The award‐winning new musical Empire, by Caroline Sherman and Robert Hull, is headed to the Great White Way for the 2009‐2010 season announced the production team today.
Daily Variety called the show "A fast, flavorful, exciting tale ... joyously fresh", and Backstage West said Empire was a "Tribute and testimony to the dreamers, doers, and unsung heroes ... big and brave, like the building it celebrates."
Having played sold‐out runs in Los Angeles and Stamford in 2003 and 2004, a private industry workshop of the production was presented in April 2008 starring Karen Ziemba, Matt Cavanaugh, and Michael McCormick.
While no official casting has been announced, stage and screen star Brooke Shields is in discussions to appear in the production. Ms. Shields has appeared on Broadway in Wonderful Town, Cabaret, Chicago, and Grease.
Press notes describe 'Empire' "as a celebration of the American spirit embodied by those who built what was then the tallest structure in the world, the Empire State Building. With big dance numbers, pop driven melodies, and captivating spectacle, Empire puts a contemporary spin on the classic musicals of the 40's and 50's".
The production will be helmed by award‐winning director Clayton Phillips, who assisted Hal Prince on the Broadway productions of Kiss of the Spider Woman and Parade and choreographed by Ken Roberson (Avenue Q, All Shook Up).
The creative team includes David Korins, scenic designer (Passing Strange, Bridge & Tunnel), Tony award winner Martin Pakledinaz, costume designer (Gypsy, Thoroughly Modern Millie), Kirk Bookman, lighting designer (The Sunshine Boys, Gentlemen Prefer Blondes), Wendall K. Harrington(Grey Gardens, Tommy), projections designer, Tony Award winner Don Sebesky, orchestrations (Pal Joey, Kiss me Kate), and Mark Simon Casting. Richards/Climan, Inc. will be the general manager. A pre‐Broadway tryout is planned for the summer of 2009.
The producing team consists of Ricky Stevens, Douglas C. Evans, Jeff Davis, Kerry Robinson, Howard Olah‐Reiken, and The Rivet Gang.
