Taylor Swift song to feature in new Broadway musical

A Taylor Swift song will feature in a new Broadway musical spotlighting the extraordinary life and career of songwriting icon Diane Warren.

Titled Obsessed, the musical is set to include Taylor Swift’s Say Don’t Go. Originally written in 2013, the song was released last year as part of 1989 (Taylor’s Version).

The announcement comes after a promising developmental workshop in New York City, helmed by three-time Tony Award-winning director Kathleen Marshall and boasting a script by two-time Tony laureate Joe DiPietro. Michael Cohl and Irit TenHengel have joined forces to bring Obsessed to Broadway.

Further details about the planned production are to be announced.

Diane Warren’s story is one of relentless pursuit and unparalleled success, marked by early challenges including a diagnosis of Asperger’s Syndrome. Growing up in suburban Los Angeles in the 1970s under the watchful eye of a strict Jewish mother, Diane’s defiance of conventional expectations in favour of songwriting led her to unprecedented heights in the music industry.

By 14, songwriting had become her sole focus, often penning three songs a day. Her major breakthrough, Rhythm of the Night, catapulted her to global fame, making her the first songwriter to simultaneously have seven hits on the Billboard charts by different artists. Warren’s incredible talent has seen her write hits for a constellation of stars including Taylor Swift, Beyonce, Cher, Aerosmith, and many more.

Producer Irit TenHengel shared: “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!”