New musical 'Wanted' plans 2026 Broadway premiere

Previously titled Gun & Powder, the show, inspired by a true story, previously ran at New Jersey's Paper Mill Playhouse and Virginia's Signature Theatre.

Producers of the new musical Wanted have announced plans for the show to have a 2026 Broadway premiere. Performance dates and a venue have yet to be named.

Set in 1893 Texas, Wanted is inspired by the true story of Mary and Martha Clarke, two African American twin sisters who passed as white and became outlaws to save their family. The show premiered at Signature Theatre in Virginia in 2020 and played at the Paper Mill Playhouse in New Jersey in 2024. A pre-Broadway workshop will be held in June.

“We’re thrilled to unveil the new title Wanted as we head toward Broadway,” said the musical’s producers, P3 Productions (Ben Holtzman, Sammy Lopez, Fiona Rudin) and TRATE Productions (Robyn Coles and Evan Coles) in a joint statement. “This project has grown and evolved over the past few years, and we feel this new title best reflects the musical and story in its final form.

"Following our run at Paper Mill Playhouse, we believe the show’s story of resilience and perseverance is timelier than ever, and we remain committed to championing this bold, original and action-packed new musical.”

Wanted features a book and lyrics by Angelica Chéri, a descendant of Mary and Martha Clarke; music by Ross Baum; direction by Tony Award nominee Stevie Walker-Webb; choreography by Chelsey Arce; and music direction by Austin Cook.

Cast and additional creative team members have yet to be announced. The 2024 Paper Mill run starred Liisi LaFontaine as Martha Clarke, Ciara Renée as Mary Clarke, Jeannette Bayardelle as Tallulah Clarke, Aaron James McKenzie as Elijah, and Hunter Parrish as Jesse Whitewater.

Photo credit: Gun & Powder, now titled Wanted, at the Paper Mill Playhouse. (Photo by Evan Zimmerman)