Shows and Albums
OUR EVENTS
There’s always something happening at The Empress Productions! We are committed to putting on the highest quality productions in a whole array of styles. Make sure you don’t miss out on any of our shows or albums by subscribing above to our mailing list.
Take a look at our shows and albums.
ANASTASIA THE MUSICAL
CO-PRODUCER
Inspired by the beloved films, the romantic and adventure-filled new musical Anastasia comes to Broadway.
From the Tony Award®-winning creators of the Broadway classic Ragtime, this dazzling show transports us from the twilight of the Russian Empire to the euphoria of Paris in the 1920s, as a brave young woman sets out to discover the mystery of her past. Pursued by a ruthless Soviet officer determined to silence her, Anya enlists the aid of a dashing conman and a lovable ex-aristocrat. Together, they embark on an epic adventure to help her find home, love, and family.
Anastasia features a book by celebrated playwright Terrence McNally and a lush, new score by Stephen Flaherty (music) and Lynn Ahrens (lyrics). Tony Award-winning director Darko Tresnjak directs.
WITH LOVE, MARILYN
PRODUCER
"As for lovers, well they'll come and go. And actually pretty much all of them are going to break your heart. But you can't give up because if you give up, you'll never find your soulmate; that half who makes you whole and that goes for everything. Keep trying." - Marilyn Monroe
Marilyn Monroe was the ultimate romantic. Lovers come and go in this musical journey "With Love, Marilyn™," a a sensual and playful cabaret tribute performance which pays homage to the many loves and romances in the life of the iconic ingenue.
"With Love, Marilyn™" will transport you back in time in an intimate behind-the-scenes evening with the immortal goddess you know and love as she prepares to entertain you.
Erin Sullivan, who recently received critical acclaim for her performance as Monroe in Mark Medoff's "Marilee & Baby Lamb" at the Rio Grande Theater in Las Cruces, New Mexico will dazzle you with her tribute portrayal.
Sullivan as Monroe performs your favorite songs such as "I Wanna Be Loved By You," "My Heart Belongs To Daddy," and "Diamonds Are A Girl's Best Friend," while weaving the love stories behind the many men in Monroe's life.
Fall in love for the first time or all over again with Marilyn in "With Love, Marilyn™"...
THE COLOR PURPLE THE MUSICAL
NEW BROADWAY RECORDING
GRAMMY AWARD WINNING ALBUM
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Directed by Tony Award winner John Doyle, the cast is led by Grammy, Academy Award and Golden Globe award winner JENNIFER HUDSON, 2016 Best Actress Tony Award winner CYNTHIA ERIVO, and Orange is the New Black’s DANIELLE BROOKS.
They are joined by Isaiah Johnson in the role of ‘Mister;’ Joaquina Kalukango as ‘Nettie;’ and Kyle Scatliffe takes on the role of ‘Harpo,’ along with Phoenix Best, Dwayne Clark, Lawrence Clayton, Carrie Compere, Patrice Covington, Adrianna Hicks, Bre Jackson, Grasan Kingsberry, Kevyn Morrow, Ken Robinson, Antoine L. Smith, Carle R. Stewart, Akron Watson, and Rema Webb.
Based on Alice Walker’s Pulitzer Prize winning novel and the Warner Bros. / Amblin Entertainment motion picture, THE COLOR PURPLE is adapted for the stage by Pulitzer Prize and Tony award winner Marsha Norman, with music and lyrics by Grammy award winners Brenda Russell, Allee Willis and Stephen Bray.
THE COLOR PURPLE is an unforgettable story of enduring love and triumph over adversity. With a fresh, joyous score of jazz, ragtime, gospel and blues, this stirring family chronicle follows the inspirational Celie, as she journeys from childhood through joy and despair, anguish and hope to discover the power of love and life.
FROM BROADWAY WITH LOVE
A BENEFIT CONCERT FOR ORLANDO
ALBUM AND DVD
PRODUCER
“From Broadway With Love: A Benefit Concert For Orlando”
Took Place July 25, 2016
at the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts
(Orlando, Fla.) – Following the tragic event that took place at Pulse nightclub in Orlando on June 12, the Broadway and Orlando theatre communities united to perform From Broadway With Love: A Benefit Concert For Orlando – a healing night of music and dance to honor the 49 victims – on Monday, July 25, 2016 at 7:30 pm at the Disney Theatre in the Dr. Phillips Center for the Performing Arts.
From Broadway With Love: A Benefit Concert For Orlando Album features songs from some of the biggest names on Broadway including Darren Criss (Glee), Chita Rivera (two-time Tony Award winner), Norbert Leo Butz (two-time Tony Award winner), Kelli O’Hara (Tony Award winner), Jessie Mueller (Tony Award winner, currently in Waitress), Wilson Cruz (My So Called Life), Brian Stokes Mitchell (Tony Award Winner, currently in Shuffle Along), Carmen Cusack (Bright Star), Andrea McArdle (original Annie),Lilla Crawford (Into the Woods), Priscilla Lopez (A Chorus Line), Lillias White (Tony Award winner), Liz Callaway (Miss Saigon), Josh Henry (Shuffle Along), Keala Settle (Waitress), Anika Larsen (recently seen in Beautiful: The Carole King Musical), Justin Sargent (Spiderman: Turn Off the Dark), Carrie Manolakos (Mamma Mia!), as well as SiriusXM Broadway hosts Seth Rudetsky and Christine Pedi. The Orlando Philharmonic Orchestra, who donated their performance as one of the sponsors for the evening, accompanied the performers. Michael J. Moritz (Tony Award Nominee) served as Music Director.
