Prince was one of the most unique artists to ever set foot on a concert stage. No one looked, sounded, or moved quite like the musical genius from Minneapolis. But now, for the first time, someone else will be playing the role he originated in the iconic film Purple Rain. According to Deadline, the upcoming Broadway musical version of Purple Rain has cast its version of “the Kid,” Prince’s alter ego in the film. Jordan Fisher, known for his roles in Hamilton and Moulin Rouge, will step into Prince’s sparkly heeled boots.
Here’s what Purple Rain’s director, Saheem Ali, has to say about Fisher’s casting:
We know that Jordan Fisher is an extraordinary talent, but what’s been thrilling about watching him inhabit ‘The Kid’ is discovering the fire beneath the surface: the swagger, vulnerability and restless creative spirit we recognize in Prince. Jordan brings all of that to the role, along with an infectious generosity that makes everyone around him better. He’s finding something raw, surprising, and deeply human in this iconic character, and I can’t wait for Broadway audiences to experience it.
Although technically Jordan Fisher isn’t playing Prince, he’s playing “The Kid,” everyone knows that character is just a fictionalized version of Prince himself. Almost all the other characters in the film from Prince’s band, the Revolution, used their real names in the movie. So did Prince’s rival in the film, Morris, and his love interest, Appolonia. Even Prince’s bodyguard used his real name!
The only character who didn’t go by his real name in Purple Rain was Prince. But everyone watching knew he was essentially playing himself. So yes, no matter what the name on the Playbill says, Jordan Fisher is playing the Purple One. And honestly, we can’t wait. Purple Rain is one of the best soundtracks of all time, and seeing “When Doves Cry” and “Let’s Go Crazy” performed live on stage will surely be the next best thing to going to a Prince concert.
Purple Rain begins previews on March 12, 2027 at the Majestic Theatre, with official opening day set for April 12.