Development has officially started for the Broadway-bound bio-musical, "Obsessed," about the life and career of multi-Grammy and Emmy-winning songwriter Diane Warren, says its producers.
In an announcement last Feb. 15, quoted by Broadway World, the show's producers revealed that they have secured licensing agreements for several hits that Warren wrote, including Taylor Swift's "Say Don't Go."
'Obsessed' Musical's Journey to Broadway
Helmed by three-time Tony-winning director Kathleen Marshall with a book by two-time Tony-winning playwright Joe DiPietro, the musical experienced a triumphant developmental phase held in New York in 2023.
The musical's producers Michael Cohl and Irit TenHengel, who relayed the news about the licensing deals, formed a collaborative partnership to facilitate the show's development for Broadway.
As of now, the finalized schedule, casting, and added members of the creative team are yet to be announced. In addition, the full list of the licensed songs is still not available for the press and public, alike.
That said, the "Obsessed" producers confirmed that they secured the rights for the songs that Warren penned for artists like Beyonce, Cher, Aerosmith, Toni Braxton, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Lady Gaga, and more, aside from the aforementioned Swift.
'Obsessed,' Chronicling Diane Warren's Unbridled Passion
According to its synopsis, the musical will center around Warren, her hardships, and her indomitable passion for songwriting despite being diagnosed at an early age with Asperger's Syndrome.
Warren herself was raised by a strict Jewish mother who rigorously instilled in her traditional values, like marrying and raising a family, despite her wishes, in their suburban LA home during the '70s.
That said, as early as 14 years old, Warren has already developed a knack and undivided inclination towards songwriting, often penning three songs daily.
Unbeknownst to both her and her mother, Warren's "rebellious" passion for songwriting eventually led to a series of momentous creative and financial triumphs, including her breakthrough song "Rhythm of the Night," which took the world by storm.
Warren also became the first songwriter in the industry's decades-long history to have seven simultaneous No. 1 hits on the Billboard Charts, as performed by differing artists.
Glenn Orsher, CEO of EMC Presents, will be executive producing the musical.
