Baby, is he a star? New leading man for ‘Purple Rain’ on way to Broadway

MINNEAPOLIS — There’s a new Kid on the block — and this one knows his way around Broadway. Jordan Fisher has been tapped to take over the lead role Prince made famous in the 1984 movie “Purple Rain,” replacing Kris Kollins as the musical prepares for its leap from Minneapolis to Manhattan. Kollins, a first-time actor who originated the role during the show’s fall 2025 world premiere at Minneapolis’ State Theatre, is out. Fisher, an actor, singer and dancer whose résumé runs from “Hamilton” to “ Hadestown ,” is the headliner of the Broadway production. Fisher will play the Kid, a gifted Minneapolis musician trying to break into the industry while battling shady forces and family demons. The role calls for swagger, sex appeal and enough vulnerability to make an audience care about the man behind the microphone. The leading-man swap is the latest substantial change for a musical facing a challenge that no amount of purple lighting can solve: turning Prince’s charismatic screen presence into a stage character another performer can own. Fisher “is finding something raw, surprising and deeply human in this iconic character,” director Saheem Ali said in a statement, “and I can’t wait for Broadway audiences to experience it.” Fisher brings considerable experience to that balancing act. He played John Laurens and Philip Hamilton, son of the title character, in “Hamilton.” His other Broadway credits include “Dear Evan Hansen,” “Sweeney Todd,” “Hadestown” and “Moulin Rouge!” Fisher’s screen work spans Disney’s “Teen Beach Movie” and “Liv and Maddie,” along with the television musical productions “Grease Live” and “Rent: Live.” But a seasoned star is only part of the overhaul. Ali has taken over as director, and Peter Duchan is the new book writer. The casting announcement suggested more changes are coming as “Purple Rain” heads toward previews March 12 and an April 12, 2027 opening. The “Purple Rain” songs, including “Let’s Go Crazy,” “When Doves Cry” and “I Would Die 4 U” already have their place in music history. The musical still has to earn its place on Broadway.