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9 months ago
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Purple Rain, the stage musical adaptation of the classic Prince album and film, will make its pre-Broadway premiere next year in Prince’s hometown of Minneapolis, producers announced today.
The musical will debut in spring 2025 at Hennepin Theatre Trust’s State Theatre in Minneapolis as part of its 2024-2025 season. Exact production dates and additional production details will be announced in the coming weeks.
The announcement was made today by producer Orin Wolf.
In a joint statement, L Londell McMillan, former Prince manager and attorney and Chairman of The NorthStar Group, and Larry Mestel, Founder & CEO of Primary Wave Music, said, “Prince talked about adapting Purple Rain for the stage for years. It’s only fitting that we launch this world premiere musical version in the city where it all began, Prince’s hometown, Minneapolis. We’re very excited for the creative team to be inspired by the Minneapolis sound and the unparalleled and unique spirit of the city that Prince inspired.”
As previously announced, the stage adaptation will feature a book by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (Appropriate), based on the original screenplay by Albert Magnoli and William Blinn, with music and lyrics by Prince. Lileana Blain-Cruz will direct.
Purple Rain tells the fictional story of The Kid, an up-and-coming rock musician in the Minneapolis club scene, as he contends with a tumultuous home environment, a rival band, and a budding romance.
Released in July 1984 by Warner Bros, the film was originated by Prince (in his film debut), directed by Albert Magnoli and written by Magnoli and William Blinn. The movie grossed close to $100 million worldwide and won the Academy Award for Best Original Score.
Among the songs featured on the soundtrack were Prince soon-to-be-classics “Let’s Go Crazy,” “When Doves Cry,” “I Would Die 4 U” and the title song.
