Prince’s 1984 film Purple Rain was a huge hit when it was initially released in theaters and its soundtrack exploded in popularity at the time. Now, 40 years later the movie is getting a musical stage adaptation.
The musical will be based on the film’s original screenplay written by Albert Magnoli and William Blinn, the stage version will also feature a book by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, a two-time Pulitzer Prize finalist who is currently behind the critically-acclaimed Appropriate. It will be directed by Lileana Blain-Cruz, a Tony Award nominee who recently oversaw a revival of The Skin of Our Teeth.
Producers L. Londell McMillan, chairman of The NorthStar Group, and Larry Mestel, founder and CEO of Primary Wave Music, talked about the project, saying: “We can’t think of a more fitting tribute than to honor Prince and the ‘Purple Rain’ legacy with this stage adaptation of the beloved story. We are thrilled with our Broadway partners and creative team, who are bringing a theatricality to the film’s original fictional story. We can’t wait for a new generation to discover Purple Rain and for lovers of the original film and album to experience its power once again, this time live.”
Purple Rain revolves around an enigmatic and talented musician known as “The Kid” (played by Prince), who struggles with personal and professional challenges in his turbulent life in Minneapolis. The Kid is an aspiring rocker in the club scene, and he’s also dealing with a complicated home life, musical rivals, and a new romance.
The movie features electrifying musical performances, including the unforgettable title track “Purple Rain,” which became a massive hit and won an Academy Award for Best Original Song.