The stage adaptation of Prince movie-musical Purple Rain is currently making its world premiere at Minneapolis, Minnesota's State Theatre, with all eyes on a possible Broadway transfer—and newly released production shots offer a first look at the show. Take a look in the gallery below.
Performances continue at the Minnesota venue through November 16, with Lileana Blain-Cruz at the helm.
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.
Kris Kollins in Purple Rain
Rachel Webb in Purple Rain
Kris Kollins in Purple Rain
The ensemble boasts Solymar Baxter, Christian Burse, Jojo Carmichael, Adante Carter, Trajan Clayton, Chase Maxwell, Peli Naomi Woods, Christine Shepard, Dion Simmons Grier, Jake Tribus, Sabrina Victor, and Charles P. Way. Casting is by Taylor Williams.
Pulitzer winner Branden 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.
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.
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, hair and wig designer Cookie Jordan, and makeup designer Kyle Krueger. Amanda Spooner is production stage manager. Orin Wolf is producing.
Visit PurpleRainBroadway.com.
