McCarter Theatre Center's world premiere of Empire Records, a
new musical comedy based on the 1990s cult-classic film, concludes its limited engagement October 6.
Trip Cullman (Choir Boy, Lobby Hero) directs the production, which officially opened September 13 following previews that began September 6 at the Princeton, New Jersey, venue. Ellenore Scott (Funny Girl) choreographs.
The cast is led by 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 includes Hoke Faser, Alex Lugo, Leah Read, and Maximilian Sangerman with swings Andrew Cekala and Jarynn Whitney.
The musical adaptation features an original rock score by Zoe Sarnak
and a book penned by the film’s screenwriter, Carol Heikkinen.
Empire Records tells the story of a band of idealist misfits
fighting to save their beloved record store from a corporate takeover.
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.
The production also has scenic design by David Rockwell, costume design by Paloma Young, lighting design by Adam Honoré, sound design by John Shivers, hair and makeup design by Tommy Kurzman, music direction by Daniel Green, music supervision by Bryan Perri, orchestrations by Zoe Sarnak and Perri, arrangements by Sarnak, intimacy coordination by Ann C. James, and casting by The Telsey Office's Karyn Casl and Destiny Lilly.
Julie Felise Dubiner is the dramaturg, and Sally Cade Holmes is the BOLD creative producer. The production manager is Samantha Watson, the deck stage manager is Alison Cote, and the assistant stage manager is Matthew Luppino.
The film Empire Records was released in 1995 by New Regency Productions. The musical was produced by special arrangement with Bill Weiner.
Visit McCarter.org.
Company of Empire Records: The Musical
Company of Empire Records: The Musical
Company of Empire Records: The Musical
Company of Empire Records: The Musical
Liam Pearce and Lorna Courtney in Empire Records: The Musical
