Prince’s Film ‘Purple Rain’ Will Soon Become a Stage Show For 40th Anniversary
If one of your favorite movies is Purple Rain, you’re in for a treat. Reportedly, a new stage show musical based on the 1984 film is coming. Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and Tony-nominated director Lileana Blain-Cruz are working together to create the show using music and lyrics from the late pop star.
L. Londell McMillan and Larry Mestel, representatives of the groups that own Prince‘s estate shared, “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 honor Prince and the ‘Purple Rain’ legacy with this stage adaptation of the beloved story. 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.” As of right now, there is no word on when or where the new musical may premiere.
Everett Collection
The film version starred Prince as The Kid, in his acting debut. The Kid is the frontman of a band called The Revolution. He throws himself into music to avoid a troubled home life all while competing against a rival band and dealing with his relationship. The film is set in Minneapolis and features some of Prince’s hit songs including “Purple Rain,” “When Doves Cry,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” and “I Would Die 4 U.” The soundtrack for the album became one of Prince’s biggest hits as well.
Warner Bros./Everett Collection
The film has been called one of the greatest musical films of all time and earned over $70.3 million worldwide. It has since been selected by the Library of Congress for preservation in the United States National Film Registry and Purple Rain won an Academy Award for Best Score. Prince passed away in 2016 from an accidental drug overdose. He was 57 years old.
Stay tuned because we will keep you updated on future announcements on the musical!
’80s Where Are They Now
March 2023
Who can forget all the great TV shows, movies and music of the ‘80s? See what your favs are up to now!
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