MINNEAPOLIS — Prince’s “Purple Rain” stage adaptation will make its debut in the late musician’s hometown of Minneapolis before heading to Broadway.
On Tuesday, producer Orin Wolf announced the play will make its world premiere at the Hennepin Theatre Trust’s State Theatre in the spring of 2025. More details on the pre-Broadway engagement, including exact production dates, are expected to be released in the coming weeks.
L. Londell McMillan, Prince’s former manager, says Prince talked about adapting “Purple Rain” for the stage for years.
“It’s only fitting that we launch this world premiere musical version in the city where it all began, Prince’s hometown, Minneapolis,” McMillan said in the announcement’s press release.
Last month, Wolf announced the development of the adaptation based on the 1984 movie and album. Tony Award nominee Lileana Blain-Cruz will direct. A book will also be written by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, based on the original screenplay by Albert Magnoli and William Blinn.
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The film version was set in Minneapolis and made $100 million worldwide. The movie also won the Academy Award for Best Original Sound Score. That score — you won’t be surprised to learn — is composed mostly of Prince lyrics and songs.
RELATED: ‘Purple Rain’s Tracks Ranked From Worst To Best
Over the summer, Minnesota’s most famous musician was honored in the city he called home for years. A new highway sign memorializes Prince on the road that rolls right past Paisley Park, Prince’s home and vast recording studio in Chanhassen.
Prince was found dead in 2016 at Paisley Park at the age of 57.
READ MORE: New archival footage surfaces of Prince performing legendary 1983 “Purple Rain” set at First Avenue
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