Broadway-Aimed Prince Purple Rain Musical Finds Its Full Company | Playbill

Regional News Broadway-Aimed Prince Purple Rain Musical Finds Its Full Company

See who's joining previously announced stars Kris Kollins and Rachel Webb in the stage version of the 1984 film.

Kris Kollins and Rachel Webb

The upcoming world premiere stage adaptation of the Prince musical Purple Rain has found its full cast, who will share the stage with previously announced stars Kris Kollins as The Kid and Rachel Webb as Apollonia. The musical, based on the 1984 film, will perform at Minneapolis, Minnesota's State Theatre October 16-November 16.

The supporting cast will include Bilaal Avaz as Doc, Leon Addison Brown as Father, Jaci Calderon as Susan, Lawrence Gilliard, Jr. as Billy Sparks, Anissa Griego as Jill, Jared Howelton as Morris, Christina Jones as Brenda, Emma Lenderman as Lisa, Gían Pérez as Bobby, Kondwani Phiri as Mark, Antonio Michael Woodard as Jerome, and Grace Yoo as Wendy. Jason Korn will play The Kid at certain performances.

The ensemble will comprise Solymar Baxter, Christian Burse, Jojo Carmichael, Adante Carter, Trajan Clayton, JD Johnathon Darcelle, Chase Maxwell, Peli Naomi Woods, Christine Shepard, Dion Simmons Grier, Jake Tribus, and Sabrina Victor. Casting is by Taylor Williams.

The movie is coming to the stage with Pulitzer winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins adapting Albert Magnoli and William Blinn's screenplay. Seven-time Grammy winner Prince starred in the original film, which also featured a soundtrack of songs written and performed by the late artist. Those songs will become the score of the stage musical, shepherded by Tony-winning music supervisor, arranger, and orchestrator Jason Michael Webb, along with longtime Prince music collaborators Bobby Z and Morris Hayes as music advisors. Bobby Z was Prince's drummer for almost a decade, while Hayes was his keyboardist for nearly two decades. Bobby Z also appeared in the Purple Rain film.

Purple Rain tells an original story of an up-and-coming Minneapolis rock musician. The movie was a hit with audiences upon release, though it is the film's soundtrack—which comprises nine songs written and performed by Prince—that has been the most enduring. His work on the songs and score earned Prince Grammy and Academy Awards, and the album has since been certified 13-times Platinum. Among the songs included are "When Doves Cry," "The Beautiful Ones," "Baby I'm a Star," and the title song. Prince died in 2016.

Director Lileana Blain-Cruz's creative team also includes choreographer Ebony Williams, scenic designer David Zinn, video and projection designers Nathan Amzi and Joe Ransom, costume designer Montana Levi Blanco, lighting designer Yi Zhao, sound designer Palmer Hefferan, and hair and wig designer Cookie Jordan. Amanda Spooner will be production stage manager. Orin Wolf is producing.

Visit PurpleRainBroadway.com.

 
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