Wanted – A New American Musical with a Bang

Nov 12, 2026 by Two Sues On the Aisle

By Sue Weston and Susie Rosenbluth, Two Sues on the Aisle

Wanted, the new American musical written by Angelica Chéri with music by Ross Baum, is a story about resilience, relationships, and heritage. The show was inspired by the family legend. Chéri’s great-aunts were light-skinned black women who, according to family lore, transformed themselves from sharecroppers into notorious outlaws. Sisters, Mary (Solea Pfeiffer) and Martha (Liisi LaFontaine), understood how much color mattered in 1893 Texas. They were trapped picking cotton on land their mother, Tallulah (Ledisi), was unable to purchase.

Since they were able to pass as white outside their community, the sisters formulated a gutsy plan to save their family home. Armed with their mother’s gun, ‘Ole Betsy’, and their charm (with plenty of powder), they set out by train.

While sisters were real, their exploits are fictionalized. The issues they faced a century ago are still relevant. Groups are still judged based on race and gender. Wanted reminds us that ‘blood’ runs deep. While it may seem possible to ‘pass’ or assimilate, you can never hide or become truly invisible.

Evolution of a Show

We first saw this musical in 2024 at the Paper Mill Playhouse. It was named Gun & Powder we were hopeful it would land on Broadway in the not-too-distant future. Our prediction came to fruition, but the show evolved differently than we had expected. We had been absolutely captivated by the synergy between Mary (played by Ciara Renée) and Martha (Liisi LaFontaine – who is still in the role). They were supported by a spectacular chorus of Kinfolk and Townspeople, with voices that knocked the music out of the park, accentuating Baum’s scores, which were infused with African American spirituals and soul, along with more traditional Broadway tunes. One piece that was eliminated, ‘Cotton,’ combined the movements to wordlessly conjure imagery of hardships associated with picking cotton. In Wanted, we see them picking cotton, with references made to the scars left on their hands, but without a real appreciation for the back-breaking nature of the work.

The move to Broadway was an opportunity to kick the show up a notch, casting more accomplished singers and creating songs that showcase their enormous talent. One standout is ‘Invisible’ performed by Luke James, a three-time Grammy-nominated singer/songwriter.

The Kinfolk are reimagined as a Greek chorus wearing lacy white robes and materializing in a misty cloud to perform rich gospel-infused vocals and harmonies. This six-person chorus of Black ancestors is led by Melody A. Bates, whose booming, powerhouse voice brought the audience to its feet. They infused dance and song, creating spectacular performances that almost outshone the storyline.

Wanted changes its focus, beginning as a Western theme with women outlaws taking on the world, then throws in a romance (or two), before it returns to their quest to save their home. ‘Ole Betsy’ gives them protection and courage. Simply by waving the gun, people hand over their money. They get caught up in the moment, enjoying their power and taking their vendetta a step further, stealing dirty money earned from slave labor. We found ourselves rooting for the outlaws.

Laugh Out Loud

Chéri keeps the show from getting too serious. The maids, Flo (Awa Sal Secka) and Sissy (Aurelia Williams), are hilarious. From their mannerisms and eye rolls to a well-timed ‘mmm,’ their attitude speaks volumes. ‘Just Passing Through’ was a clever classic Broadway-style play on words, as the Clarke sisters learn what they need to do to pass as white from watching and imitating passengers on the train. A well-choreographed number that set the tone for their next act.

Entertaining and Empowering

Wanted takes a potentially explosive topic and makes it relatable. It holds a mirror to society, showing how men tried to take advantage of women and how whites felt superior to blacks. This was set in 1893, when these behaviors were acceptable. Over a century later, the struggle for equality continues. Wanted perpetuates stereotypes, with Townsfolk who are white and Kinsfolk who are black, a subtlety that registered when thinking back on the performance. The antagonists are two white men, Jesse (Bradley Jarden) and Mr. Billingsley (Nathan Quary Thomas). Both were undone as a result of their actions.

Wanted celebrates two spunky young women who, with a little powder and a lot of guts, caused a crime spree across Texas, turned heads, fell in love, and gave it all up for family. It is a showcase of amazing vocals and a wonderful tale of tenacity.

---

Two Sues on the Aisle bases its ratings on how many challahs (1-5) it pays to buy (rather than make) to see the play, show, film, or exhibit being reviewed. 

Wanted at the James Earl Jones Theatre received a 3 Challah rating

Running Time: 2 hours 15 minutes with an intermission