinton and Nobel Peace Prize laureate Malala Yousafzai are among the show's producers, reflecting the commitment to empowering women both on and off the stage.
As lead producers, Sussman and Furman oversee every aspect of the production, from assembling the creative team to securing financing and navigating the complexities of Broadway. Despite the challenges inherent in producing a Broadway show, both Sussman and Furman are driven by a shared vision of creating meaningful, impactful theater that resonates with audiences. Beyond their work on "Suffs," they are dedicated to promoting equity and inclusivity in the theater industry. As the founder of The Business of Broadway, Rachel Sussman offers courses aimed at democratizing knowledge about producing Broadway shows, with the goal of building a more equitable and inclusive industry for all.
Despite the uncertainties facing Broadway in the wake of the pandemic, both of them remain steadfast in their belief in the transformative power of theater. As they prepare to bring "Suffs" to the stage, they are determined to convince audiences of the show's importance and relevance, both as a piece of entertainment and as a reflection of the ongoing struggle for equality.
Sussman and Furman's groundbreaking work on "Suffs" exemplifies their commitment to championing women's voices in theater and reshaping the landscape of Broadway. Through their dedication and vision, they are paving the way for a more inclusive and impactful future in the arts.