Nearly four decades after Prince’s groundbreaking film “Purple Rain” captivated audiences worldwide, the beloved musical drama is set to receive a stage adaptation. The original 1984 film, which has been preserved in the United States National Film Registry, is being reimagined for the theater, promising a fresh take on the classic story.
According to The Hollywood Reporter, the stage adaptation will be directed by the talented Lileana Blain-Cruz, with production led by Orin Wolf. The adaptation stays true to its roots, based on the original “Purple Rain” screenplay by Albert Magnoli and William Blinn. Adding to the creative team is Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, a Pulitzer-Prize finalist and celebrated playwright known for “Appropriate,” who will be crafting the book for the project.
X L. Londell McMillan, chairman of The NorthStar Group, and Larry Mestel, founder and CEO of Primary Wave Music, expressed their excitement about the project. They see it as a fitting tribute to Prince and the legacy of “Purple Rain,” bringing the story’s theatricality to a new generation while rekindling the passion of longtime fans.
“Purple Rain” starred Prince in his iconic role as The Kid, a rising musician in Minneapolis grappling with a tumultuous home life. The film was not only a commercial success, grossing $70 million USD worldwide, but it also became a cultural phenomenon, earning a spot in the Library of Congress for preservation.
The stage adaptation of “Purple Rain” is poised to bring the power of Prince’s story and music to life in a new, dynamic format. It offers an opportunity for new audiences to discover the magic of “Purple Rain,” while allowing those who loved the original film and album to experience its emotional and musical journey anew, in a live setting. This project is a testament to Prince’s enduring impact on music, film, and now, theater.
