A planned U.K. tour and West End run of Purple Rain, a tribute show to late musician Prince, could be in jeopardy after representatives for his estate threatened legal action against the show’s producers, according to BBC.com.
In a statement released to the BBC, Prince’s estate claims the show, which is billed as a theatrical tribute with singers, dancers, and onstage musicians, “is a blatant attempt to deceive fans into thinking they’re seeing a Purple Rain musical on the West End, when it's only a cover band playing Prince’s songs.”
The estate said they never granted Purple Rain producers Adam Spiegel, Mark Goucher, and Claire-Bridget Kenwright the rights to use the artist’s name, likeness, or music catalogue for the show, and that they are hoping to bring their own version of Purple Rain to the stage “in the near future.”
Purple Rain producers responded in a statement, saying, “There is no intention to deceive fans. The production will be a live music and dance celebration of an iconic artist's work.”
The tour will launch February 1, 2018, in Bromley.
Gary Lloyd, who staged Thriller Live, Carrie – The Musical, 20th Century Boy – The Story of Marc Bolan, and The Genius of Ray Charles, will direct and choreograph the production that promises a rotating lineup of star guests.
Hit songs from the Prince catalogue, including “Raspberry Beret,” “Kiss,” “When Doves Cry,” “Little Red Corvette,” “1999,” “Purple Rain,” “Alphabet Street,” and “U Got The Look,” will be performed by a 26-member cast of musicians, singers, and dancers.
Casting and complete tour dates will be announced shortly.
For initial tour dates, visit purplerainonstage.com.
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