The Emporium
Closing: June 07, 2026The Emporium - 2026 Off-Broadway History , Info & More
Classic Stage Company
136 East 13th Street New York City, NY 10003
More than 75 years in the making, an unfinished work by one of America’s greatest dramatists takes the New York stage at last. The Emporium unveils Thornton Wilder’s final play, brought to life through playwright Kirk Lynn’s masterful completion. As a young man journeys through the city and beyond, he encounters a world of wonder, meaning, and the elusive truths of life itself. Wilder’s long-unseen masterpiece is finally ready to be discovered, offering a rare chance to experience a new work from a legendary voice.
The Emporium - 2026 - Off-Broadway Cast
FEATURED REVIEWS FOR The Emporium
Thornton Wilder’s The Emporium: Department Story
7 / 10
Then there are Mahira Kakkar, Eva Kaminsky and Patrick Kerr, popping up as late-arriving theatergoers who morph into vaguely defined commentators along the edges of the story who may also represent The Fates or gods, but anyway are agreeable company. Viewers conversant with Wilder’s works are likely to enjoy speculating on such possibilities, as with other puzzling aspects here. A worthwhile attempt to piece together an ambitious drama despite its missing, unknown or conflicting parts, The Emporium remains an unfulfilled promise of an expansive work on eternal themes.
'The Emporium' Off-Broadway review — Thornton Wilder’s unfinished play opens for business in NYC
8 / 10
The plot is barely there, looping back on itself with the barest concept of linear time, but the metaphor of the Emporium itself looms large — figuratively and also literally, in this case, in bright lights that take up most of the back wall. It’s up to audiences to figure out what the dream of the Emporium represents for John, Laurencia, and the rest of the Emporium employees, and that's all what Wilder apparently hoped for. Whether or not this show is for you may depend on your devotion to Thornton Wilder, your love of metaphor, or “a third thing” — that is to say, the undefined secret John searches for his entire life.
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by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 20, 2026
Classic Stage Company celebrated the opening night of Thornton Wilder’s The Emporium, the New York premiere of master American dramatist Thornton Wilder’s final play. See photos from opening night here!
by A.A. Cristi - May 18, 2026
Read reviews for Classic Stage Company’s New York premiere of Thornton Wilder’s final play, The Emporium, adapted and completed by Kirk Lynn and directed by Rob Melrose.
by Chloe Rabinowitz - May 8, 2026
You can now get a first look at Classic Stage Company’s New York premiere of Thornton Wilder’s final play, The Emporium, adapted and completed by Kirk Lynn and directed by Rob Melrose.
by Luka Vonier - April 18, 2026
Rehearsals are underway for Classic Stage Company’s New York premiere of Thornton Wilder’s final play, The Emporium, adapted and completed by Kirk Lynn and directed by Rob Melrose. Watch in this video as the whole company chats more about what audiences can expect.
by Jennifer Broski - April 10, 2026
More than 75 years in the making, an unfinished work by one of America's greatest dramatists takes the New York stage at last. The Emporium unveils Thornton Wilder's final play, brought to life through playwright Kirk Lynn's masterful completion
by Chloe Rabinowitz - February 11, 2026
Classic Stage Company has revealed the cast for the New York premiere of Thornton Wilder’s final play, The Emporium, adapted and completed by Kirk Lynn.
The Emporium History
Other Productions of The Emporium
| 2026 | Off-Broadway |
Off-Broadway |
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