Based on the 1984 award-winning film and Prince soundtrack “Purple Rain” expect a new Broadway musical helmed by director Lileana Blain-Cruz and Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (Appropriate) writing the book featuring the music and lyrics of Prince. The musical is being produced by Orin Wolf, a two-time Tony Award winner for “Once” and “The Band’s Visit.”
“Purple Rain” tells the story of the trials of an up-and-coming rock musician called The Kid (played in the film by Prince), who is rising in the Minneapolis club scene. As the leader of the band The Revolution, The Kid must face a chaotic home environment, a rival band and a potential new love.
The Warner Bros. film “Purple Rain,” directed by Albert Magnoli and written by Magnoli and William Blinn, was added to the Library of Congress’ National Film Registry in 2019. The “Purple Rain” soundtrack by Prince and his band the Revolution was the recipient of two Grammy Awards as well as an Oscar for Best Music, Original Song Score. In 1999, the album was inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame.
The late singer, songwriter and producer Prince, whose music blends genres from funk to rhythm and blues, rock, new wave, soul, jazz and hip-hop, was awarded seven Grammys total (of 38 nominations). He garnered numerous MTV Video Music Awards, American Music Awards, Billboard Music Awards Soul Train Awards and the BET Award for Lifetime Achievement. Prince died in 2016.
Prince has sold over 150 million records worldwide, ranking him among the best-selling music artists of all time. He was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 2004, the UK Music Hall of Fame in 2006 and the Rhythm & Blues Hall of Fame in 2016.
Additional production details for the “Purple Rain” musical will be forthcoming.
Photo: Prince celebrating his birthday and the release of “Purple Rain” in Minneapolis, June, 7, 1984 (Credit: Paul Natkin/WireImage)
