(PRINCETON, NJ) -- McCarter Theatre Center has announced the cast for the world premiere of Empire Records: The Musical 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. It will run September 6 – October 6, 2024 in McCarter's Berlind Theatre.
Running from September 6 through October 6, 2024, 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.
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.
Damon Daunno, who is taking on the iconic role of Rex Manning, is a Tony and Grammy-nominated actor, singer, musician and composer – best known for his portrayal of Curly in the 2019 Broadway revival of Oklahoma! and for having originated the role of Orpheus in the off-Broadway production of Hadestown. Most recently, Daunno appeared in MCC’s production of Zoe Sarnak’s rock musical The Lonely Few.
Michael Luwoye, starring as Joe, gained acclaim for his portrayal of Alexander Hamilton in the Broadway production of Hamilton, as well as the national tour. Off Broadway, he starred as Jacob in Invisible Thread, earning a Lucille Lortel Award nomination for Outstanding Lead Actor in a Musical.
“We are beyond thrilled to have this amazing team and incredible cast here in Princeton," said Sarah Rasmussen, McCarter’s Artistic Director. “Their talent and chemistry are going to bring the timeless story of Empire Records: The Musical to brilliant new life.”
“Empire Records resonates across generations, from vinyl enthusiasts to AirPods addicts,” noted Martin Miller, Executive Director. “We all have something, some place, or someone that we’d fight like anything to save. That spirit is infectious, and it’s the driving force of this terrific show—plus, with this amazing cast, it’s just so fun to watch.”
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.”
The 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; and 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.
Important Dates: Preview Performances – September 6-12
* Opening Night – Friday, September 13 at 7:30pm
* Post-Show Discussions – September 15 and 21 at 2:00pm
* American Sign Language Interpreted Performance – September 21 at 2:00pm
* Open Caption and Audio Described Performance – September 22 at 2:00pm
* Pride Night – September 26 at 6:00pm
McCarter is one of the country's flagship theatres and a vibrant center for community and for the performing arts. Located on the campus of Princeton University, the company is an independent nonprofit, serving as a nationally renowned, multi-disciplinary creative hub of arts and ideas, offering theatre, music, dance, spoken word, and educational programs for all ages. A two-time Tony Award winner, McCarter’s legacy of artistic excellence traces back to the theatre’s first performances in 1930. Thornton Wilder’s Our Town, Kaufmann & Hart’s You Can’t Take It with You, and William Inge’s Bus Stop all had their premieres on the McCarter stage, paving the way for a long history of collaborations with playwrights to launch remarkable works that have gone on to tens of thousands of performances reaching millions of audience members around the world. The company is equally revered for presenting global artists on its stages, including Alvin Ailey, Yo-Yo Ma, Samara Joy, Hasan Minhaj, Jon Stewart, Caetano Veloso, Rhiannon Giddens, Patti Smith, Esperanza Spalding, Lake Street Dive, and Herbie Hancock, among many others. Of the 100,000 community members who directly participate in the company’s work every year, more than 5,000 are students taking part in McCarter’s robust educational offerings in Princeton, Trenton, and in schools throughout the region. McCarter leads with values of “justice and joy, and beauty in belonging,” creating stories and experiences that enliven minds, expand imaginations, and engage communities.
