Prince, arguably one of the most culturally important musicians of the late 20th century, will be honored as “Purple Rain” is set to be turned into a Broadway musical.
During his forty-year career, Prince changed the landscape of the music industry with the continued experimentation of his sound and music, resulting in notable achievements such as seven Grammy’s, numerous chart-topping singles, and albums.
His career resulted in being inducted into both the Rock and Roll and Grammy Hall of Fame and his character made him one of the most prolific artists to battle for control of his own music. Setting a high standard for the quality and production of music, Prince set the stage for generations to come. Now, joining tributes made to the likes of Freddie Mercury and Elton John, Prince’s “Purple Rain” is being adapted into a Broadway musical.
“Purple Rain” is a story about a budding musician, The Kid (played by Prince), and his journey to escape a tumultuous home life by navigating his way through the trials of jealousy, love, and power. The film premiered in 1984. Although the importance of this film could be attributed to Prince’s talent, or even the incredibility of what needed to take place for the film to be premiered, the significance of “Purple Rain” goes deeper into the cultural roots of Black America.
During the 60s and 70s, Black filmmakers attempted to push back against Hollywood by making films with Black actors for Black audiences. However, the 80s offered an empowering change to these narratives when this decade saw an evolution of more complex and nuanced narratives, bringing a wider range of the lived experiences of Black America to the silver screen. Herein lies the importance, and craze, over the news of the new Broadway musical.
Especially during a time when more and more underrepresented voices are dawning on the arts, the adaptation of “Purple Rain” marks another vital moment in which Americans, musicians, and lovers of the arts can look back on how far we’ve come and the journey that lies ahead.
Heading the ambitious project is Pulitzer Prize finalist Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and Tony Award nominee Lileana Blain-Cruz.
