“Purple Rain” has confirmed the dates of its pre-Broadway world premiere. The previously announced musical will begin previews on April 10, 2025 and open on April 30 at Hennepin Theatre Trust’s State Theatre in Minneapolis. The engagement will play a limited run through May 11. Based on the 1984 film of the same name, “Purple Rain” features music and a story by the late singer-songwriter Prince.
Members of the musical’s creative team have also been revealed. Jason Michael Webb, recipient of a 2019 special Tony Award for his work on “Choir Boy,” will serve as the orchestrator, musical arranger and music supervisor of “Purple Rain.”
Bobby Z and Morris Hayes will serve as music advisers on the production. Bobby Z appeared in the “Purple Rain” film and was the drummer in Prince’s band, the Revolution. Hayes is also a former bandmate of Prince, having served as keyboardist in the New Power Generation and worked as Prince’s musical director.
“As well-known collaborators and bandmates with Prince from different eras, we are thrilled to invite Bobby Z and Morris Hayes to join the “Purple Rain” production as music advisers,” said
said L Londell McMillan, Prince’s former manager, an attorney and the chair of NorthStar Group, in a statement. “Prince very much enjoyed live musicals and talked about adapting “Purple Rain” for the stage. I can’t imagine two better artists to work with us and the Broadway creative team to help ensure that “Purple Rain” is brilliantly realized on stage in a way that honors Prince and his music legacy.”
“Bringing in Morris Hayes and Bobby Z, two of Prince’s longtime collaborators, was extremely important as we move forward with the pre-Broadway premiere of ‘Purple Rain,’” said Larry Mestel, founder and CEO of Primary Wave Music. “Having worked with Prince for years, they will ensure this production holds true to Prince’s vision and continues his legacy. Matching their history and musical contributions with Prince, alongside the creative team already in place, will surely bring magic to the stage.”
“Purple Rain” chronicles the challenges and success of an up-and-coming Minneapolis-based musician. As previously announced, the musical will feature a book by newly minted Tony winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, based on the original screenplay by Albert Magnoli and William Blinn. Lileana Blain-Cruz will direct the production.
“Purple Rain” is being produced by Orin Wolf, McMillan and Mestel.
