The Purple One is coming to the Broadway stage. Or, we should say, someone playing Prince is coming to the Broadway stage. Via Deadline, we’ve learned that Purple Rain, Prince’s 1984 semi-autobiographical movie which spawned one of the best selling albums of all time, will soon come arrive on the Broadway stage. Producer Orin Wolf announced on July 27, the 42nd anniversary of the film’s original release, that the production will premiere at New York’s Majestic Theatre. Previews begin on March 12, 2027. Opening night is April 12. Here’s the official synopsis for the production, which sticks closely to the story of the iconic film:
Minneapolis, 1984. A new era of music television is creating overnight stars. A magnetic young performer known as “The Kid” seems like the perfect frontman to lead his bandmates to stardom. But when his past threatens everything he’s built, he’ll have to sing his way out of the darkness and into the spotlight where he belongs.
The original soundtrack had nine songs total from Prince and the Revolution. But the film also had several iconic hits from Prince’s protege acts like Morris Day and Apollonia 6. Almost all film’s characters used their real names, as they all played thinly veiled versions of themselves. All except for Prince himself, who referred to himself as “the Kid.” Four of the songs went to #1, “When Doves Cry” and “Let’s Go Crazy,” and “Purple Rain.” And “I Would Die 4 U” also were top ten hits. And songs from the film like “Jungle Love” and “Sex Shooter” also became huge radio hits. In 1984, anything associated with Purple Rain turned to gold.
In a statement, Orin Wolf said “Prince is, without doubt, one of the rarest, most brilliant musicians we’ve ever had. What he accomplished with Purple Rain — the song, the album and the film — is a testament to the art of making music and showcases it at the highest level…It will be every bit as exciting for audiences today as it was when we first heard these songs on our boom boxes.”
Prince also recorded a ton of music for Purple Rain that didn’t make it in to the final cut. So some of that may make it into the Broadway musical as well, should the Prince estate cooperate. The original Purple Rain film won Prince a Grammy, and also an Oscar. Maybe posthumously, Purple Rain will earn the rock legend a Tony as well. Now, the question becomes, who will play Prince/the Kid? Those are some big studded boots to fill.