The first-ever stage adaptation of Prince’s Purple Rain is in the works. Based on Albert Magnoli and William Blinn’s screenplay for the 1984 movie—and featuring Prince’s music and lyrics—the musical will be directed by Tony nominee Lileana Blain-Cruz, who recently helmed Lincoln Center’s revival of The Skin of Our Teeth. Pulitzer finalist Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, whose play Appropriate is enjoying success on Broadway, will provide an accompanying book.
More production details and the timeline will be announced in the coming months; the producers are working with “Broadway partners,” according to a statement, though no venue has yet been revealed.
Read about the Purple Rain film in “The 30 Best Queer Music Movies” and the album, at No. 1, in “The 200 Best Albums of the 1980s.”