Ashley Brown, Fred Applegate, et al. Set for EMPIRE Workshop, 10/27-28

EMPIRE, a new musical about the men and women who defied the odds and built the tallest skyscraper in the world, is currently undergoing a five-week developmental workshop and will receive industry presentations on October 27 and 28.

EMPIRE, written by Caroline Sherman and Robert Hull and directed by Matt Lenz, tells the story of an ambitious young architect and a hardheaded female reporter who, despite their conflicting ideology, fall for each other. Surrounding them, a group of architects, workers, engineers and financiers dared to dream bigger than anyone had before. Together, they created a New York City landmark and a symbol of hope at a time when the city needed it the most.

The workshop features a cast of 24, led by Eric William Morris (Mamma Mia!), Ashley Brown (Mary Poppins), Tony Award winner Cady Huffman (The Producers), Tony Award winner Michael Rupert (Sweet Charity, Legally Blonde), Fred Applegate (Sister Act, La Cage aux Folles), Lisa Karlin (The Addams Family), Jordan Dean (Cymbeline), Wolfgang Scheitinger ("Law & Order: SVU"), Marissa Perry (Hairspray) and Natalie Bradshaw (Sister Act).

EMPIRE features choreography by Michele Lynch, set design by Klara Zieglerova, lighting by Natasha Katz, costumes by Jess Goldstein, sound design by Steve Kennedy, projections by Wendell Harrington, and musical direction by Eric Stern. EMPIRE is produced by Marquee Theatrical Ventures, Sue Vaccaro, The Rivet Gang, Lynne Walder Esq., Katy Kinney Harris, J. Joanna Jung, Jeff Davis, Howard Olah-Reiken, Dr. Dale Archer, and Michael and Gabrielle Palitz. Bespoke Theatricals/Amy Jacobs is General Manager.

Photo Credit: Walter McBride/WM Photos

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