'Purple Rain,' the Broadway-bound musical based on Prince's 1984 film, has revealed additional creative members and the dates of the show's world premiere in Minneapolis.
The historic State Theatre at Hennepin Arts in Minneapolis will host performances from Thursday, April 10 to Sunday, May 11, 2025, with an official opening on Wednesday, April 30.
Jason Michael Webb, recipient of a 2019 special Tony Award for his work on 'Choir Boy,' will be the orchestrator, musical arranger, and music supervisor of 'Purple Rain.'
Morris Hayes and Bobby Z will be music advisers on the production. Bobby Z played drums for Prince's band, 'The Revolution,' and had an appearance in the movie 'Purple Rain.' Hayes is also a former bandmate of Prince, who served as Prince's musical director and keyboardist in the New Power Generation.
In a statement, L Londell McMillan, Prince's former manager, an attorney, and the chair of NorthStar Group, said, "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."
Larry Mestel, founder and CEO of Primary Wave Music, claimed that bringing Bobby Z and Hayes, two of Prince's longtime collaborators, was important as they moved forward with the pre-Broadway premiere of 'Purple Rain.'
He noted that having worked with Prince for years, they will ensure this production holds true to Prince's vision and continue his legacy.
'Purple Rain' follows the struggles and achievements of an up-and-coming musician living in Minneapolis. As previously announced, Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, a recent Tony Award winner, will write the musical's book based on the original script by Albert Magnoli and William Blinn. Lileana Blain-Cruz will direct the production.
Furthermore, 'Purple Rain' is produced by Orin Wolf, McMillan, and Mestel.
The production will hold open casting call auditions for all roles in Minneapolis.