Net proceeds raised from the album (royalties and artist fees waived) by From Broadway With Love: A Benefit Concert For Orlando will be donated equally between the GLBT Community Center of Central Florida, Hope and Help Center of Central Florida and Zebra Coalition.
Many of the artists participating in From Broadway With Love: A Benefit Concert For Orlando gathered at Avatar Studios on Wednesday, June 15, 2016, in New York City for a benefit recording of the iconic 1965 song "What the World Needs Now is Love" as part of the Broadway for Orlando charitable initiative. The record reached No. 1 on the iTunes song chart in its first week and broke into the Billboard Top 100 with no commercial radio play.
The Orlando benefit concert is co-produced by Imagine Orlando, LLC (comprised of Tony Award winner Kenny Howard of Florida Theatrical Assoc., Joyce Arbucias of The Imagination House, Andrea Canny of PerformerStuff.com, Chris Yakubchik of Forster Boughman and Lefkowitz), Seth Rudetsky, James Wesley, Michael J. Moritz, Jr. and Broadway Records (Van Dean, president; Tony Award winning/Grammy nominated producer/co-conceiver of the first From Broadway with Love - A Benefit Concert for Sandy Hook).
From Broadway With Love: A Benefit Concert For Orlando is created by Seth Rudetsky, Kenny Howard and James Wesley; directed by Kenny Howard; written by Michael Wanzie with musical direction by Michael J. Moritz.
ON THE TOWN
TONY NOMINATED
CO-PRODUCER
One of Broadway's most energetic and inventive musicals is back again to paint the Big Apple red. For a limited time, Misty Copeland, a principal dancer for American Ballet Theatre, joined the 30-member cast of New York's most talented singers and dancers as Ivy Smith, one of the sailor's dream gals. On the Town follows the antics and adventures of three World War II sailors as they try to cram a lifetime of romance and excitement into a daylong adventure in the city that never sleeps.
Directed by Tony winner John Rando (Urinetown, A Christmas Story) and choreographed by Emmy winner Joshua Bergasse (Smash), this musical valentine to New York City boasts a score by Leonard Bernstein, book and lyrics by Comden and Green (Singin' in the Rain) and exciting dance numbers inspired by the original Jerome Robbins choreography. Classic songs include "Come Up to My Place," "Some Other Time" and the American songbook standard "New York, New York."
THE WIZ LIVE!
(ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK OF THE NBC TELEVISION EVENT)
ALBUM
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
NBC embarks on its latest musical holiday tradition: a 3-hour LIVE event production of The Wiz, the groundbreaking Broadway show that brought Oz to life in a funky sing-along journey down the yellow brick road. Rising star Shanice Williams leads an all-star cast featuring Queen Latifah (The Wiz), Mary J. Blige(Evillene), David Alan Grier (Cowardly Lion), Ne-Yo (Tin Man), Elijah Kelley(Scarecrow), Uzo Aduba (Glinda), Amber Riley (Addaperle), Common (The Bouncer), Stephanie Mills (Auntie Em) and Cirque du Soleil.
Executive Producers Craig Zadan and Neil Meron (Oscar-winning "Chicago" and "Hairspray," "The Sound of Music LIVE!") lead a multi-talented production team including Director Kenny Leon (Tony Award-winning A Raisin in the Sun, Fences), Choreographer Fatima Robinson ("The Voice," "Dreamgirls" film, "VH1 Hip Hop Honors"), Teleplay by Harvey Fierstein (Kinky Boots, Newsies, Torch Song Trilogy, La Cage aux Folles), Music Producer Harvey Mason Jr. ("Dreamgirls", "Pitch Perfect 2," Chris Brown's "F.A.M.E.," "Jennifer Hudson," Beyonce's "B-Day," Justin Timberlake's "Justified," Toni Braxton's "He Wasn't Man Enough") and Music Director Stephen Oremus (Tony and Grammy Award-winning The Book of Mormon and Kinky Boots, Wicked, Avenue Q, All Shook Up, 9 to 5: The Musical, "87th Academy Awards")
Winner of 7 Tony Awards, including Best Musical, The Wiz was a massive hit on Broadway and ran for over four years, made a star of then-unknown Stephanie Mills and spawned a feature film starring Diana Ross and Michael Jackson. The award-winning music includes the hit songs “Ease on Down the Road,” “Brand New Day” and “Home.”
PETER PAN LIVE!
(ORIGINAL SOUNDTRACK FROM THE TELEVISION EVENT)
ALBUM
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Preparing to sprinkle fairy dust across America, NBC presents a bold new LIVE television production of the classic Broadway musical that will gather friends, families and anyone who refuses to ever grow up.
