A sea of shimmering purple sequins, stylish blazers, and iconic berets filled the air in Minnesota. For any local, this vibrant display could only signify one of two things: either a thrilling Minnesota Vikings game or, more likely, a heartfelt gathering of devoted fans celebrating the state’s cherished musical icon, Prince.
“What else would I even consider wearing?” remarked Marie Finley, a 27-year-old adorned in a delicate lilac-purple dress, intricately patterned with gold shapes she playfully referred to as ‘raindrops, at least for tonight.’
Her ensemble was absolutely perfect for the inaugural preview last Thursday evening of the spectacular new ‘Purple Rain’ musical. This highly anticipated stage adaptation brings Prince’s legendary 1984 cult-classic film and its iconic soundtrack to life. The show is set to officially open on November 5th and will captivate audiences through November 23rd.
Minneapolis, the musician’s cherished hometown, proved to be the ideal launchpad for the ‘Purple Rain’ premiere. Prince was not only a visible and active member of this community but also remains an incredibly revered figure. His life was tragically cut short in 2016 at the age of 57.
“He’s truly our saint,” declared Sonia Lovelace, a 39-year-old Minnesota native who arrived draped in purple from head to toe, embodying her devotion.
“Unlike Bob Dylan, who, let’s just say, quickly left Minnesota behind once he found fame, Prince chose to stay,” she explained. “He lived here. He built his entire artistic world, his compound, right here.”
Though a full Broadway run hasn’t been officially confirmed, it’s undeniably the ultimate aspiration for this musical. The production offers fans—or as Prince himself affectionately called them, “fams”—a unique opportunity to reconnect with the artist they admired, or perhaps to finally experience the magic they always wished they had known.
Excited theatergoers flocked into the iconic State Theater. This venue holds special significance, located just a block away from First Avenue, the legendary music club Prince once owned and the primary filming location for the ‘Purple Rain’ movie.
“I’m really hoping for that special blend of magic, community, and pure joy that Prince always brought to Minnesota,” Lovelace shared, standing with her mother under the State Theater’s glowing marquee. It’s hard to imagine a more fitting spot, as the theater sits just one block from First Avenue, the legendary music club Prince once owned and where much of the ‘Purple Rain’ movie was filmed.
Despite his famously reserved nature, Prince was known for his incredible generosity, often opening the doors of his iconic Paisley Park home and studio for impromptu concerts and legendary jam sessions. These gatherings would frequently stretch through the night, sometimes culminating in a delightful pancake breakfast for all attendees.
“Who else would do something like that?” questioned Esther Ojeda, sporting a black leather jacket adorned with Prince’s unmistakable symbol. “Someone with that level of global stardom? Who does that? And he would be right there, so close to you.”
For 62-year-old Ojeda, this unique aspect of Prince’s personality was a key reason she relocated to Minnesota a decade ago, leaving behind Gary, Indiana—Michael Jackson’s hometown. A detail, she noted, that would likely have brought a wry grin to Prince’s face, given the playful rivalry between the two music legends.
“I was constantly frustrated about missing out on everything happening at Paisley Park,” she confessed, her gaze sweeping over the array of Prince posters and photographs adorning the skyways leading to the theater. It was the groundbreaking film ‘Purple Rain’ that truly captivated her, converting her into a lifelong fan at just 21 years old.
The enthusiastic crowd at the premiere included many dedicated ‘fams,’ such as Esther Ojeda (62), Marie Finley (27), Christopher Troy (61) and Cheryl Kalina (58), and Sonia Lovelace (39).
“That film completely transformed my understanding of him,” Ojeda explained, highlighting her profound appreciation for his musicianship. The semi-biographical movie features a driven young artist, ‘the Kid,’ on a fervent quest for rock stardom. Both the accompanying album and its soundtrack became monumental successes, earning an Oscar and two Grammy Awards.
The musical’s script was penned by the celebrated Tony Award-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, with direction by the acclaimed Lileana Blain-Cruz. The original screenplay for the film was, of course, a creation of Albert Magnoli and William Blinn.
Ojeda had only moved north a year before Prince’s untimely death from an accidental overdose of fentanyl. For many other devoted fans, like Finley, the timing simply meant they were born too late to witness his live performances.
“I distinctly remember pleading with my mom to let me go see him when he was performing at Paisley Park, but I was grounded that night,” Finley recounted, recalling her high school years when Prince passed. “She insisted, ‘No, you have to stay home and do your homework.’ And then, just a few months later, he was gone, and I thought, ‘See, I told you!’”
As she stepped into the theater, Finley expressed her excitement for a night of fun, dancing, and a heartfelt remembrance of an artist she deeply admired. “He did so much fundraising for my dance studio, and I’ve always felt incredibly grateful for his contributions to the Minnesota arts community,” she shared.
Inside LaSalle Plaza, just steps from the State Theater, a captivating display of posters and other Prince memorabilia offered a nostalgic journey through his illustrious career.
Among the exhibits, a striking motorcycle, a replica inspired by the one Prince’s character rode in ‘Purple Rain,’ stood as a testament to the film’s enduring visual impact.
The premiere ignited with an electric buzz as the theater reverberated with a rousing rendition of ‘Let’s Go Crazy.’ Once settled into the almost three-hour musical, the audience swayed gently, heads bobbing to the familiar tunes. Any lingering doubt about the show’s location was swiftly erased as the crowd erupted with cheers at every mention of a Minnesota connection.
For the dedicated ‘purple community,’ this musical’s run is more than just a show; it’s another essential stop on their ongoing pilgrimage celebrating Prince’s legacy.
“He did an incredible amount for Minnesota, which is why we’ve honored him by naming highways after him,” Lovelace reflected. “The night Prince passed, I was downtown at four in the morning, and there were women in their 70s, absolutely drenched in tears.”
“Prince’s impact on Minnesota is immeasurable,” she concluded, her voice full of emotion.