By Sayde McBain, Contributing Writer, NYU Tisch Drama
Set in the back room of a pulsing Miami club, Most Wanted unfolds in the aftermath of a 1997 assassination and manhunt, ultimately exposing the life of a young assassin in a way that feels intimate and unsettling. Most Wanted invites audiences into a world where fame, identity, and obsession collide. These themes continue to shape today’s culture through social media, celebrity influence, and the constant pressure to be seen and understood.
Originally developed in 2007 at La Jolla Playhouse, Most Wanted returned in 2026 with a new take. While the main story remains the same, the way it’s told has changed. The piece is now more of a “fever dream”, a musical poem in which the story reveals itself over time, becoming more unpredictable and moving away from a traditional narrative structure. With a modern club-inspired sound, the production now creates a darker yet immersive vibe. These changes reflect not only how musical theater is evolving but also how audiences today engage with stories that are more complex, layered, and sometimes uncomfortable.
What makes Most Wanted especially exciting for NYU students is that it is led by one of our own: Mark Bennett. An Associate Arts Professor and Head of Sound Design Training at NYU Tisch Drama, Bennett serves as both composer and co-lyricist for the production. Working alongside book writer and co-lyricist Jessica Hagedorn and director Emilio Ramos, Bennett helps bring this updated version of the show to life.
With over 25 years of experience on Broadway, Bennett has built a career focused on telling stories through sound. He has worked on more than 150 productions across Broadway, off-Broadway, and regional theater, including The Coast of Utopia, A Streetcar Named Desire, and Who’s Afraid of Virginia Woolf? Bennett also serves as a Tony Awards nominator for the 2025–26 season. At Drama, he continues this work by mentoring students and helping shape the next generation of designers.
Bennett's contributions are being recognized at this year's Broadway Salutes, an event that honors the people whose dedication keeps Broadway running behind the scenes. Since 2009, the event has celebrated more than 5,300 professionals across the industry, highlighting the collaboration and craftsmanship that make live theater possible.
Reflecting on his career and this recognition, Bennett shared, "We are a deeply connected community of artists and technicians and makers… that acknowledgment was really a testament to a community."
This sense of collaboration carries into Most Wanted itself. The production pushes audiences to think about what happens when someone becomes emotionally lost, and how certain choices can shape an entire life. By moving away from more traditional approaches and leaning into sound, rhythm, and atmosphere, the show creates a new experience.
The production premiered on May 22 at the Rubenstein Atrium at Lincoln Center. For the Drama community, Most Wanted offers more than just a night of entertainment; it’s a chance to engage with a thought-provoking piece, refined for today’s stage and led by one of NYU’s very own.