The highly anticipated musical adaptation of “Purple Rain” officially premiered on November 1, 2023, at the State Theatre in downtown Minneapolis. This production, which reportedly cost $26.5 million, has generated a mix of excitement and criticism, with many praising the music while questioning the overall execution.
Similar to the original 1984 film, the musical is not a direct biography of Prince but a loose adaptation of the storyline featuring a character known as “the Kid.” The narrative intertwines elements of Prince’s life with performances from the on-stage cast, which includes newcomer Kris Kollins in the lead role. Friends and notable figures from the music community, such as Dave Pirner of Soul Asylum and filmmaker Spike Lee, were present at the opening night.
The musical features a talented creative team, including Lileana Blain-Cruz, a Tony-nominated director, and Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, a two-time Tony Award winner, who wrote the book for the production. Despite the strong artistic leadership, the show has been critiqued for its narrative clarity. While efforts were made to address the themes of misogyny and violence present in the original film, the flow of the story often felt hindered by these attempts.
In its initial previews, the musical ran over three hours, prompting the producers to make necessary edits. The final performance on opening night saw the runtime reduced by approximately half an hour, which improved pacing but also left some parts of the storyline feeling disjointed. Critics noted that the character development was muddled, leading to a portrayal of the Kid as a self-absorbed individual whose transformation seemed minimal by conclusion.
One of the standout features of the musical is the music itself. With the guidance of seasoned advisors such as Bobby Z and Morris Hayes, along with Tony Award-winning music supervisor Jason Michael Webb, the show’s musical numbers pulse with energy. The production draws from Prince’s diverse influences, combining rock, funk, gospel, and electropop to create memorable performances.
The emotional high point of the first act is “The Beautiful Ones,” showcasing the Kid’s attempt to win back Apollonia, portrayed by Broadway veteran Rachel Webb. This number exemplifies the raw power of Prince’s music, culminating in a striking display of passion and vulnerability.
Another highlight is “Darling Nikki,” a song that stirred controversy upon its release and is emblematic of Prince’s provocative style. During this number, Kollins captures the essence of Prince, embodying his mysterious and electrifying persona. Such moments provide a glimpse of what the production aspires to achieve, even if the narrative struggles to keep pace.
As the musical runs through November 23, 2023, it remains evident that the success of “Purple Rain” will ultimately hinge on its ability to resonate with audiences. While the music stands as the undeniable star, the journey towards a cohesive and compelling narrative continues to be a work in progress.
