Broadway-bound (?) EMPIRE THE MUSICAL to play La Mirada

According to their new season, "see [EMPIRE: The Musical] before it goes to Broadway"...

http://www.lamiradatheatre.com/empire.htm

Empire the Musical

Book, Music & Lyrics by
CAROLINE SHERMAN
and ROBERT HULL

Choreographed & Directed by
MARCIA MILGROM DODGE

Jan. 22 - Feb. 14, 2016

Empire is an original musical about those who bravely embodied the American spirit during the dark days of the Great Depression by building what was then the tallest structure in the world, the Empire State Building. When the roaring 20's collapsed into the reeling 30's, these industrialists, laborers and their families mortgaged all that was safe and reasonable for the dream of leaving their mark on New York City and the world.

"Empire is a celebration of the American spirit embodied by those who built what was then the tallest structure in the world, the Empire State Builiding [sic]. With big dance numbers, pop-driven melodies, and captivating spectacle, Empire puts a contemporary spin on the classic musicals of the '40s and '50s."

Clearly, the Broadway-bound language is aspirational, and could be included in most NYMF or Fringe musicals as well as those of out of town shows that basically just have their fingers crossed.

There is no basis for a lawsuit. Titles cannot be copyrighted, and neither the logo nor the subject matter tramples on anything connected to Fox's show.

This show was originally shooting for a 2009-2010 season opening. It's still possible it could come in much later than planned, like what happened for The Visit, but look how that turned out for them. And they had Chita and a well known writing team. Essentially there's always a chance, especially if they've improved the material a lot, but it isn't likely it will make it to Broadway.

Empire - The Musical started performances in La Mirada, CA on 1/22/2016 (and will run thru 2/14/2016). I have been curious about the project for some time and got to see it this weekend. I came away with mixed feelings.

For me, it appeared the use of complex projections was the thing the creators are relying on to send audiences away in awe and tout to their friends. These projections are used throughout and are very effective and even impressive...at times. Unfortunately, the signature element they are trying to create, while very unique in its implementation, falls short of the amazing spectacle I think the creators were aiming for. I think the artwork and graphics being projected need to rise to another level or three. Had the story been more interesting, the indeed unique projections likely would have been seen as a more appropriate and more compelling backdrop to the action on the stage.

While I liked the majority of the songs overall, I thought the music alone was the best thing Empire has going for it. The big band sound mixed with a dose of modern pop was great. The 13-member orchestra (without strings) in particular was really fantastic. The vocal performances by the entire cast were excellent too. Unfortunately, the lack of a story made interesting from beginning to end resulted in an otherwise top-notch production something I'm not sure I would recommend. I definitely think the show is worth a visit, but as-is, I do not care to revisit.

It received generally lousy notices and can't imagine it moving forward.

They're obviously going to have to change the title. It would cause too much confusion in a large commercial setting. Perhaps Empire State instead of just Empire?

Title issue aside, the show itself sounds intriguing.

My apartment is only a few blocks from Broadway street in Brooklyn. So technically my performance in the shower this morning was Off-Broadway with the intention to bring it to Broadway, of course.