‘Wanted’ Musical Sets Fall Broadway Bow Starring Solea Pfeiffer and Liisi LaFontaine
#Wanted musical #Broadway debut #Solea Pfeiffer #Liisi LaFontaine #fall season #theater casting #new production
📌 Key Takeaways
- The musical 'Wanted' is scheduled to debut on Broadway in the fall.
- Solea Pfeiffer and Liisi LaFontaine are announced as the starring leads.
- The production marks a significant new addition to the upcoming Broadway season.
- The casting highlights diverse talent in prominent roles for the show.
📖 Full Retelling
🏷️ Themes
Broadway, Musical Theater
📚 Related People & Topics
Liisi LaFontaine
American singer and actress
Elyse LaFontaine, known professionally as Liisi LaFontaine, is an American actress and singer. She is most known for her roles in the stage productions of Dreamgirls, and Moulin Rouge! The Musical on the West End.
Solea Pfeiffer
American musical theater actress (born 1994)
Solea Pfeiffer is a Zimbabwe-born American actress and singer. She is best known for her role as Eliza Hamilton in the first national tour of Hamilton, which she landed after performing as Maria in West Side Story at the Hollywood Bowl. In 2019, she starred in the New York City Center's production ...
Broadway theatre
Type of theatre in New York City
Broadway theatre, or Broadway, is a theatre genre that consists of the theatrical performances presented in 41 professional theaters, each with 500 or more seats, in the Theater District and Lincoln Center along Broadway, in Midtown Manhattan, New York City. Broadway and London's West End together r...
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Deep Analysis
Why It Matters
This announcement matters because it signals new creative investment in Broadway during a challenging economic period for live theater, potentially creating hundreds of jobs for performers, crew, and theater staff. It introduces fresh artistic talent to Broadway audiences with two rising stars in lead roles, which could attract younger and more diverse theatergoers. The production's success or failure will impact investor confidence in financing future original musicals versus safer revivals and adaptations.
Context & Background
- Broadway has been recovering from pandemic shutdowns that cost the industry over $1.8 billion in lost revenue and led to the closure of several long-running shows
- Original musicals (not based on existing films or properties) have become increasingly rare on Broadway due to higher financial risk compared to adaptations with built-in recognition
- Both lead actors have significant theater credentials: Solea Pfeiffer originated roles in 'Hamilton' and 'Almost Famous,' while Liisi LaFontaine starred in the West End production of 'The Color Purple'
- Fall openings are strategically timed to build momentum before the critical holiday season, which generates approximately 40% of Broadway's annual revenue
What Happens Next
The production will begin casting supporting roles and ensemble members in spring 2024, followed by rehearsals starting summer 2024. Previews will likely begin in September or October 2024 at a Shubert Organization theater (exact venue TBA), with an official opening night in November 2024. Key developments to watch include initial ticket sales data, early critic reviews during previews, and potential Tony Award eligibility for the 2024-2025 season.
Frequently Asked Questions
While specific plot details haven't been released, industry sources suggest it's an original musical with a contemporary setting. The creative team includes emerging writers and composers rather than established Broadway names, representing a gamble on new voices.
Solea Pfeiffer brings experience originating roles in major productions, while Liisi LaFontaine offers international appeal from her UK success. Their casting represents Broadway's increasing emphasis on diverse, multi-hyphenate performers who can attract both theater traditionalists and new audiences.
A successful original musical could encourage producers to take more creative risks rather than relying on movie adaptations. If it fails, it may reinforce the current trend toward 'safe' intellectual property-based productions that dominate today's Broadway.
Original musicals typically require $15-20 million capitalization with weekly running costs exceeding $600,000. However, a hit could generate $1-2 million weekly and have lucrative touring, licensing, and potential film adaptation opportunities.
While most mandates have lifted, producers will likely implement understudy contingencies and insurance provisions developed during the pandemic. Audience vaccination requirements are unlikely, but enhanced ventilation and backstage protocols may continue.