Brand-New Broadway Musical Screams 'Tony Winner' at the Top of Its Lungs

The direction by Stevie Walker-Webb is tight and minimal (minus the comically clunky set), putting the acting and the incredible vocals front and center. The book and lyrics by Angelica Chéri (descendent of the Clarke sisters) and music by Ross Baum provide the ideal platform for a number of standout performances—several of which are award-worthy.

R&B artist Ledisi is electric as the matriarch of the Clarke family who dreams of owning her own land, something that wasn't previously possible in an America driven by slavery. In her humble skirt and blouse, it's impossible to take your eyes off of Ledisi, who delivers a top-notch performance and vocals for the ages. She particularly excels in the musical's second song, "Inheritance," which could arguably be the strongest in this two-and-a-half-hour show.

Playing her daughters are the incredible Solea Pfeiffer as Mary and Liisi LaFontaine as Martha. Both women are at turns funny, moving and fierce as they attempt to escape their past in hopes of a better future.

Pfeiffer's jaw-dropping performance, however, is the one everyone will leave the theater talking about. As her character struggles with her competing priorities of love, acceptance and racial identity, Pfeiffer performs what may be her career-defining role as Mary (and a career-defining number sung to a mirror) that solidifies this musical as a must-see.

The cast is rounded out by Luke James, an extremely under-utilized Bradley Jaden and two outstanding supporting actresses, Aurelia Williams and Awa Sal Secka. Williams and Secka, who play maids to the richest man in town, steal each scene they're in with their comedic antics and "we're not ones to gossip, but..." dialogue. It's telling that the only exit applause of the evening went to the duo after a particularly inspired bit involving a ladder.

Some may suggest the show lacks a buzzy melody that theatregoers will be crooning after, but they would be missing the point. Wanted's place in Broadway history is that it tells a story not captured in the history books. The show delivers a unique perspective and depiction of racism and inequality in a post-slavery U.S. not often seen on the stage. The fact that it also entertains is just icing on the cake.

Wanted is currently playing at the James Earl Jones Theatre.