MINNEAPOLIS — Producer Orin Wolf has revealed the complete cast for the world premiere of “Purple Rain,” the stage adaptation of Prince’s iconic 1984 film. The production will run at the State Theatre (805 Hennepin Ave.) from Thursday, Oct. 16, through Sunday, Nov. 16, concluding the 2024-2025 Bank of America Broadway on Hennepin season. Tickets are now available at HennepinArts.org.
Joining previously announced stars Kris Kollins as The Kid, making his professional stage debut, and Rachel Webb as Apollonia, the cast includes Bilaal Avaz as Doc, Leon Addison Brown as Father, Jaci Calderon as Susan, Lawrence Gilliard, Jr. as Billy Sparks, Anissa Griego as Jill, Jared Howelton as Morris, Christina Jones as Brenda, Emma Lenderman as Lisa, Gían Pérez as Bobby, Kondwani Phiri as Mark, Antonio Michael Woodard as Jerome, and Grace Yoo as Wendy. Jason Korn will serve as The Kid alternate.
“Joining the company of ‘Purple Rain’ is a dream come true,” said Kris Kollins. “Bringing The Kid to life on stage in Minneapolis, the city where this story began, is an incredible honor.”
The musical tells the story of The Kid, a talented but troubled musician navigating the Minneapolis club scene while contending with family struggles, a rival band, and a romance with an aspiring singer. “We are thrilled to bring this story and Prince’s music to a live audience,” said Rachel Webb. “The energy, the emotion, and the music — it’s going to be unforgettable.”
The production features music and lyrics by Prince, a book by two-time Tony Award winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins based on the original screenplay by Albert Magnoli and William Blinn, choreography by Ebony Williams, and direction by Tony Award nominee Lileana Blain-Cruz. Tony Award winner Jason Michael Webb serves as music supervisor.
“Purple Rain has always been about heart, music, and storytelling,” said Wolf. “Our cast and creative team bring that same spirit to the stage, and audiences in Minneapolis are in for a show they won’t forget.”
The State Theatre production includes scenic design by Tony Award-winner David Zinn, costume design by Montana Levi Blanco, lighting design by Yi Zhao, sound design by Palmer Hefferan, and hair and makeup by Cookie Jordan. Music advisors Bobby Z and Morris Hayes, who worked with Prince, also contribute to the production.
Cast spotlight
Kris Kollins (The Kid) – Making his professional stage debut, Kollins is a multi-hyphenate artist and Berklee College of Music alumnus. “Joining the company of ‘Purple Rain’ is a dream come true,” he said.
Rachel Webb (Apollonia) – A powerhouse vocalist and actress, Webb starred as Juliet in the North American tour of “& Juliet” and toured with Kristin Chenoweth in “For the Girls.” “The energy, the emotion, and the music — it’s going to be unforgettable,” she said.
Bilaal Avaz (Doc) – A music artist and actor, Avaz was a finalist on Season 18 of “American Idol” and has appeared in “FBI: Most Wanted” and “Girls5Eva.”
Lawrence Gilliard, Jr. (Billy Sparks) – Known for HBO’s “The Wire” and AMC’s “The Walking Dead,” Gilliard brings a strong stage and screen presence to the production.
Leon Addison Brown (Father) – Broadway and TV veteran with credits including “Misery,” “The Knick,” and “Chicago Med.”
Jaci Calderon (Susan) – Guest appearances on “Law & Order” series and “Nashville 9-1-1”; she is honored to join the cast.
Anissa Griego (Jill) – Stage credits include “Indian Princesses” at La Jolla Playhouse and “1776: First National Tour.”
Jason Korn (The Kid Alternate) – Recent Emerson College graduate, excited to debut professionally with “Purple Rain.”
Other notable cast members include Emma Lenderman (Lisa), Gían Pérez (Bobby), Kondwani Phiri (Mark), Antonio Michael Woodard (Jerome), and Grace Yoo (Wendy). The ensemble features Solymar Baxter, Christian Burse, Jojo Carmichael, Adante Carter, Trajan Clayton, JD Johnathon Darcelle, Chase Maxwell, Peli Naomi Woods, Christine Shepard, Dion Simmons Grier, Jake Tribus, and Sabrina Victor.
