Prince’s landmark 1984 album and film Purple Rain will arrive on Broadway as a new stage musical in 2027, according to an official announcement from producers. The production will play at the Majestic Theatre, bringing the iconic Minneapolis sound and the semi-autobiographical story of “The Kid” to New York City theatergoers.
The stage adaptation is set to feature a book by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and direction by Lileana Blain-Cruz. Producers announced that the musical will utilize Prince’s legendary catalog of songs, adapting the Academy Award-winning film score and original studio tracks for a live theatrical setting.
Developing a stage version of Purple Rain has been under discussion among rights holders and theatrical producers for several years as part of an effort to expand the late artist’s multimedia legacy. The 1984 Warner Bros. film, directed by Albert Magnoli and starring Prince in his feature film debut, grossed more than $80 million at the domestic box office and established the artist as a global pop phenomenon.
Creative Team and Production Timeline
Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, known for his acclaimed plays including Appropriate and An Octoroon, will write the book for the musical. Lileana Blain-Cruz, a prominent theater director recognized for her work on Broadway’s The Skin of Our Teeth, is attached to direct the production. Producers have not yet announced casting or exact preview dates for the 2027 run at the Majestic Theatre, though ticket registration details are expected to be released through official production channels.
The Majestic Theatre, a historic Broadway venue owned and operated by The Shubert Organization, will undergo scheduling preparations following the conclusion of its current long-running tenant. The Broadway house is one of the largest theaters in New York City, providing the scale necessary to mount a major rock-musical production based on Prince’s high-energy catalog.
Catalog and Legacy on Stage
The musical will incorporate major hits from the Purple Rain era, including “Let’s Go Crazy,” “When Doves Cry,” “I Would Die 4 U,” and the title track “Purple Rain.” The original album spent 24 consecutive weeks at the top of the Billboard 200 chart and has sold more than 25 million copies worldwide since its release in June 1984.
The estate of Prince Rogers Nelson has collaborated with theatrical producers to ensure the adaptation honors the artist’s original vision while translating the distinct visual and sonic elements of mid-1980s Minneapolis to the stage. Further announcements regarding design teams, orchestrations, and developmental workshop schedules will be released by the production office.
For official updates, announcements, and ticket registration information regarding the 2027 Broadway premiere, theatergoers can monitor updates via the official Prince estate channels and the Majestic Theatre box office.
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