The legendary film Purple Rain, an emblem of Prince‘s enduring musical and cinematic legacy, is being reimagined for the stage. News reveals plans for a world premiere of the stage adaptation, which will bring the iconic 1984 film’s narrative and music to the theatrical limelight. The adaptation will boast a score by the late Prince, alongside a script crafted by Pulitzer Prize-finalist Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, who is currently celebrated for his Broadway hit “Appropriate.” This stage version draws its essence from the original film’s screenplay by Albert Magnoli and William Blinn.
The vision for this adaptation will be brought to life by director Lileana Blain-Cruz, who earned a Tony nomination in 2022 for her exceptional direction of “The Skin of Our Teeth.” Producing the play is Tony winner Orin Wolf, promising a production that’s both authentic and innovative.
“Purple Rain,” the film, launched Prince into the stratosphere as The Kid, portraying the struggles and triumphs of a rising Minneapolis musician. The film’s worldwide acclaim, with a gross of nearly $70 million and an Academy Award win for best original song score, cements its status as a cinematic milestone.
L. Londell McMillan, chairman of The NorthStar Group, and Larry Mestel, founder and CEO of Primary Wave Music, expressed their enthusiasm for the project, seeing it as a fitting tribute to Prince and the enduring legacy of Purple Rain. They anticipate that this theatrical rendition will not only reintroduce the narrative to a new generation but also allow longtime fans to experience its magic anew in a live setting.