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| Jordan Fisher will play The Kid, the role originated by Prince in the 1984 film "Purple Rain," when the stage adaptation opens on Broadway in 2027. Previews begin March 12 at New York's Majestic Theatre. (Mark Seliger/Courtesy of "Purple Rain") |
The singer and Broadway star will play The Kid in the stage adaptation of "Purple Rain," taking on the role Prince made famous in his 1984 film and the music that helped turn him into a superstar.
Producer Orin Wolf announced the casting Tuesday, confirming that the musical will begin previews March 12, 2027, at Broadway's Majestic Theatre. Opening night is scheduled for April 12.
The show features more than 20 Prince songs, including "When Doves Cry," "I Would Die 4 U," "Take Me With U" and "The Beautiful Ones."
For Fisher, whose stage credits include "Hamilton," "Dear Evan Hansen," "Sweeney Todd" and "Moulin Rouge!," the production represents his first opportunity to originate a role in a new Broadway musical.
It also puts him in the difficult position of following one of popular music's most recognizable performers in a role closely associated with his life and career.
Director Saheem Ali said Fisher brings both the musical ability and emotional range needed to portray The Kid, praising what he called "the swagger, vulnerability and restless creative spirit we recognize in Prince."
The story follows a young Minneapolis musician struggling with family turmoil, professional rivalries and a complicated romance while trying to establish himself as a performer.
Prince played The Kid opposite Apollonia Kotero in the original film, which also featured Morris Day and The Time.
Released in July 1984, "Purple Rain" became a cultural phenomenon. The film won an Academy Award for its music, while the soundtrack spent 24 weeks at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 and produced some of Prince's defining hits.
The stage adaptation had its world premiere in Minneapolis in 2025, but the Broadway version arrives with significant changes behind the scenes.
Ali will direct from a book by Peter Duchan, with music supervision, arrangements and orchestrations by Jason Michael Webb and choreography by Ebony Williams, whose credits include work with Beyoncé.
Two musicians who knew Prince's music firsthand are also involved.
Bobby Z, drummer for The Revolution, and Morris Hayes, a longtime member of Prince's New Power Generation, are serving as music advisers.
Their involvement gives the production direct connections to both the "Purple Rain" era and Prince's later touring and recording career.
Fisher won't perform every show. Producers said an alternate will play The Kid on Tuesday evenings and Wednesday matinees. Additional casting has not been announced.
Prince died April 21, 2016, at age 57.
Four decades after "Purple Rain" helped establish him as a global superstar, Broadway is preparing to introduce The Kid to another generation — this time with Fisher at the microphone.
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