Minnesota Gets First Listen To New ‘Purple Rain’ Musical

In less than a month, Minnesota will host the world premiere of Purple Rain – The Musical, and we are finally starting to get our first look and sounds from this highly anticipated production.

Purple Rain Musical Set to Premiere in Minneapolis

Opening on October 16th and running through November 16th at the historic State Theatre in Minneapolis, the show is backed by an impressive creative team. Two-time Tony Award winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins is writing the script, while music supervision and arrangements are being handled by Tony winner Jason Michael Webb. Adding even more authenticity, Prince collaborators Bobby Z and Morris Hayes are advising the production to help ensure the music captures the spirit of the original.

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Meet the Cast Bringing Prince’s Story to Life in MN

Taking on the role of “The Kid” (Prince) is Kris Kollins, a newcomer making his professional stage debut. Opposite him, Rachel Webb will play Apollonia. She recently played Juliet in a touring production of & Juliet, showcasing her strong stage presence.

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The two appeared in newly released videos on the musical’s official YouTube channel, sitting at the piano and singing Prince classics like Take Me With You and I Would Die 4 U. Kollins also shared a stripped-down, funky version of Kiss that highlights his vocal range.

Kollins doesn’t just sound like Prince, he looks like him too, which makes his casting even more exciting. Fans can expect goosebumps when he steps on stage in Minneapolis, just blocks from First Avenue, where Prince’s legend began.

Tickets for Purple Rain – The Musical are on sale now, and they’re expected to sell out quickly. If you’re a Prince fan, this is shaping up to be one of those unforgettable, once-in-a-lifetime Minnesota experiences.