Stage adaptation of Prince’s ‘Purple Rain’ in development
A stage adaptation of the 1984 concert film Purple Rain by Prince has been green-lit ahead of an expected opening on Broadway in New York City.
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins has been tasked with developing the musical, with Tony nominee Lileana Blain-Cruz on board to offer direction. Jacobs-Jenkins’ latest production, Appropriate, opened on Broadway on December 18th, and he’s also previously worked on The Comeuppance, Girls and An Octoroon.
Broadway producer Orin Wolf confirmed news of the adaptation on January 8th. However, they didn’t confirm whether it would open in New York, but it seems to be the most likely destination. More details are expected to arrive in the coming months.
In a joint statement, L Londell McMillan, Chairman of The NorthStar Group, and Larry Mestel, Founder & CEO of Primary Wave Music, said: “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,” they continued.
Their message concluded: “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 yet, there is no timeframe on when
Last year, Prince’s estate shared a new deluxe reissue of the singer’s 13th studio album, 1991’s Diamonds and Pearls. The release included 33 previously unheard songs that didn’t make the final mix, ranging from alternate versions of album tracks to songs Prince gave away to other artists, plus creations recorded on tour.
Watch the official video for ‘Purple Rain’ below.
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