Get ready for a royal musical experience as the highly anticipated "Purple Rain" musical finally opens its doors in Minneapolis!
The Prince Phenomenon
This world premiere at the State Theatre is a celebration of Minnesota's own musical legend, Prince. With his groundbreaking debut album "For You" in 1978, Prince showcased his extraordinary talent by playing all 27 instruments, solidifying his place as a pioneer of the "Minneapolis sound." His impact on the music industry is undeniable, with 39 albums released during his lifetime, including the iconic "Purple Rain" soundtrack, which sold a staggering 25 million copies.
A Star-Studded Production
But here's where it gets controversial... The musical is not just about Prince; it's a fictionalized story inspired by his life. The creative team behind this production is an all-star lineup, led by Tony-winning producer Orin Wolf. The show features industry heavyweights like Pulitzer and Tony-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, Tony-winning arranger Jason Michael Webb, and Tony-nominated director Lileana Blain-Cruz. Even Prince's former bandmates, Bobby Z and Morris Hayes, are involved as music advisors.
Meet the Cast
The central character, the Kid, is portrayed by Kris Kollins, a talented musician and singer who embodies the spirit of Prince. Broadway star Rachel Webb takes on the role of Apollonia, with the rest of the cast comprising young, relatively unknown talent. Jacobs-Jenkins emphasizes, "It's a fictional character. It's not Prince." So, while the musical pays homage to Prince's legacy, it tells a unique story of a young artist's journey.
A Musical Extravaganza
The 1984 film "Purple Rain" featured nine musical numbers, and the stage adaptation expands this with songs from Prince's extensive catalog, bringing the total to around two dozen. Get ready to groove to classics like "Let's Go Crazy," "I Would Die 4 U," and "When Doves Cry."
A Purple Experience
The State Theatre will be transformed into a purple paradise for the show's opening. A purple paisley pathway will welcome guests, leading them through an illuminated corridor to a photo exhibit of Prince memorabilia. The dessert table at the Four Seasons Hotel Minneapolis' Mara restaurant will also be a purple paradise, featuring an array of sweet treats in various shades of Prince's signature color.
A Tribute to Minnesota
Producer Orin Wolf chose Minneapolis as the show's birthplace, honoring Prince's deep connection to his hometown. Despite having residences in the Caribbean, Los Angeles, and other places, Prince remained true to Minnesota.
Show Details
The performance runs for 2 hours and 30 minutes, with a 15-minute intermission. So, mark your calendars for this historic event, running from November 5th to 23rd. Don't miss out on this unique celebration of Prince's legacy and the vibrant Minneapolis music scene!
