It’s happening, Purple Rain is finally heading to Broadway. But before it lights up New York, it’s only right that it premieres where it all began: Minneapolis, Complex reports.

The iconic 1984 album and film that made Prince a global phenomenon is getting a stage adaptation that promises to honor his genius while introducing a new generation to the world he built. For those who lived through the original release, Purple Rain wasn’t just an album; it was a movement. The soundtrack shattered genre barriers, blending funk, rock, and R&B in ways no one had done before, and produced timeless hits like “When Doves Cry,” “Let’s Go Crazy,” and “Purple Rain.”

More than 25 million copies later, the project cemented the “Minneapolis sound,” a sonic blueprint that influenced everyone from The Time to Janelle Monáe. Prince didn’t just represent his city, he redefined it.

That same year, he expanded his vision to the big screen with the Purple Rain film, a semi-autobiographical story of love, pain, and artistic freedom. The movie became a cultural landmark, winning an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score and solidifying Prince as both a storyteller and a world-builder.

Now, over four decades later, Purple Rain is taking center stage again. The musical will debut in Minneapolis before heading to Broadway, with previews kicking off October 16th at the State Theatre and running through November 23rd. Opening night is officially set for November 5th.

The creative lineup is as bold and visionary as the artist who inspired it. The book is written by acclaimed playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, with Tony Award-winning director Lileana Blain-Cruz at the helm. Choreographer Ebony Williams, known for her work with Beyoncé, brings movement to life, while music supervisor Jason Michael Webb ensures every note honors the source material. 

“It reminded me of the love we’re mandated to pour into it,” Webb said, reflecting on the project’s emotional weight.

Miami-based performer Kris Kollins will make his acting debut as The Kid, stepping into the role Prince made legendary, while Broadway’s Rachel Webb will portray Apollonia. To keep the spirit authentic, longtime Prince collaborators Bobby Z. and Morris Hayes are advising on the music.

With producer Orin Wolf, the Tony-winning force behind The Band’s Visit and Once, leading the $30 million production, Purple Rain is poised to be more than a musical. It’s a homecoming, a love letter to Minneapolis, and a reminder that Prince’s legacy isn’t frozen in time; it’s still evolving, inspiring, and making the world dance in purple.

Cover photo: Prince’s “Purple Rain” Musical Returns Home to Minneapolis Ahead of Broadway Debut/Photo credit: Ross Marino/Getty Images