EMPIRE: REACHING FOR THE SKY

REVIEW: EMPIRE

BY RYAN M. LUÉVANO

Creating and producing an original musical of this magnitude is no easy task, yet co-creators Caroline Sherman and Robert Hull rise to the occasion with Empire the musical. Over 16 years in the making Empire is a tribute to classic musical theater telling the story of the struggle to design and build the world’s tallest Skyscraper during the Great Depression. This world premiere production at the La Mirada Center for the Performing Arts is a theatrical event not to be missed; a fantastic night at theater for the whole family.

What immediately stands out in Empire is the suburb choreography by Marcia Milgrom Dodge—a smart and energetic blend of period, contemporary, and ethnic dances. The show’s opening company tap number “Hey Day” lets you know right away that you’re in for a good time. One of the most impressive numbers in the show is “Lunch Time” performed by the muscled Laborers. Here the music gets us started and Milgrom’s choreography takes over to tell the rest. An impressive display of dancer tricks (back flips, cartwheels, handstands etc.) and physical choreography that is absolutely breathtaking. The dance in Empire is a mix of Anything Goes and Newsies to the highest degree.

The company of Empire. Photo Credit: Michael Lamont.

Empire is also visually astounding. The production makes use of innovative projections and animations by David Gallo and Brad Peterson that take us to the Empire State Building from the ground up. Additionally, the back set piece has 3-D capabilities as parts of the wall pop out onto the stage creating various levels for the actors to walk.

A show is nothing without its cast, and the cast of Empire is a wonderfully talented group of actors that bring the characters of this new musical to life. Stephanie Gibson plays Frankie Peterson, a tough as nails woman reminiscent of Reno Sweeny from Anything Goes. Gibson’s performance is full of laser beam focus: quick, clever and sharp, she owns the stage and her voice is full and booming—“Dare to Dream” is one of the most beautiful songs of the evening. Michael McCormick (Al Smith) and Tony Sheldon (John Raskob) are a two-man comedy machine, offering vaudeville style quips and charming performances of “Moxie” and “We Were Here”. Charlotte Maltby (Betty Raskob) makes herself known in Act II with her rendition of “Touch the Sky” that soars with vocal power—catching you by surprise in the best kind of way.

Kevin Earley, Tony Sheldon, Stephanie Gibson (center), Joe Hart, Michael McCormick. Photo Credit: Michael Lamont.

Caroline Sherman and Robert Hull bring us a musical that represents the kind of musicals they love—those classic Betty Comden, Adolph Green, Jule Styne shows—but they have also broken the mold with Empire. The show may take place in the 1920s, leading to some writing evocative of that era, however, the music is more than that—it’s is a fine blend of twenties and contemporary songs. A tuneful and dramatic score, Empire gives you 1920s razzmatazz flavored songs like “Hey Day” and “In A Good Way” yet you also get the modern “Dare to Dream” and “Touch the Sky”, reminding you that musicals have come a long way since the twenties. The book for Empire is nostalgic and captivating—the characters are developed and diverse and the story is engaging and heartfelt.

Kevin Earley (center) and the company of Empire. Photo Credit: Michael Lamont.

WHAT ABOUT THE MUSIC DIRECTOR?

Music director and conductor Sariva Goetz proficiently leads the cast and the 13-piece orchestra. Her musical direction in this show is meticulous. The cast performs this original score with ease—every note is accounted for here.

Two things are clear about Empire’s 16-year journey: first, it’s a musical that is well worth the wait, and second, its journey is just beginning as it seeks to move over to the Great White Way very soon. Go to La Mirada Center for the Performing Arts to see Empire before it goes to Broadway! Empire runs from Jan. 22 – Feb. 14, 2016. For more information visit: www.lamiradatheatre.com or call 562.944.9801.

CLICK HERE for my exclusive interview with co-creators Caroline Sherman and Robert Hull!