EMPIRE RECORDS: THE MUSICAL Begins Performances at McCarter Tonight

Performances for the world premiere engagement of Empire Records: The Musical begin tonight, Friday, September 6th  at Princeton’s McCarter Theatre Center (Sarah Rasmussen, Artistic Director and Martin Miller, Executive Director). Based on the beloved 1990s cult-classic film, this dynamic adaptation, featuring an original rock score by Princeton native Zoe Sarnak and a book by the film’s screenwriter Carol Heikkinen, is set to capture the hearts of audiences with dynamic and defiant characters, throwback nostalgia, and an electrifying soundtrack. Empire Records: The Musical is produced by special arrangement with Bill Weiner.
 
Running through October 6 in the Berlind Theatre, Empire Records: The Musical reunites Zoe Sarnak with director Trip Cullman (Broadway: Choir Boy, Lobby Hero) and choreographer Ellenore Scott (Broadway: Funny Girl) after their critically acclaimed work on Sarnak’s The Lonely Few at MCC earlier this year.  
 
The New York Times recently wrote that Zoe Sarnak is “breaking the rules of musical theater and finding an increasingly warm welcome this year for her rock sound.”
Bringing together a roster of Broadway’s brightest talents, the cast of Empire Records: The Musical includes Lorna Courtney as Corey, Damon Daunno as Rex Manning, Taylor Iman Jones as Max, Michael Luwoye as Joe, Tyler Donovan McCall as Lucas, Liam Pearce as AJ, Sam Poon as Warren, Analise Scarpaci as Debra, Eric Wiegand as Mark, and Samantha Williams as Gina. The Ensemble also includes Hoke Faser, Alex Lugo, Leah Read and Maximilian Sangerman with Swings Andrew Cekala and Jarynn Whitney. 

Overflowing with optimism, ‘90s counterculture, rooftop dancing, and the spirit of punk rock, Empire Records: The Musical tells the story of a band of idealistic misfits fighting to save their beloved record store from a corporate takeover. With tactics ranging from desperate to dangerous, the team comes together during a visit by over the hill pop star Rex Manning to discover the true value of friendship, love, and music—all in one extraordinary, unforgettable day.

Among the highlights of this talented lineup, Lorna Courtney, who plays as Corey, is celebrated for originating the role of Juliet in the Broadway hit & Juliet, a performance that earned her a Tony Award nomination for Lead Actress in a Musical. Her additional Broadway credits include Dear Evan Hansen and the 2020 revival of West Side Story.

The film Empire Records was written by Carol Heikkinen and released in 1995 by New Regency Productions and has since become a cultural touchstone, celebrated for its unselfconscious optimism and principled narrative. As The Guardian aptly remarked on the 25th anniversary of its release, “Empire Records is ripe for a comeback.”

Creative Team
Music & Lyrics by Zoe Sarnak
Book by Carol Heikkinen
Trip Cullman – Director
Ellenore Scott – Choreographer  
David Rockwell – Scenic Designer 
Paloma Young – Costume Designer 
Adam Honoré – Lighting Designer   
John Shivers – Sound Designer 
Tommy Kurzman – Hair and Makeup Designer
Daniel Green – Music Director
Bryan Perri - Music Supervisor
Zoe Sarnak & Bryan Perri – Orchestrations
Zoe Sarnak – Arrangements
Ann C. James – Intimacy Coordinator
The Telsey Office, Karyn Casl, CSA, Destiny Lilly, CSA – Casting Director 
Julie Felise Dubiner - Dramaturg 
Sally Cade Holmes – BOLD Creative Producer
Samantha Watson – Production Stage Manager
Alison Cote – Deck Stage Manager 
Matthew Luppino – Assistant Stage Manager 
 

Ticket Information

Tickets start at $25 and are now on sale at McCarter.org or can be purchased by calling the Patron Services Office at 609-258-2787. Groups of 10 or more save 20%, zone restrictions apply.
 

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