Prince's Purple Rain film to become a Broadway musical
The film was out in 1984
Last updated 9th Jan 2024
It's 40 years since Prince's acting debut in the film Purple Rain and the accompanying hit of the same name graced the Top 10 around the world. And now it's been announced that the film will be adapted for a Broadway musical.
The film was originally released in 1984, and followed The Kid (played by Prince) who was the troubled lead singer of a band called The Revolution. At the time of the film's release it became a hit with fans, along with the album of the same name, which spawned several hits including 'Purple Rain', 'When Doves Cry', and 'Let's Go Crazy'.
Details of the news were shared by Prince's official Instagram account, writing: 'It’s the year of #PurpleRain40, and what better way to celebrate than bringing it to the Broadway stage?⚡️☔️ @playbill'.
The upcoming musical will also have a book written by Pulitzer finalist and Appropriate playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins. The stage show will be adapted from Albert Magnoli and William Blinn's original film, released back in 1984, and will feature Prince's music and lyrics.
This new project is being directed by Lileana Blain-Cruz and produced by Orin Wolf.
Speaking about the new adaptation, NorthStar Group Chairman L Londell McMillan and Primary Wave Music Founder and CEO Larry Mestel said in a joint statement: "It's been almost 40 years since Prince’s legendary film, Purple Rain, took the world by storm and we can’t think of a more fitting tribute than to honour Prince and the Purple Rain legacy with this stage adaptation of the beloved story."
Continuing: "We are thrilled with our Broadway partners and creative team, who are bringing a theatricality to the film’s original fictional story. We can’t wait for a new generation to discover Purple Rain and for lovers of the original film and album to experience its power once again, this time live."
At present the cast and launch date have not been released, but it is possible to join the wait list to find out more from the official website.
Despite Prince sadly passing away in 2016, his legacy lives on, and in 2023 a reissued version of his 13th album 'Diamonds and Pearls' was released including 33 unreleased tracks.
'Live At The Glam Slam' was also released ahead of the reissued album, it's a recording that had never been released, featuring Prince's performance on the 11th January back in 1992.
'Live At The Glam Slam' was the only time Prince & The New Power Generation publicly performed the full 'Diamonds And Pearls Tour' show in the USA.
You can hear songs by Prince on Magic at the Musicals.
Scroll through to see some of Prince's best outfits:
1970
Performing in a typically extravagant matching jacket and trousers set.
1985
Wearing a sequinned paisley jacket and trousers performing at the Hollywood Palace to promote the opening of his film 'Purple Rain'.
1985
A white, sheer bodysuit, complete with ruffles, for his performance at the Fabulous Forum in California.
1988
Wearing polka dot co-ords while performing in Philadelphia.
1993
Prince performs at Radio City Music Hall donning a stripy waistcoat.
2005
Prince performs onstage in LA wearing a two-toned shirt and a bright yellow guitar.
2005
Matching with wife Manuela Testolini at the pre-Grammys party.
2006
Colour clashing while performing at the American Idol Season 5 finale.
2006
A tailored pinstripe assemble as he accepts the Male R&B Award onstage at the BET Awards.
2007
Wearing a sharp white suit at the Grammy Awards.
2007
Cool blue suit and an even cooler guitar for a performance at the Super Bowl.
2012
Prince performs with singer Mary J. Blige on-stage with matchy prints and solid gold glasses.
2015
Prince onstage during The 57th Annual GRAMMY Awards, making head-to-toe orange metallics cool.
Now read:
Prince: The pop star who gave us hits such as 'Purple Rain' and 'Raspberry Beret'
Prince: The icon's fashion through the years
10 of Prince's must-see performances