A new musical shedding light on the extraordinary lives of two historic figures is set to open on Broadway this autumn. *Wanted*, created by Angelica Chéri, tells the true story of Mary and Martha Clarke, two Black twin sisters who passed as white in 1893 Texas. Scheduled to begin previews at the James Earl Jones Theatre in New York City on 15 October, the show is positioned to officially premiere on 8 November.
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Leading the production are Solea Pfeiffer and Liisi LaFontaine, who will reprise their roles as the titular characters. Both actresses have previously portrayed Mary and Martha in earlier performances of the musical—Pfeiffer at the Signature Theatre in Arlington, Virginia, during its world premiere in February 2020, and LaFontaine during a run at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey in the spring of 2024. Their return to these roles marks a significant moment as they bring the sisters’ remarkable story to a broader audience.
Of their upcoming venture, Pfeiffer and LaFontaine expressed their excitement in a joint statement, stating, “We’re so happy to finally bring this show we love so much to Broadway.” They emphasized the musical’s importance and the opportunity to highlight an often-overlooked piece of American history. “To represent the complicated and beautiful tapestry of this country on Broadway is a dream realised,” they added, underlining their pride in stepping into the lives of such impactful figures.
*Wanted* portrays the journey of the Clarke sisters from farm girls to daring vigilantes who sought to avenge their family and confront the injustices rooted in the legacy of slavery. As they navigate their dual identities, the narrative challenges norms and delves into the complexities of race and morality in America.
The show’s score blends various genres, including gospel and R&B, paired with elements of Western mythology, creating a fresh and vibrant soundtrack to the sisters’ saga. Chéri, who is the great-great niece of the Clarke sisters, drew inspiration from family stories passed down through generations, embedding a personal touch into the narrative. She serves as the writer for both the lyrics and the book of the show, while Ross Baum provides the musical compositions.
Direction will be undertaken by Stevie Walker-Webb, an Obie Award winner and Tony Award nominee, with choreography by Chelsey Arce. The creative team is working together to ensure that the performance captures the essence of the sisters’ journey while also appealing to diverse audiences.
Producers Ben Holtzman, Sammy Lopez, and Fiona Howe Rudin, representing P3 Productions, expressed their enthusiasm for the upcoming premiere, particularly noting its significance during Women’s History Month. They highlighted the show’s potential to illuminate the legacies of women whose narratives have often been neglected in mainstream storytelling.
As the opening date draws near, additional details regarding the creative team and cast members are anticipated to be revealed. The anticipation is building not only for the performances of Pfeiffer and LaFontaine but also for what promises to be a thought-provoking and engaging theatrical experience.
Both actresses boast impressive backgrounds in musical theatre. Pfeiffer, whose most recent performance was as Satine in *Moulin Rouge!* on Broadway, has garnered acclaim for her work in productions such as *Hadestown* and *Almost Famous*. Meanwhile, LaFontaine gained prominence as the original Satine in the West End’s *Moulin Rouge! The Musical*, and has also appeared in the world premiere of *Huzzah!* at the Old Globe and in the TV series *Good Trouble*.
As *Wanted* approaches its debut, it stands poised to resonate with audiences through its exploration of identity, justice, and the historical context of the American West. It not only celebrates the remarkable legacy of the Clarke sisters but also seeks to enrich the cultural landscape of Broadway with stories that reflect the nation’s complex history.