Angelica Cheri, a descendant of the Clarke family, tells her family story of her great-great-aunts, twin outlaws Martha and Mary Clarke, in “WANTED.” When the sisters and their mother, Tallulah, realize that they can’t buy the land that their family has been working and picking cotton on for generations, they decide that they must find out about things in a different way. Their father, a white man, left when their mother let him know she was pregnant, after trying to have her killed. The young women, who are light-skinned, decide they will pass for white, leave their home, and find another way to make money. Armed with their grandmother’s gun, they set out to rob people to raise the money to buy their property.
This new musical, with book and lyrics by Cheri, shows the obstacles the sisters faced as two women passing for white in plain sight. It tells of a journey of the sisters using their appearance, brassy attitudes, and determination to obtain their dream of securing land for their family and receiving the inheritance they were entitled to. A great deal happens in this musical, but Cheri keeps the story flowing and connected by using Kinfolk — a chorus of the ancestors who guide the sisters along their journey.
She also uses the servants Sissy and Flo as hilarious comic relief. These two ladies gossip about the sisters and what is happening with Jesse, a rich, powerful white man who falls in love with Mary, believing her to be white. While Mary sees Jesse as an opportunity to have a normal life, she is in constant fear of his discovering her secret. Martha is focused on their making money to go back and help their mother. She is so used to being protective of herself and her sister, she almost does not recognize love when she comes face to face with it.
There are soul-stirring vocal performances throughout this production, and this cast is taking Broadway by storm. Solea Pfeiffer is fierce and stunning as Mary. Liisi LaFontaine is poignant, captivating, and a force to be reckoned with as Martha. Ledisi is mesmerizing as Tallulah Clarke, the mother of the girls, who won’t stop them from fulfilling their dreams. Their voices will rock your world. Aurelia Williams as Sissy and Awa Sal Secka as Flo are hilarious. Their wisecracks, astute observations, and common sense will have you nodding your head and laughing. Luke James plays Elijah, a man who works for Jesse and finds himself drawn to Martha. His vocals are outstanding — that is one man who can sing his heart and soul out! James and LaFontaine share a passion on the stage that you can feel deep in your soul. Bradley Jaden is quite memorable as Jesse. His passion for Mary is moving — until he shows another side. The energy between Pfeiffer and Jaden on stage is stunning to behold.
You will absolutely be laughing, cheering, and enjoying the good vibrations and spirited singing of the Kinfolk, beautifully performed by Melody A. Betts, Aaron Arnell Harrington, Jennie Harney, Rayshun LaMarr, Hailey Thomas, and Harris Matthew — these ancestors bring the history, the knowledge, and the reckoning.
This musical will have you amazed, enlightened, and inspired. It has splendid direction by Stevie Walker-Webb; all the elements of this production work well together. Music is by Ross Baum, choreography by Chelsey Arce, orchestrations by John Clancy, arrangements by Baum and Austin Cook, music supervision by Nadia DiGiallonardo and James Olmstead, and music direction by Paul Byssainthe Jr. Detailed scenic design is by Beowulf Boritt; lighting design by Adam Honore; captivating costume design by Emilio Sosa; sound design by Gareth Owen; video and projection design by Stefanie Bulbarella; and hair, wig, and make-up design by J. Jared Janas and Tony Lauro.
Playing at the James Earl Jones Theatre (W. 48th Street_, “WANTED” is a musical you truly must see. Be sure to experience Cheri’s inventive way of telling the story of her great-great-aunts.
For tickets to “WANTED,” visit wantedmusical.com.
