Buzz
What Minneapolis Is Saying About Purple Rain
The new musical inspired by Prince’s legendary film and album
Following its world premiere in Minneapolis, Purple Rain has already become one of the most talked about new musicals on the road to Broadway. Hailed as “a triumph,” Broadway World says the production “doesn’t just pay tribute to Prince; it reignites his spirit.”
This fearless stage adaptation brought audiences back to the city that shaped the sound, spirit and mythology of Purple Rain, attracting those looking for the “magic and community and just that glimmer of fun and hope and joy that Prince brought to Minnesota” (The New York Times). For fans, Purple Rain is more than a musical. It is a celebration of Prince’s legacy and the unforgettable songs that continue to move generations.
The Minneapolis production starred Kris Kollins as The Kid, Rachel Webb (& Juliet) as Apollonia, Jared Howelton (Hamilton) as Morris, and Leon Addison Brown (The Knick) as The Kid’s father. The creative team was led by Tony Award® nominee Lileana Blain-Cruz (The Skin of Our Teeth), Tony Award winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins (Purpose) and music supervision by Tony Award winner Jason Michael Webb (MJ the Musical).
Meet Kris Kollins, Purple Rain’s new breakout star
At the heart of the Minneapolis production of Purple Rain was Kris Kollins, who made his professional stage debut as The Kid. A multi-hyphenate singer, songwriter and Berklee College of Music alumnus, Kris has received riotous praise for his Minneapolis performances. The Star Tribune celebrates that Kollins’ “vocals as The Kid double as a channeling of Prince,” with Broadway World agreeing that Kollins “never imitates Prince; he channels his essence.”
Kris was discovered for the role on social media after a nationwide search, with the show’s creative team “floored by Kris’s gifts—his musicianship, his voice, his magnetism” (Broadway News). Minnesota Monthly described Kollins as a musician and entertainer whose Princely presence is clear “from the opening downbeat to the show’s finale.”