McCarter Theatre Center's world premiere of Empire Records, a new musical comedy based on the 1990s cult-classic film, officially opens September 13 following previews that began September 6.

Trip Cullman (Choir Boy, Lobby Hero) directs the production, which is set to run through October 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.

“From Our Town to Anna in the Tropics to Vanya, Sonya, Masha and Spike, McCarter has a legacy of premiering bold, new work on our stages that go on to have vibrant lives on Broadway and beyond. Empire Records is set to be another landmark event in McCarter’s storied history,” said Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen in an earlier statement. “In the intimate Berlind Theatre—and with a limited run—it's the unmissable live performance event of the fall.”

Added Executive Director Martin Miller, “Empire Records bridges generations, from the vinyl enthusiasts of Gen X to the streaming aficionados of Gen Z, and reminds us of a time when record stores were not just retail spaces, but vibrant hubs for discovering music and forging friendships. It's a tribute to an era before playlists, when every record was a story waiting to be heard.”

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 is produced by special arrangement with Bill Weiner.

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