Purple Rain

Purple Rain on Broadway Background

Purple Rain: The Musical Is In Development

A new stage musical is development that is based on the 1984 award-winning film and Prince soundtrack “Purple Rain.” The musical is being produced by Orin Wolf, a two-time Tony Award winner for “Once” and “The Band’s Visit.” The show is expected to open in Minneapolis in Spring 2025 and then on to a run on Broadway in the Fall of 2025.

Show Director Named

Tony Award-nominated director Lileana Blain-Cruz is set to helm the musical; two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, whose play “Appropriate” is currently running on Broadway, is writing the book for “Purple Rain,” which will feature the music and lyrics of Prince.

Based On The 1984 Purple Rain Movie

The Warner Bros. film “Purple Rain,” directed by Albert Magnoli and written by Magnoli and William Blinn, was added to the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry in 2019.

The “Purple Rain” soundtrack by Prince and his band the Revolution was the recipient of two Grammy Awards as well as an Oscar for Best Music, Original Song Score. In 1999, the album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.

Background On The Artist Prince

The late singer, songwriter and producer Prince, whose music blends genres from funk to rhythm and blues, rock, new wave, soul, jazz and hip-hop, was awarded seven Grammys total (of 38 nominations). He garnered numerous MTV Video Music Awards, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards Soul Train Awards and the BET Award for Lifetime Achievement. Prince died in 2016.

Prince Accolades

Prince sold over 150 million records worldwide, ranking him among the best-selling music artists of all time. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2016.

Show To Make Debut in Minneapolis in 2025

Purple Rain will make its pre-Broadway premiere in Prince's hometown of Minneapolis, Minnesota. The show will play the Hennepin Theatre Trust’s State Theatre in Spring 2025 before heading to Broadway.

What's Purple Rain Like?

Purple Rain: The Musical chronicles the trials of an up-and-coming rock musician called "The Kid", who is rising in the Minneapolis club scene. As the leader of the band The Revolution, "The Kid" must face a chaotic home environment, a rival band and a potential new love.

Is Purple Rain Good for Kids?

The show is intended for persons over the age of 16 due to its depiction of sex and drug use.