‘Purple Rain’ to be Adapted for the Stage in Celebration of 40th Anniversary

The iconic 1984 film Purple Rain by Prince, marking its 40th anniversary this year, is set to undergo an adaption for the stage. Orin Wolf, the creative force behind the Tony-winning production The Band’s Visit, is spearheading the production, and concurrently, he is bringing the music documentary Buena Vista Social Club to life on the musical stage. The adaptation will showcase Prince’s memorable songs from both the film and the soundtrack album of the same name.

Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, known for his work on the Broadway play Appropriate, is penning the book for this stage adaptation, drawing inspiration from the screenplay crafted by Albert Magnoli and William Blinn. Additionally, Lileana Blain-Cruz has been enlisted to direct the production.

Like the film, the musical Purple Rain will follow The Kid, an aspiring musician in Minneapolis navigating the complexities of ame, familial challenges, and romance. The film earned acclaim, securing the Oscar while its soundtrack received Grammy Awards for Best Rock Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocal along with Best Score Soundtrack for Visual Media.

Details on the musical are still in the early stages of pre-production stay tuned for further updates as the project unfolds.