Photo Credit: Prince by MicahMedia / CC by 3.0
The stage adaptation of Prince’s musical film Purple Rain comes to Broadway in 2027, coinciding with the anniversary of the original film.
Prince’s musical film Purple Rain hit theaters 42 years ago today, and with that milestone arrives news that the stage adaptation will come to Broadway in 2027. Previews are slated to begin at the Majestic Theatre on March 12, 2027, with opening night set for April 12.
However, with that news comes some fairly significant changes to the creative team behind the musical, which recently had its world premiere in Prince’s native Minnesota at the State Theatre last year. Lileana Blain-Cruz will be replaced with Saheem Ali as director, while Branden Jacobs-Jenkins has been replaced with Peter Duchan as book writer. Sound designer Gareth Owen and lighting designer Justin Townsend will also join the Broadway crew.
Returning from last year’s staging of the project are choreographer Ebony Williams, music arranger and supervisor Jason Michael Webb, scenic designer David Zinn, video and projection designers Nathan Amzi and Joe Ransom, costume designer Montana Levi Blanco, hair and wig designer Cookie Jordan, makeup designer Kyle Krueger, and production stage manager Amanda Spooner.
Bobby Z and Morris Hayes, longtime Prince collaborators, are continuing as music advisors. Bobby Z appears in the film and was Prince’s drummer for nearly a decade, while Hayes was Prince’s keyboardist for nearly 20 years. Casting is yet to be announced, headed by the TRC Company. The musical is produced by Orin Wolf.
“Prince is, without a doubt, one of the rarest, most brilliant musicians we’ve ever had,” said Wolf. “What he accomplished with Purple Rain in 1984—the song, the album, the film—is a testament to the art of making music and showcases it at the highest level. Having worked with Saheem Ali on Buena Vista Social Club, I’ve seen how he prioritizes serving the music, and I can’t wait to watch him, Peter Duchan, Ebony Williams, and Jason Michael Webb use Prince’s legendary music as the engine for this new production. It will be every bit as exciting for audiences today as it was when we first heard these songs on our boom boxes.”
“Prince’s music has been one of my greatest teachers for as long as I can remember. For me, helping to translate Purple Rain for the Broadway stage isn’t about recreating what already exists; it’s about honoring the spirit, fearlessness, and musical genius that made it timeless,” said Webb. “Working alongside Bobby Z and Morris Hayes has been one of the most meaningful parts of this process. Their stories, their memories, and their understanding of how Prince worked have shaped so many conversations in the room.”
“It’s a constant reminder that we’re here to honor the music first. If we stay true to that, I believe audiences, whether they’ve loved Prince for decades or are discovering him for the first time, will feel that love and respect. We want to make something that longtime fans recognize as true to his spirit while giving new audiences a chance to experience just how extraordinary this music really is.”
Prince starred in the 1984 film, which also featured a soundtrack of songs he wrote and performed. Purple Rain is about an up-and-coming Minneapolis rock musician, and was a hit with audiences—but its soundtrack has endured the most. Prince’s work on the songs and score earned him Grammy and Academy Awards, and the album has been certified 13x Platinum. Prince passed away in 2016.