Jordan Fisher has been cast as the lead in the upcoming Broadway musical adaptation of Purple Rain. The actor and singer will assume the role of The Kid, a character originally popularized by Prince in the 1984 film. This marks a significant milestone in Fisher’s career, as it will be his first time originating a role on the Broadway stage.
Fisher is no stranger to the stage, with a resume that includes appearances in major productions such as Hamilton, Dear Evan Hansen, Moulin Rouge! The Musical, and Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street. For this new venture, an alternate performer has been selected to portray The Kid during Tuesday evening shows and Wednesday matinees. The production team plans to announce the remaining casting details at a later date.
Director Saheem Ali expressed enthusiasm for Fisher’s interpretation of the character, highlighting the depth the actor brings to the part. Ali noted that while Fisher is already recognized as an extraordinary talent, the process of watching him embody The Kid has revealed a hidden fire. The director described seeing a mix of swagger, vulnerability, and a restless creative spirit that resonates with the spirit of Prince. Ali also praised Fisher’s infectious generosity, stating that his presence improves the work of everyone around him. According to the director, Fisher is uncovering raw and surprising human elements within the iconic character, a quality that Broadway audiences are eager to see.
The musical is scheduled to premiere at the Majestic Theatre next spring. Previews are set to begin on March 12, with the official opening night taking place on April 12. The production draws from the 1984 classic movie, which became a massive commercial success, earning nearly $100 million at the global box office. The film also inspired an album of the same name that became a mega-seller in the music industry.
The stage adaptation follows a narrative set in Minneapolis in 1984, during the rise of music television. The story centers on a magnetic young performer known as The Kid, who appears to be the ideal frontman to lead his band to fame. However, the plot thickens when his past begins to threaten his new success. The character must then sing his way out of darkness and into the spotlight where he belongs. This storyline serves as the foundation for the theatrical experience.
The musical features a substantial collection of Prince’s well-known hits, with more than 20 songs included in the repertoire. Among the tracks featured in the production are When Doves Cry, I Would Die 4 U, Take Me With You, and The Beautiful Ones. These selections aim to capture the essence of Prince’s musical legacy for a new generation of theatergoers.
The creative team behind the production includes Peter Duchan, who wrote the book for the musical. Duchan is known for his work on Dogfight. Jason Michael Webb, who was involved with MJ the Musical, is leading the music team for this project. To ensure authenticity, the production has enlisted Bobby Z and Morris Hayes as music advisers. Both men worked closely with Prince for years as bandmates and musical collaborators.
This is not the first time the musical has been performed. The show was initially staged in 2025 at the Hennepin Theatre Trust’s historic State Theatre in Minneapolis. The choice of location was symbolic, as Minneapolis is the birthplace of Prince. The successful run in the artist’s hometown paved the way for the current Broadway engagement.
