Ciara Renée Files Lawsuit Against Producers of “Wanted” After Being Dropped from Broadway Transfer

Broadway veteran Ciara Renée, acclaimed for her roles in “Frozen,” “Waitress,” and TV’s “Legends of Tomorrow,” has filed a lawsuit against the producers of the forthcoming Broadway musical “Wanted.” Renée alleges she was unfairly and unlawfully cut from the Broadway cast, despite an agreement granting her the right to reprise her lead role following her acclaimed performance in the show’s 2024 pre-Broadway engagement at New Jersey’s Paper Mill Playhouse .

“Wanted,” formerly known as “Gun & Powder,” is a musical by Angelica Chéri and Ross Baum that centers the story of the outlaw Clarke sisters, inspired by real-life Black women in post-Civil War Texas. Renée played “Mary Clarke” opposite Liisi LaFontaine’s “Martha Clarke” during the Paper Mill Playhouse run, earning positive reviews and participating in high-profile promotional events, including investor showcases and cast recordings .

According to Renée’s complaint, she and the producers had a “written letter agreement” stating she would have the right to continue playing Mary Clarke in any future New York or London production after “good faith negotiations” for compensation. Renée claims she fulfilled all obligations for the New Jersey run and continued to represent the show in multiple official capacities, including an investor event in Martha’s Vineyard and performances at industry readings .

However, following her participation in an October 2024 developmental reading and the Vivian Robinson/Audelco Awards, Renée was informed by producers Alecia Parker and Samuel Lopez that she would not be offered the Broadway role. The production team cited alleged failures to “collaborate” and described Renée as “unwilling to accept feedback from the creative team”—accusations Renée vigorously disputes . The role of Mary Clarke has since been filled in workshops by Solea Pfeiffer, who originated the part in the musical’s world premiere .

Renée’s suit, filed in New York, alleges breach of contract and seeks damages as well as public recognition of her professional contributions to “Wanted” . Her complaint details what she describes as a pattern of misleading assurances and a lack of transparent negotiation, despite her significant role in developing the show and helping secure investor interest .

A statement from Richard Roth, attorney for the producers and affiliated companies—including Sisters Clarke LLC, Make Way Broadway Limited Liability Company, National Artists Management Company, P3 Productions, and Samuel Lopez—denies all allegations and pledges to “vigorously defend” against Renée’s claims .

Renée’s lawsuit is resonating across the theater community, especially among advocates for equity, diversity, and inclusion in the arts. Broadway has faced long-standing scrutiny for its casting practices and treatment of actors from marginalized communities, including Black, queer, and transgender performers. The case also underscores the importance of honoring contractual agreements, especially as pre-Broadway productions and workshops increasingly feature artists from underrepresented backgrounds in roles that may later be recast for commercial runs .

Industry observers note that “Wanted” is a significant work for Black women’s representation on stage, and Renée’s removal from the project raises questions about who gets to tell these stories and who benefits from their commercial success . For LGBTQ+ audiences and professionals, the case highlights the need for transparent, fair, and inclusive hiring and retention practices at every level of production—values increasingly championed by advocacy organizations such as the Human Rights Campaign and GLAAD.

Renée, who is openly queer, has been a vocal advocate for intersectional inclusion across Broadway and television. Her visibility and leadership have made her a role model for LGBTQ+ youth and aspiring performers, further amplifying the impact of her current legal fight .

The Broadway production of “Wanted” has not yet announced its full cast or premiere date, and the legal dispute is ongoing. As the case proceeds, Renée’s supporters in the LGBTQ+ and theater communities are calling for greater transparency in how casting and contractual decisions are made, and for industry-wide standards that ensure all artists—especially those from historically excluded groups—are treated with fairness and respect .

For now, the spotlight is on both the courtroom and the stage, as the outcome of Renée’s lawsuit may set new precedents for how Broadway treats its stars—and whose stories are allowed to shine.