Following in the footsteps of the phenomenally successful The Sound of Music LIVE! - which drew over 18 million viewers - comes this musical masterpiece that tells the beloved story of Peter Pan, the mischievous little boy who ran away to Neverland. Get ready for show-stopping stars, stunning costumes, extravagant sets and delightful music that will have everyone in your home singing along.
Starring: Christopher Walken, Allison Williams, Christian Borle, Kelli O'Hara, Minnie Driver and more.
AHRENS AND FLAHERTY: NICE FIGHTING YOU -
A 30TH ANNIVERSARY CELEBRATION LIVE AT 54 BELOW [2 CD SET]
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
Nice Fighting You: A 30th Anniversary Celebration Live at 54 BELOW was recorded live over a series 6 performances last September. Winner of Broadway World’s NYC Cabaret Award for “Best Revue” of 2013, the concerts featured hits and rarities from across Ahrens and Flaherty’s storied career and offered previews of material from new shows as well.
MATILDA THE MUSICAL
(ORIGINAL BROADWAY CAST RECORDING)
EXECUTIVE PRODUCER
2014 GRAMMY NOMINEE FOR BEST MUSICAL THEATRE ALBUM
The Tony Award®-winning MATILDA THE MUSICAL is the story of an extraordinary girl who dreams of a better life. Armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, Matilda dares to take a stand and change her own destiny. Rolling Stone calls the show “hands down the BEST MUSICAL of the season.” Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, MATILDA has won 47 international awards, and continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages on Broadway and in London’s West End.
MATILDA THE MUSICAL
TONY NOMINATED
“WELCOME TO THE DELIRIOUSLY AMUSING, MALEVOLENT, HEARTWARMING, HEAD-SPINNING WORLD OF MATILDA THE MUSICAL. YOU WON’T WANT TO LEAVE.” – Bloomberg News
Winner of 50 international awards, including the Tony Award®, and one of the biggest hits on Broadway, MATILDA THE MUSICAL is the story of an extraordinary girl who, armed with a vivid imagination and a sharp mind, dares to take a stand and change her own destiny.
Rolling Stone calls the show “hands down the BEST MUSICAL of the season.” Based on the beloved novel by Roald Dahl, MATILDA continues to thrill sold-out audiences of all ages on Broadway and in London’s West End.
The Wall Street Journal says, “The makers of MATILDA have done the impossible – triumphantly! It is smart, sweet, zany and stupendous fun.”
“ONCE IN A BLUE MOON, A SHOW COMES OUT BLAZING AND RESTORES YOUR FAITH IN BROADWAY. MATILDA THE MUSICAL IS THAT SHOW.” New York Post
“MATILDA IS THE BEST MUSICAL SINCE THE LION KING!” – TIME Magazine
“THE BEST FAMILY MUSICAL IN YEARS.” – Chicago Tribune
THE LAST SMOKER IN AMERICA
CO-PRODUCER
THE LAST SMOKER IN AMERICA is a raucous, irreverent and unfiltered new musical comedy, with book and lyrics by Tony Award® nominee Bill Russell (Side Show) and music by Drama Desk® nominee Peter Melnick (Adrift in Macao). Enter an America where the government is in your kitchen, sniffing for outlawed cigarettes! The extreme anti-smoking laws test the sanity of one suburban family. Pam is having an impossible time trying to quit. Her husband Ernie retreats to the basement to relive the rock star dreams of his youth, while their teenage son Jimmy only turns away from his videogames to explore his gangster rapper persona. Adding to the dysfunctional dynamic is anti-smoking fanatic Phyllis, the neighbor who can’t keep her nose out of everyone else’s business. This original and hilarious new musical will leave you craving for more!
THE LAST SMOKER IS AMERICA was presented in a sold-out and extended workshop production at the 2009 New York Musical Theatre Festival. In the fall of 2010, Last Smoker received its world premiere production at CATCO in Columbus, Ohio, where performances were added due to popular demand. Now, The Last Smoker in America arrives in New York just in the nic-o-tine! Get addicted…
GORE VIDAL'S
THE BEST MAN
TONY NOMINATED
ASSOCIATE PRODUCER
A STAR-STUDDED CAST!
A MUST-SEE THEATRE EVENT!
One of the finest Broadway casts ever assembled now brings one of the most entertaining political dramas ever written to new life at the Gerald Schoenfeld Theatre.
Does THE BEST MAN always get to the White House?
Gore Vidal's THE BEST MAN is about the race to the presidency, as two front-runners vie for their party's nomination in the midst of backstabbing, double-crossing, dirty-dealing and all the games politicians play. It's a roller coaster ride of twists and turns which make for the most entertaining and fun night in the theatre this season!
Two-time Tony Award® and Academy Award® winner James Earl Jones and five-time Tony Award® winner Angela Lansbury head the cast in Gore Vidal's THE BEST MAN. The acclaimed company also includes Tony® and Emmy® winner John Larroquette, Emmy® and Golden Globe® winner Candice Bergen, Emmy® winner Eric McCormack, Tony® nominee Kerry Butler, Tony® winner Jefferson Mays and Academy Award® nominee Michael McKean.
We know you’ll love our shows and Albums.