Lorna Courtney

McCarter Theatre Center has announced the cast for the world premiere of Empire Records: The Musical based on the 1990s cult-classic film. The show runs in McCarter’s Berlind Theatre from September 6-October 6.

This adaptation, featuring an original rock score by Princeton native Zoe Sarnak and a book by the film’s screenwriter Carol Heikkinen, is produced by special arrangement with Bill Weiner.

The musical reunites Sarnak with director Trip Cullman (Broadway: Choir Boy, Lobby Hero) and choreographer Ellenore Scott (Broadway: Funny Girl) after their work on Sarnak’s The Lonely Few at McCarter earlier this year.

Damon Daunno

The cast 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.

The show is described in a release from McCarter as “overflowing with optimism,’90s counterculture, rooftop dancing, and the spirit of punk rock.” It 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 unforgettable day.

Courtney, who plays 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.

Daunno, who plays the 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 McCarter Theatre’s musical The Lonely Few.

Luwoye, starring as Joe, portrayed 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 McCarter’s Artistic Director Sarah Rasmussen. “Their talent and chemistry are going to bring the timeless story of Empire Records: The Musical to brilliant new life.”

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.

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 percent, and zone restrictions apply. McCarter is at 91 University Place.