On a recent Thursday night in Minneapolis, a kaleidoscope of purple sequins, blazers, and berets filled the air, signifying an event only two things in Minnesota could inspire: a Vikings game or a tribute to the state’s most cherished son, Prince. “What else could I wear?” quipped 27-year-old Marie Finley, whose lilac dress shimmered with golden “raindrops,” a nod perfectly suited for the occasion. She, along with countless other devotees, was attending the first preview of “Purple Rain,” the highly anticipated new musical adaptation of Prince’s iconic 1984 film and its legendary soundtrack album. Set to officially open on November 5th and run until November 23rd, this premiere couldn’t have chosen a more fitting venue than Prince’s own hometown. Minneapolis, where the artist remained a beloved and visible community member until his unexpected passing in 2016 at just 57, still reveres his memory profoundly.
“He is our saint,” declared Sonia Lovelace, 39, a lifelong Minnesota native draped in purple from head to toe. She drew a contrast with another Minnesota legend: “Unlike Bob Dylan, who quickly left after achieving success, Prince stayed right here. He lived among us, he created his world here.” While a Broadway transfer hasn’t been formally confirmed, it’s evident that a larger stage is the ultimate ambition for this production. For Prince’s devoted followers—or “fams,” as he affectionately called them—the musical offers a poignant opportunity to reconnect with the artist they admired, whether through cherished memories or a longing to have known him.
A vibrant crowd, some dressed in purple, gathered inside the State Theater. This iconic venue is just a block away from First Avenue, the legendary music club in Minneapolis where much of the ‘Purple Rain’ film was shot. (Credit: Jenn Ackerman for The New York Times)
Michele Livingston, 64, wearing a purple feathered face mask and a floral lei, was among the attendees at the first preview of the ‘Purple Rain’ musical. (Credit: Jenn Ackerman for The New York Times)
“I’m hoping for magic, for community, and for that unique spark of fun, hope, and joy that Prince consistently brought to Minnesota,” Lovelace shared. She and her mother stood beneath the dazzling marquee of the State Theater, a venue located only a block from First Avenue, the very music club Prince once owned and where a significant portion of the ‘Purple Rain’ film was captured.
Despite his famously private nature, Prince frequently opened his iconic home and studio, Paisley Park, for spontaneous concerts and jam sessions that often lasted through the night, occasionally culminating in a legendary pancake breakfast. “Who else would do something like that?” marvelled Esther Ojeda, 62, sporting a black leather jacket adorned with Prince’s iconic symbol. “Someone of his immense stardom, being that accessible? It’s truly unique.” For Ojeda, this personal touch was a significant factor in her decision to move to Minnesota a decade ago from Gary, Indiana—Michael Jackson’s hometown, a detail that surely would have amused Prince given their friendly rivalry. She recounted her frustration at missing countless events at Paisley Park, a sentiment that fueled her relocation. She was captivated by Prince’s artistry at 21, upon the release of the ‘Purple Rain’ film, which she credits with transforming her appreciation for his musicianship.
A collage of portraits featuring attendees at the first performance: Esther Ojeda (62), Marie Finley (27), Christopher Troy (61) and Cheryl Kalina (58), and Sonia Lovelace (39). All are dressed in their purple finest. (Credit: Jenn Ackerman for The New York Times)
“The film truly reshaped my understanding of his musical genius,” Ojeda explained. ‘Purple Rain,’ a semi-autobiographical narrative, follows “the Kid,” a driven young musician striving for rock stardom. The accompanying album became a monumental success, earning both an Oscar and two Grammy Awards for its soundtrack. The musical’s script is penned by Tony Award-winning playwright Branden Jacobs-Jenkins, with direction by Lileana Blain-Cruz, building upon the original screenplay by Albert Magnoli and William Blinn. For fans like Ojeda, who relocated to Minnesota just a year before Prince’s tragic death from an accidental fentanyl overdose, and for younger fans like Finley, who were simply born too late to experience him live, the musical offers a chance for connection. Finley vividly recalled her teenage disappointment: “I remember begging my mom to let me go to Paisley Park, but I was grounded. A few months later, he passed away, and I just thought, ‘See!’”
Entering the theater, Finley expressed her excitement for a night of fun, dancing, and heartfelt remembrance for an artist she deeply admired. “He supported my dance studio with a lot of fundraising,” she shared. “I’ve always been so grateful for him and his contributions to the Minnesota arts community.”
Inside LaSalle Plaza, a striking exhibition of posters and memorabilia celebrates Prince’s enduring legacy, located just steps from the State Theater. (Credit: Jenn Ackerman for The New York Times)
A replica of the iconic motorcycle ridden by Prince’s character in ‘Purple Rain’ is on display, evoking cinematic nostalgia. (Credit: Jenn Ackerman for The New York Times)
As the premiere commenced, a palpable energy filled the theater with an exhilarating rendition of “Let’s Go Crazy.” While the audience largely swayed and bobbed their heads through the nearly three-hour production, there was no mistaking the profound local connection. Every mention of a Minnesota tie-in sparked enthusiastic cheers and hollers from the crowd. For the devoted “purple community,” this theatrical run is more than just a show; it’s another essential stop on their ongoing Prince pilgrimage. “He contributed so much to Minnesota—that’s why we’ve named highways in his honor,” Lovelace emphasized. She vividly recounted the night Prince died: “I was downtown at four in the morning, and there were women in their 70s, their faces streaming with tears. Prince simply means that much to Minnesota.”