“Purple Rain,” the movie, is an odd one. Fronted by a first-time actor and marred by misogyny and violence, it ultimately succeeds thanks to one of the greatest rock music soundtracks in history.

“Purple Rain,” the musical, is also an odd one. Fronted by a first-time actor and marred by attempts to correct that misogyny and violence, it nearly succeeds thanks to, well, the music.

After three weeks of previews — a time when producers gauge audience reaction and make changes as needed — the (reportedly) $26.5 million world premiere based on the 1984 film officially opened Wednesday night at the State Theatre in downtown Minneapolis. Friends, family and followers of the Purple One filled the crowd, including Soul Asylum’s Dave Pirner, Revolution drummer Bobby Z (who, along with Prince assoc

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