Music lovers visiting the Twin Cities of Minneapolis and St. Paul, Minnesota, are likely to know that this Midwest metropolis boasts two music icons who honed their craft there: Prince and Bob Dylan. Both are experiencing a resurgence in popularity nationally, with the film based on Dylan’s life, “A Complete Unknown,” garnering Oscar praise. And this fall, in Prince’s hometown of Minneapolis, visitors can see a new musical based on his most famous album before it hits Broadway. Running from Oct. 16 to Nov. 16, 2025, “Purple Rain” will be on stage at the historic State Theatre. A musical adaptation of both the album and the film based on it, “Purple Rain” tells the semi-autobiographical story of a young up-and-coming musician in Minneapolis. With the backing of a Tony Award-winning creative team, “Purple Rain” features all the hits fans remember in a brand-new theatrical presentation.
“Bringing in Morris Hayes and Bobby Z, two of Prince’s longtime collaborators, was extremely important as we move forward with the pre-Broadway premiere of ‘Purple Rain’,” say Northstar Group Chairman L Londell McMillen and Primary Wave Music Founder and CEO Larry Mestel, via a press release. “Having worked with Prince for years, they will ensure this production holds true to Prince’s vision and continues his legacy.”
Tickets are on sale now, and if planning a broader tour to the Twin Cities, groups can also work in a trip to Prince’s home and studio in suburban Chanhassen. Paisley Park is open for a variety of tours and experiences, giving visitors an inside look at the life and career of the seven-time Grammy winner, who passed away in 2016. Fans could also work in a show at First Avenue, the club made famous by Prince in “Purple Rain.”
Main Image: State Theatre, Minneapolis; Credit: Hennepin Arts/Mark Vancleave
