Empire: The Musical NYC Reviews and Tickets

79%

(144 Ratings)

Positive

83%

Mixed

11%

Negative

Members say

Entertaining, Delightful, Clever, Absorbing, Enchanting

About the Show

Three generations of dreamers in NYC rise with grit and determination through history's challenges.

Set against the backdrop of three pivotal eras in New York City— the Roaring Twenties, the Great Depression, and the Bicentennial Year of 1976—this narrative follows generations of dreamers and achievers. It brings to life one of history's most ambitious endeavors, highlighting the immense willpower and desire that drove it.

The story unfolds with a city in desperate need, relying on an almost impossible project sustained only by immense grit and determination. Through engaging choreography, lively music, and vibrant characters, it showcases the brave Mohawk Skywalkers, visionary industrialists, and resilient immigrants who rose to the challenge when others did not. This tale captures the extraordinary resilience and optimism that created an enduring landmark, still a source of inspiration today.

Show-Score Member Reviews (127)

100%

Absorbing, Ambitious, Confusing, Dated, Entertaining

See it if .

Don't see it if .

90%

Ambitious, Clever, Delightful, Entertaining, Funny

See it if You want to learn about the history of the Empire State Building and the hard working people who made it possible. Uplifting and inspiring!

Don't see it if You are not a fan of musicals and great dance routines.

53%

Ambitious, Cliched, Confusing

See it if you just want to see a musical about NY, any musical

Don't see it if you want a cohesive storyline with memorable characters and good songs

92%

Fascinating, Great Choreography, Interesting Story

See it if Music was great! Story was fascinating! Acting was excellent!

Don't see it if You aren't willing to think about the story.

83%

Absorbing, Delightful, Entertaining, Great Singing, Profound

See it if You like stories like this one which pay tribute to the unsung and invisible persons who contributed to the greatness of this city

Don't see it if You don't like long performances (this is 2.5 hours). Read more

80%

Absorbing, Ambitious, Clever, Delightful, Entertaining

See it if You should see it for the star cast and delightful story! Each person playing a role is very talented and lovely to watch!

Don't see it if Don’t see it if you don’t like having a good time!

100%

Dated, Delightful

See it if Love this broadway show A tale to remind us that everything is possible even the impossible. When you heart and mind into it.

Don't see it if Too cold in the theater

100%

Delightful, Entertaining, Great Singing, Thought-Provoking

See it if A fun, uplifting, well-written, well-researched fantastic show that gives new meaning and understanding to a remarkable time in US history

Don't see it if You're not a fan of musicals Read more

Critic Reviews (10)

"New York's most famous building gets the musical treatment"
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"Empire offers no struggle, no broader awareness, no transcendence."
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"useful in reminding us of not only what an astonishing feat of architecture it still is"
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"...it doesn't even rate as a fixer-upper."
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"confused and confusing new musical about the building of the Empire State Building"
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It lacks the kind of conceptual imagination that would let it…scrape the sky.
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"a pleasant enough score, and a hard-working cast, but there’s nothing thrilling about it"
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The drama of the Empire State Building’s construction is depicted in this uneven show.
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Trailer

Creative team

New World Stages

Producer

Caroline Sherman

Composer / Bookwriter / Lyricist

Robert Hull

Composer / Bookwriter / Lyricist

Cady Huffman

Director