OBSESSED A NEW BROADWAY MUSICAL ABOUT THE LIFE OF DIANE WARREN

 

OBSESSED

 
A NEW BROADWAY MUSICAL
ABOUT THE LIFE OF DIANE WARREN

 

THE GRAMMY, EMMY, AND ACADEMY AWARD-WINNING, TWO-BILLION SELLING SONGWRITER,

OFFICIALLY STARTS PRODUCTION

WITH LICENSING DEALS SET FOR WARREN’S MOST POPULAR SONGS

MADE FAMOUS BY TAYLOR SWIFT, BEYONCE, CHER, AEROSMITH, TONI BRAXTON, CELINE DION, WHITNEY HOUSTON, LADY GAGA, AND OTHERS

 

Producers Michael Cohl and Irit TenHengel have announced that production is underway for OBSESSED, the new Broadway musical about the life of the song-writing superstar Diane Warren, now that licensing deals for her songs that will be featured in the score of the eagerly anticipated new musical, including the recent Taylor Swift hit, “Say Don’t Go” are set.

 

Following a successful developmental workshop in New York City last year, directed by three-time Tony Award-winner Kathleen Marshall with a book by two-time Tony winner, Joe DiPietro, Michael Cohl and Irit TenHengel formed a partnership to produce OBSESSED on Broadway.

 

A full production schedule, casting, and additional creative team for OBSESSED will be announced soon.

 

Few know Diane Warren’s unbelievable story. Diane who was diagnosed early on with Asperger’s Syndrome grew up in suburban Los Angeles in the 1970s with a strict Jewish mother who expected her daughter to conform to a life of traditional values, marrying and raising a family. But Diane was a rebel with a passion for songwriting that led to unimaginable creative success.

 

By the age of 14 songwriting had taken over Diane’s life. She was often writing three songs a day. Her breakthrough hit, Rhythm of the Night, became a worldwide smash.  Diane Warren became the first songwriter in history to have seven hits on the Billboard charts, at the same time, all by different artists. No other writer can make claim to have written so many hits for the biggest stars in the world, including Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Cher, Aerosmith, Toni Braxton, Celine Dion, Whitney Houston, Lady Gaga, and so many more.

 

OBSESSED is about obsession.

 

As producer Irit TenHengel puts it: “The show has to be called OBSESSED and that idea came to me from music business legend, Clive Davis.”

 

“I spoke with Clive who has worked with Diane Warren for many years to get more insight and to hear stories about Diane when we were developing the show and the word Clive kept using in our conversation was ‘obsessed.’”

 

“Clive repeatedly referred to Diane as being obsessive. She’s obsessed with writing. She’s obsessed with her songs. She’s obsessed with winning an Oscar!”

 

“When I heard this, I realized that OBSESSED was the only possible title for a Broadway show about Diane Warren.”

 

The Executive Producer for OBSESSED is Glenn Orsher, CEO of EMC Presents who runs the theater department of Michael Cohl’s companies. Glenn is a veteran with many years of experience in the industry; producing and managing musicals on Broadway and in London.

 

"Nothing's Gonna Stop Us Now" from bringing Diane Warren’s music and story to the theatrical stage!

 

Michael Cohl, Former chairman of Live Nation; recipient of a star on Canada’s Walk of Fame, an Emmy, Grammy, Tony, Christopher Award, NAACP Image Award, Billboard’s Legend of Live Award, and more. A veteran of 53-plus years of all genres of show biz and sports, he has worked and continues to work with some of the most recognized artists and properties in the world. Cohl is founder and chairman of S2BN Entertainment and EMC Presents. Some of his current project include Bat Out of Hell: The Musical, CoComelon Live! JJ’s Journey, The Pink Floyd Exhibition, Melissa Etheridge: My Window on Broadway, Harry Potter: The Exhibition, and The Big Apple Circus.

 

Irit TenHengel, is a veteran producer and manager working in the music business for over 30 years. She has worked with some of the top artists, songwriters, and record producers. As the founder of her own record label 20 years ago, YODAN, Irit owns hundreds of master recordings and publishing rights. She grew up in the Middle East and developed a strong passion for promoting peace in the region and worked closely with President Shimon Peres who was a leader of peace. Irit produced dozens of humanitarian events and peace concerts around the world and received international recognition for her contributions. 

 

Irit's humanitarian work does not stop with her passion for music, but she also has a strong passion for animals. Ten years ago, she fulfilled her childhood dream and established a dog rescue farm, Sofis Animal Farm, which rescues and rehabilitates hundreds of dogs every year. She shares this passion with Diane Warren who also built an animal rescue farm in Los Angeles. 

 

Irit is a force of nature and when she decides to take on a project - Nothing's Gonna Stop her from bringing Diane Warren's fascinating life story and biggest hits to Broadway.