Broadway to Stage Princes Purple Rain Musical in 2027
A new Broadway production based on Prince’s 1984 film and soundtrack, Purple Rain, will open at New York’s Majestic Theatre in spring 2027. Pre‑shows begin March 12, 2027, with the official opening on April 12. Tickets will go on sale in September 2026.
The musical will feature more than 20 of Prince’s most famous songs, including “When Doves Cry,” “I Would Die 4 U,” “Take Me with U,” and “The Beautiful Ones.” Producer Orin Wolf said, “Prince is, without doubt, one of the rarest, most brilliant musicians we’ve ever had. What he accomplished with Purple Rain in 1984—the song, the album and the film— is a testament to the art of making music and showcases it at the highest level.”
Purple Rain was Prince’s feature‑film debut and follows a Minneapolis rock star, “The Kid,” as he navigates love, family conflict and rivalry with a local musician. The film earned nearly $70 million worldwide, won the Academy Award for Best Original Score, and was added to the U.S. National Film Registry in 2019 for its cultural significance. The accompanying album, released the same year, spent 24 consecutive weeks at number one on the Billboard 200, earned two Grammys, and was certified 13× platinum in the United States.
The Broadway adaptation is being directed by Tony‑nominated Saheem Ali. Playwright and screenwriter Peter Duchan is writing the book, while Tony Award‑winner Jason Michael Webb is leading the music team. Emmy Award‑winning choreographer Ebony Williams will design the dance numbers. Former members of Prince’s backing band, Bobby Z and Morris Hayes, will serve as music advisers to preserve the original sound.
The Majestic Theatre, a 1,681‑seat venue that opened in 1927, has hosted many landmark productions, including The Phantom of the Opera for 35 years. Its Spanish‑style façade and spacious auditorium make it a fitting home for a show that blends rock, R&B and theatrical storytelling.
Tickets for the new musical will become available in September 2026 through the official Purple Rain Broadway website and major ticketing partners. While the cast has not yet been announced, producers have indicated that the lineup will include a mix of seasoned Broadway performers and rising talent.
The production’s launch follows a trend of adapting iconic pop albums and films for the stage, a strategy that broadens the appeal of Broadway to fans of contemporary music. By bringing Prince’s music to a live theatrical setting, the show aims to introduce his legacy to new audiences while offering longtime fans a fresh experience.
As of now, the production schedule is confirmed: previews start March 12, 2027; opening night is April 12, 2027; tickets go on sale September 2026. The creative team remains in place, and the show’s development is proceeding according to the announced timeline.
The Purple Rain musical marks the first time Prince’s work has been adapted for Broadway, and it signals a continued interest in translating popular music narratives into theatrical productions. The show’s success could pave the way for future projects that blend pop culture and live theater.