One of the greatest New York City stories ever. Empire is a fast, fun, exciting new musical. A timeless romantic comedy about hopes, dreams, and the power of the human spirit set against the construction of the Empire State Building.
Empire is filled with compelling stories, show-stopping dance numbers, toe tapping songs, romance, and the top of the Empire State Building onstage, Empire is a tribute to big dreams and those that dare to reach new heights.
The Empire State Building is one of the most instantly recognizable landmarks in the world. Considered New York City’'s crown jewel, it attracts tens of millions of guests each year from around the world.
EMPIRE by Caroline Sherman and Robert Hull, is a roof raising extravaganza that will take Broadway to new heights.
The majesty, grandeur, and wonder of New York City in the 1930’s is brought to life in EMPIRE. A timeless romantic comedy about Michael Shaw, a young architect ready for his big break, and Hilda Roberts, an aspiring reporter who has her sights set on the Pulitzer Prize by bringing an end to the excesses she sees in big buildings.
After Michael is chosen as the man on site at the Empire State Building, he must deal with: the nosy and beautiful reporter Hilda; the high flying building financiers Al Smith and John J. Raskob; and the best contractor in the city, Gladys Goodheart, headstrong and determined to construct the tallest building in the world. If the city politics and bad headlines aren’t enough on Michael’s plate, he must also deal with the workers: Ethan, Bucky, and Sam, who aren’t making his job any easier. One of the workers has a secret that could bring the entire project to a screeching halt.
While working on the building, Ethan learns the importance of his work and decides that this building can be the legacy he leaves for his children, but his wife Emily struggles with her fears that he will not survive such an ambitious and tall project. Ethan, Bucky, a fearless water boy, and Sam, a worker who joins the project to touch the sky, defy the rules and make the dangerous decision to walk the high beams with the Mohawks; a decision that could bring one of their young lives to a sudden and tragic end.
All of these problems make it impossible for Michael to stay with the project so he sacrifices his dream to ensure that the building will be completed. But Gladys has other thoughts about keeping her team intact and still being the tallest building in the world. When Gladys sets her mind to something the world better watch out.
CREATIVE TEAM
Caroline Sherman, Book, Lyrics, Music
Robert Hull, Book, Lyrics, Music
Matt Lenz, Director
Michele Lynch, Choreographer
Klara Zieglerova, Scenic Designer
Jess Goldstein, Costume Designer
Natasha Katz, Lighting Designer
Eric Stern, Music Director
Don Sebesky, Orchestrations
Sam Davis, Dance Arrranger
Tara Rubin Casting, Casting
Nina Lannan & Associates, General Manager
Amy Jacobs, Management Associate
PRODUCING TEAM
Marquee Ventures, Producer
Sue Vaccaro, Producer
The Rivet Gang, Producer
Jeff Davis, Producer
Howard Olah-Reiken, Producer
Lynne Walder, Producer
Katy Kinney Harris, Producer
J. Joanna Jung, Producer
Dr. Dale Archer, Producer
PRODUCTION ADVISORS
Paul Libin
Susan Myerberg
Kevin Jacobsen
Michael Jacobsen
IN THE NEWS
NY Times - Permanant Art Exhibition Opens in the Empire State Building
ABC - Art Exhibition is a tribute to the Empire State Building
DEVELOPMENTAL PRODUCTION REVIEWS
"“A fast, flavorful, exciting tale … joyously fresh"
Daily Variety
"“Tribute and testimony to the dreamers, doers, and unsung heroes …big and brave, like the building it celebrates"
Backstage West
"“Empire’s next stop should be Broadway …a great night at the theater and a chance to see something new and refreshing"
Stamford Times
LA Ovation Award Nomination for Best New Musical
For More Information about EMPIRE contact:
Marquee Ventures
240 West 44th Street
Helen Hayes Theatre
New York, NY 10036
347.414.9056
rs_thebroadwaystage.com
