Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today to celebrate the opening of the Purple Rain musical in Prince's hometown of Minneapolis, at the State Theatre November 5. The musical, based on the 1984 film and featuring the songs of the late musician, features a book by two-time Tony winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (Purpose). And the critics have chimed in.
The show has been extended at the Minnesota venue through November 23, with Lileana Blain-Cruz at the helm. No news has been released about a Broadway run, though that is clearly the aim.
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.
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Playbill will continue to update this list as reviews come in.
Kris Kollins leads the cast as The Kid, with Rachel Webb as Apollonia, 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 plays The Kid at certain performances.
The ensemble boasts 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.
Jacobs-Jenkins has adapted Albert Magnoli and William Blinn's screenplay. Seven-time Grammy winner Prince starred in the 1984 film, which also featured a soundtrack of songs written and performed by the late artist. Those songs make up 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.
The 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 is production stage manager. Orin Wolf is producing.
Visit PurpleRainBroadway.com.
Kris Kollins in Purple Rain
Rachel Webb in Purple Rain
Kris Kollins in Purple Rain
