Get ready, music lovers! Prince’s iconic 1984 film, ‘Purple Rain,’ is making a splash on the theatrical stage. The much-anticipated musical adaptation is gearing up for its pre-Broadway debut right in the heart of Prince’s hometown, Minneapolis. This is your chance to experience the magic of ‘Purple Rain’ like never before!
Meet the Stars of the Show
Stepping into the legendary shoes of The Kid is Kris Kollins, a talented multi-instrumentalist making his theatrical and acting debut. He’s joined by the soulful Rachel Webb, a Broadway performer known for her role in ‘& Juliet,’ who will be bringing Apollonia to life. Together, they’ll be performing the unforgettable hits that made the ‘Purple Rain’ album and film a global phenomenon.
A Legacy Reimagined for the Stage
This isn’t just a tribute; it’s a full-blown theatrical production brought to you by a powerhouse team. Tony winner Orin Wolf is producing, with a script by Pulitzer and Tony-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. The music is in expert hands too, with arrangements by Tony-winning Jason Michael Webb and direction from the Tony-nominated Lileana Blain-Cruz. Even Prince’s former bandmates, Bobby Z and Morris Hayes, are on board as music advisors, ensuring the authenticity of the sound.
Director Lileana Blain-Cruz shared her excitement, calling it a ‘party’ and emphasizing the deep dive into Prince’s electrifying performances. Playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins noted the immense pressure to honor Prince’s legacy, calling him the ‘Mozart of our time.’ He also shared a touching thought: ‘We heard through various people that at the end of his life he was actually considering making a musical; he loved the theater, you know, so I feel like in some ways this is the theatre trying to love him back or something.’
The Music Takes Center Stage
Jason Michael Webb, who has an impressive resume in theater, film, and television, found arranging the music for ‘Purple Rain’ to be a natural fit. He explained that Prince’s original work provided a strong foundation, making the adaptation feel organic. ‘The truth and the love of Prince’s music is so powerful that it is going to be the driving force,’ Webb stated.
While the exact song list for the premiere remains a surprise, choreographer Ebony Williams hinted that the creative team is still fine-tuning the show. They’re open to making changes based on audience reactions, ensuring the musical resonates deeply with everyone who attends. ‘We’re still in the process, so like an audience could come one night and hear a song and maybe the next night if it didn’t feel like it affected the audience in the way that we thought, and if we hear criticism from the audience, maybe we might change that,’ Williams explained.
Mark Your Calendars!
The ‘Purple Rain’ musical is set to begin its preview run on October 16th, with the official opening night scheduled for November 5th at 6:30 p.m. at the State Theatre in Minneapolis. Ticket prices for previews range from $88 to $491, and for shows after November 5th, they range from $93 to $522. Don’t miss this chance to witness a piece of music history come alive on stage!
Are you excited to see the ‘Purple Rain’ musical? What are your favorite Prince songs you hope to hear? Let us know in the comments below!
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