REX MANNING DAY: McCarter Theatre Center and the Princeton Garden Theatre presented a free community screening of the cult classic film “Empire Records” in preparation for the play of the same name, making its world premiere at McCarter in the fall. (Photo by Roy Matusek)

On April 8, Princeton celebrated the uniquely 90’s holiday known as Rex Manning Day, inspired by the cult-classic film Empire Records, at the Princeton Garden Theatre. The event was a collaboration with McCarter Theatre Center, which will present the world premiere of a play of the same name in the fall.

The special event celebrated the movie’s enduring legacy and community of fans it has forged. A free screening of the film, which chronicles a day in the life of a record store facing corporate takeover, was shown, followed by a post-show Q&A with Carol Heikkinen, the original film’s writer and now the visionary behind the book for the upcoming musical comedy adaptation, Empire Records.

Mayor Mark Freda officially proclaimed April 8, 2024 as Rex Manning Day in Princeton. In the proclamation, Freda states, “In the nearly 30 years since its initial release, the movie Empire Records has become a cultural touchstone for millions who have celebrated its spirit of optimism and its hopeful message that a determined group of people can work collectively to defy the odds.” He continues, “Princeton, New Jersey, is committed to being a thriving and supportive home for proudly local, independent enterprises, including McCarter Theatre, Princeton Garden Theatre, and Princeton Record Exchange, among many others.”

The upcoming musical will bring the story to the stage with an original score by Princeton native Zoe Sarnak. Visit Mccarter.org/empirerecords for more information.