Jordan Fisher Named Lead of Broadway's 'Purple Rain' Musical
Jordan Fisher has been cast as the lead in Broadway's upcoming "Purple Rain" musical, stepping into the role Prince made famous in the 1984 film. The "Hamilton" and "Dear Evan Hansen" star will play The Kid, an ambitious young musician, when the show opens at the Majestic Theatre in New York next spring.
Fisher shared the news Tuesday, Nov. 10, on "Good Morning America," calling the role "so special."
Fisher Steps Into Prince's Shoes
The new role will test every part of Fisher's skill set. "For the first time in my career, I play every instrument I've ever played," he said, according to ABC News.
The part is also a milestone for the performer. While Fisher has appeared in several Broadway hits, "Purple Rain" marks the first time he will originate a role on Broadway, The Associated Press reported.
Director Saheem Ali praised the casting choice. "We know that Jordan Fisher is an extraordinary talent," Ali said, adding that Fisher is "finding something raw, surprising and deeply human in this iconic character," Broadway.com reported.
Ali also said Fisher brings "an infectious generosity that makes everyone around him better" to the role.
What the Musical Is About
"Purple Rain" is based on Prince's Oscar-winning 1984 film and his Grammy-winning album of the same name. The story is described as "vaguely autobiographical" and follows an up-and-coming rock musician in the Minneapolis club scene who juggles a tumultuous home life and a budding romance.
The show will feature more than 20 of Prince's biggest hits, including "When Doves Cry" and "I Would Die 4 U."
The production arrives as interest in the late singer remains high, a decade after his death in 2016.
From Minneapolis to Broadway
The musical had its world premiere at the State Theatre in Minnesota in 2025. That version, which starred Kris Kollins as The Kid, Rachel Webb as Apollonia and Jared Howelton as Morris, featured a story by Branden Jacobs-Jenkins and direction by Lileana Blain-Cruz.
ABC News described the Minneapolis run as a success, though the Associated Press noted that early reviews were disappointing. Since then, the show has been reworked with a new creative team.
For Broadway, Saheem Ali, known for "Buena Vista Social Club," will direct, and Peter Duchan, who wrote "Dogfight," is writing the book, according to Playbill.
Ebony Williams will choreograph, while Jason Michael Webb serves as music supervisor, arranger and orchestrator. Prince's longtime collaborators Bobby Z and Morris Hayes are on board as music advisors. Orin Wolf is producing.
The design team includes David Zinn on scenic design, Montana Levi Blanco on costumes, Justin Townsend on lighting and Gareth Owen on sound. Like the film, the musical is set in Minneapolis in 1984.
Previews are set to begin Friday, March 12, 2027, ahead of an opening night on Monday, April 12, 2027. Tickets are available through Telecharge.
Additional casting has not yet been announced. That includes an alternate who will play The Kid at Tuesday evening and Wednesday matinee performances.
A Busy Career on Stage and Screen
Fisher made his Broadway debut in "Hamilton" and has since appeared in "Dear Evan Hansen," "Sweeney Todd," "Hadestown" and "Moulin Rouge!"
On screen, he is known for roles in "To All the Boys: P.S. I Still Love You," the animated film "Turning Red" and "High School Musical: The Musical: The Series."
He also won Season 25 of "Dancing with the Stars" in 2017 with his professional partner, Lindsay Arnold.
Now, he is preparing to take on the role Prince himself played on screen more than four decades ago, this time in front of a live Broadway audience.
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