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Prince’s Purple Rain was the gateway which introduced legions of fans to his music. The movie which produced Prince’s legendary soundtrack is confirmed to be headed for Broadway as a stage musical based on director Albert Magnoli and William Blinn’s original screenplay. The stage production is an adaption from a book written by 40-year-old Pulitzer playwright finalist Brandon Jacobs-Jenkins, whose theatre credits include Gloria and The Comeuppance. His version of the story is slated to offer a 21st century reinterpretation.
The musical, which is directed by Tony Award nominee Lileana Blain-Cruz, was announced in a joint statement by Prince Estate administrator Londell McMillan and Primary Wave founder and CEO Larry Mestel. The year 2004 marks the 40th anniversary of the release of the original movie which grossed $100 million in 1984 as well as picked up a glut of awards including an Oscar and two Grammy’s for its now iconic soundtrack. There can be little surprise then, Prince’s most popular movie and album Purple Rain is to become a theatrical stage production and no doubt Broadway sensation. There’s no date yet for the premiere. It is unclear how advanced production has progressed as it is understood casting has not yet taken place.
Prince talked about adapting Purple Rain for the stage for years.
This year is also promises to see the release of Purple Rain Super Deluxe, upgrading 2017s Deluxe Edition. While there are fans who feel Purple Rained out, there’s plenty more to come in this anniversary year. Hope remains Prince and the NPG’s second album Love Symbol which has been produced and copies of it leaked on eBay in early 2023, will also receive its official reissue. Although Prince’s legacy looks set to gather a new generation of fans in this 40th anniversary year of Purple Rain, don’t expect the much-rumoured Netflix documentary which has been left on ice at the request of The Estate. Also scotched are Third Man Records’ hopes to release Camille, The Estate confirmed last year that any promises struck with Estate 1.0 won’t carry with Estate 2.0. Come which turns thirty this year is expected to pass unmarked.
Update – 7 February
It has been confirmed the show will premiere in spring of 2025 at the State Theatre, in Prince’s home town Minneapolis. The production is then planned to head to Broadway after the season.
Visit the full Prince tours timeline detailing every date, venue and aftershow staged on every tour, including sample set lists, trivia, and the band line-up from Prince's debut tour to his last.
