Empire Records:
The Musical

September 6 - October 6, 2024

Based on the New Regency Productions Motion Picture Empire Records written by Carol Heikkinen
Music & Lyrics by Zoe Sarnak
Book by Carol Heikkinen
Directed by Trip Cullman
Choreography by Ellenore Scott
Produced by special arrangement with Bill Weiner

"Damn the man, save the Empire!"

Overflowing with optimism, ‘90s counterculture, rooftop dancing, and the spirit of punk rock, Empire Records tells the story of a band of idealist 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. 
 
With music and lyrics by Jonathan Larson Award-winner and Princeton native Zoe Sarnak and a book by original screenwriter Carol Heikkinen, Empire Records is directed by Trip Cullman (Broadway’s Choir Boy, Lobby Hero), choreographed by Ellenore Scott (Broadway’s Funny Girl), and produced by special arrangement with Bill Weiner.

Town Topics Premiere of ‘Empire Records: The Musical’ Succeeds at McCarter; Energetic Script, Score, and Production Deliver a Fun, Heartfelt Story

TheaterMania Review: Empire Records Delivers Nostalgia and an Irresistible Score at the McCarter”

What’s not to love? A cultural touchstone, an homage to an era—unselfconsciously optimistic and principled—Empire Records is ripe for a comeback.
— The Guardian

Venue

Berlind Theatre

Run Time

1 hour and 37 minutes, no intermission

Post Show Discussion

September 15, 2024 and September 21, 2024

American Sign Language Accessibility

September 21, 2024 at 2PM. To select the best seats for ASL access, please contact Patron Services at 609-258-2787, Monday through Friday, 12:00PM - 6:00PM.

Audio Described and Open Caption Accessibility

September 22, 2024 at 2PM. To select the best seats for Open Caption access please contact Patron Services at 609-258-2787, Monday through Friday, 12:00PM - 6:00PM.

Videos

Meet the Cast

Creative Team

Book by Carol Heikkinen

Music and Lyrics by Zoe Sarnak

Directed by Trip Cullman

Choreographed by Ellenore Scott

Scenic Designer, David Rockwell

Hair, Wigs & Make-Up Designer, Tommy Kurzman

Orchestrations by Zoe Sarnak & Bryan Perri

BOLD Creative Producer, Sally Cade Holmes

Dramaturg, Julie Felise Dubiner

Costume Designer, Paloma Young

Intimacy Coordinator, Ann C. James

Arrangements by Zoe Sarnak

Production Stage Manager Samantha Watson

Associate Director Sarah Shin

Lighting Designer, Adam Honoré

Fight Choreographer, Rocío Mendez

Music Supervisor, Bryan Perri

Deck Stage Manager, Alison Cote

Associate Choreographer, Logan Epstein

Sound Designer, John Shivers

Casting Director, The Tesley Office Karyn Casl, CSA, Destiny Lilly, CSA

Music Director, Daniel Green

Assistant Stage Manager, Matthew Luppino

Associate Music Director, Mike Pettry

Check the Program

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