The highly anticipated stage adaptation of the iconic 1984 film Purple Rain has officially found its stars. Rising singer-songwriter Kris Kollins and acclaimed Broadway talent Rachel Webb will lead the cast as The Kid and Apollonia, respectively, when the musical makes its world premiere this fall in Prince’s hometown of Minneapolis.
The production will debut at Hennepin Arts’ State Theatre from October 16 through November 16, before heading to Broadway. With a book by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, music and lyrics by Prince, direction by Lileana Blain-Cruz, and choreography by Ebony Williams, the show promises to capture the raw energy and emotion of the original film while delivering a fresh theatrical experience.
Kollins, discovered on social media, will make his professional stage debut in the role that launched Prince to stardom. He recently released his first EP, Pistachio, and his singles “GSAW” and “River” appear in Paramount+’s Noah’s Arc: The Movie.
Webb, who steps into the role of Apollonia, recently starred as Juliet in the first North American tour of & Juliet and has appeared in For the Girls with Kristin Chenoweth and Hip Hop Broadway: A Musical Revue alongside Jennifer Holliday.
“From our first encounter with his original music and socials, we were absolutely floored by Kris’s gifts—his musicianship, his voice, his magnetism,” said Jacobs-Jenkins. “Kris is the real deal.”
Director Lileana Blain-Cruz shared similar praise for Webb: “She is a stunning presence with an incredible voice, who inspired us to reimagine what was possible for the role of Apollonia.”
The story will follow The Kid, a young Minneapolis musician, as he battles personal demons and professional rivalries, set to Prince’s legendary soundtrack that defined a generation.
Tickets for the Minneapolis run will be available soon. Don’t miss this historic reimagining of a pop culture classic before it hits Broadway.
