Rehearsals for the stage adaptation of Prince’s “Purple Rain” are in full swing and the lead performers have been experimenting with songs from the show in the studio.
The Minnesota Star Tribune has obtained an exclusive sneak peek into the rehearsal process ahead of the world premiere in October at Minneapolis’ State Theatre.
“I Would Die 4 U,” the fourth single from the album and a number in which Prince channeled the Christian trinity, is being sung in the show by performers Kris Kollins and Rachel Webb, who headline as Prince stand-in the Kid and co-star Apollonia.
Kollins and Webb recorded their intimate acoustic version of the tune at Vinegar Hill Sound in Brooklyn, N.Y., subtly adding erotic layers to the song’s selfless agape, or divine love.
It is one of several acoustic numbers recorded by the duo from the show that has been made public. A video of Kollins and Webb performing “Take Me With U” was shared in August. They also did “Kiss.”
The stage version of “Purple Rain” is being arranged by Tony winner Jason Michael Webb, who is unrelated to Rachel Webb. The book is being crafted by Tony and Pulitzer winner Branden Jacobs-Jenkins.
Kollins, Webb and the rest of the “Purple Rain” company have been rehearsing for weeks in New York. Next week they fly to Minneapolis to complete preparations for the musical, which runs Oct. 16-Nov. 16.
