The world premiere of Purple Rain, the Broadway-bound stage adaptation of Prince’s iconic 1984 film, has now set its full cast.
As previously announced, musician-songwriter Kris Kollins will make his professional stage debut as The Kid — the role originated by Prince — alongside & Juliet star Rachel Webb as Apollonia. The production will play October 16 through November 16 at Hennepin Arts’ State Theatre in Minneapolis, Prince’s hometown, before heading to Broadway.
Joining them are:
- Bilaal Avaz as Doc
- Leon Addison Brown as Father
- Jaci Calderon as Susan
- Lawrence Gilliard Jr. as Billy Sparks
- Anissa Griego as Jill
- Jared Howelton as Morris
- Christina Jones as Brenda
- Emma Lenderman as Lisa
- Gían Pérez as Bobby
- Kondwani Phiri as Mark
- Antonio Michael Woodard as Jerome
- Grace Yoo as Wendy
The ensemble features Solymar Baxter, Christian Burse, Jojo Carmichael, Adante Carter, Trajan Clayton, Jd Johnathon Darcelle, Chase Maxwell, Peli Naomi Woods, Christine Shepard, Dion Simmons Grier, Jake Tribus, and Sabrina Victor.
With a book by Pulitzer Prize and two-time Tony winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (Appropriate), direction by Tony nominee Lileana Blain-Cruz (The Skin of Our Teeth), and choreography by Ebony Williams, Purple Rain will reimagine the story of The Kid for the stage.
The creative team includes scenic design by David Zinn, video and projection design by Nathan Amzi and Joe Ransom, costume design by Montana Levi Blanco, lighting design by Yi Zhao, sound design by Palmer Hefferan, and hair and wig design by Cookie Jordan. Jason Michael Webb serves as music supervisor, arranger, and orchestrator, with longtime Prince collaborators Bobby Z and Morris Hayes as music advisers.
Based on the original screenplay by Albert Magnoli and William Blinn, with a story by Prince, Purple Rain follows The Kid — a talented but troubled musician trying to break through in the Minneapolis club scene. As he battles a rival band, a complicated home life, and a budding romance, The Kid struggles to find his voice and claim his moment in the spotlight.
