After several years in development, Prince’s iconic film and album “Purple Rain” is being transformed into a Broadway production set to debut at Minneapolis’s State Theatre from October 16 to November 23, 2025.
The pre-Broadway world premiere, taking place in Prince’s hometown, represents a significant gamble for the theater industry with an estimated $26.5 million investment backing the production before its anticipated move to Broadway.
The musical centers on “The Kid,” a troubled musician maneuvering through the Minneapolis club scene while confronting personal demons, rival bands, and romantic entanglements. Kris Kollins, a musician discovered through social media, makes his professional stage debut in the starring role, with Jason Korn serving as alternate for select performances.
At the heart of “Purple Rain” lies The Kid’s turbulent journey through Minneapolis’s music scene, battling inner turmoil while pursuing artistic greatness.
Rachel Webb, fresh from her tour with “& Juliet,” takes on the role of Apollonia, supported by veteran performers including Bilaal Avaz, Leon Addison Brown, and Lawrence Gilliard Jr.
The creative team boasts impressive credentials, with Tony and Pulitzer Prize winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins adapting the screenplay originally written by Albert Magnoli and William Blinn. Tony nominee Lileana Blain-Cruz directs, while choreographer Ebony Williams and Tony-winning music supervisor Jason Michael Webb collaborate to bring Prince’s musical legacy to the stage.
Authenticity remains paramount, as Prince’s former collaborators Bobby Z (drummer) and Morris Hayes (keyboardist) serve as music advisors, ensuring the theatrical arrangements honor the original compositions while adapting them for theatrical storytelling. The production uses a methodical musical arrangement process that begins with Prince’s original melodic sketches before building complete theatrical adaptations. The production will feature beloved songs from the original album and film, including “God” and “Take Me With U.”
The technical aspects of the production showcase Broadway-caliber talent, with David Zinn designing scenery, Montana Levi Blanco creating costumes, and Yi Zhao handling lighting design. The production team plans to maximize revenue through sync deals by incorporating the show’s music into various media platforms beyond the stage. Visitors to the official production website may encounter issues if JavaScript is disabled in their browsers, limiting access to show details and ticket purchasing options.
Producer Orin Wolf leads the commercial team hoping Prince’s enduring cultural impact will translate into theatrical success. Fans should note there’s a strict ticket limit of four per account to prevent scalping and ensure fair access for all attendees. As opening night approaches, the question remains whether this ambitious adaptation can capture the enigmatic performer’s magic while creating a commercially viable Broadway production.
