Broadway Musical Doesn't Know Its Story
Variety • • entertainment
Key Points:
- The Broadway musical "Wanted," inspired by Angelica Chéri’s great-great aunts Mary and Martha Clarke, tells the story of two Black sisters in post-emancipation Texas who pass as white to save their family land, but its narrative falls short despite strong performances.
- Set in 1893 Texas, the Clarke sisters face racial and financial oppression, leading them to crime and complex romantic entanglements, though the outlaw storyline lacks depth and focus.
- The musical features exceptional vocal performances by Ledisi, Liisi LaFontaine, and Solea Pfeiffer, supported by a skilled orchestra and effective scenic and projection design, which enhance the period atmosphere.
- Themes of racial passing and identity, while compelling, are not presented with originality, and Mary’s character is portrayed as naive rather than empowering, weakening the story’s impact.
- Overall, "Wanted" struggles with an overstuffed plot and unclear direction, making it more effective as a musical album than a fully realized Broadway production.
