Source : PERTHNOW NEWS
Jordan Fisher will lead the cast of Purple Rain on Broadway.
The former Dancing With the Stars champion has signed up to portray The Kid and admitted he is “crazy” to be taking on the iconic role, which was originated by Prince in the beloved 1984 movie of the same name.
Sharing a video offering a glimpse of his preparations for the role, interspersed with footage and audio of Prince onstage and soundtracked by the late singer’s track Let’s Go Crazy, Jordan said in the voiceover: “You’d have to be crazy to do this. I mean, come on. The voice? The moves? The music?
“He made it all look effortless. And now I get the chance to bring it all to Broadway.
“People are going to think I’m crazy for even trying. And maybe I am. Crazy enough to put in the hours, crazy enough to try to walk in his boots.”
The Work It actor – who made his Broadway debut in Hamilton in 2016 and has subsequently had starring roles in productions including Dear Evan Hansen, Sweeney Todd: The Demon Barber of Fleet Street and Moulin Rouge! The Musical – promised not to disappoint fans of the original movie.
He added: “I know what Purple Rain means to people and I’m ready to show everyone where crazy can take you. Let’s go.”
Director Saheem Ali “can’t wait” for audiences to see “extraordinary” Jordan in action as the ambitious young musician.
He said in a statement: “We know that Jordan Fisher is an extraordinary talent, but what’s been thrilling about watching him inhabit ‘The Kid’ is discovering the fire beneath the surface: the swagger, vulnerability and restless creative spirit we recognise in Prince.
“Jordan brings all of that to the role, along with an infectious generosity that makes everyone around him better.
“He’s finding something raw, surprising, and deeply human in this iconic character, and I can’t wait for Broadway audiences to experience it.”
Bobby Z – who played drums in Prince’s band The Revolution and appeared in the original Purple Rain film – and the Raspberry Beret hitmaker’s musical director Morris Hayes are musical advisers on the production.
Additional casting for Purple Rain will be announced at a later date. An alternate performer will play The Kid for two shows a week.
Purple Rain – which features more than 20 songs from Prince’s back catalogue – will open in New York on 12 March 2027, ahead of its official opening on 12 April.
