Learning about the death of an iconic artist can instantly spur disbelief, and a search for answers, and a longing for true connection with other fans, those people who've been moved by the music like you have been for so many years.
Such was the case on April 21, 2016, when the world learned of Prince's passing at his Paisley Park Studios at the age of 57. Soon, devotees were reminiscing about the Minnesota musician's spectacular live shows, his sing-along-able hits, and, of course, "Purple Rain," a 1984 tour de force that brought the artist cinematic acclaim, not to mention an Academy Award for Best Original Song Score.
Many fans, however, have likely not seen the tune-laden drama since it first played on the big screen over three decades ago. That will change over the last week in April as AMC Theatres, in partnership with Warner Bros., brings Prince's moving opus to 87 screens across the country from April 23 through 28.
The sound-filled drama not only feature Prince in the role of a Minneapolis rocker, but also includes terrific turns by Morris Day, Apollonia, Wendy Melvoin, and Lisa Coleman.
The songs? You know them all, by heart. "When Doves Cry," "Darling Nikki," "Let's Go Crazy," and so many more fill out the scintillating, Oscar-garnering soundtrack.
We've seen, since the news broke, impromptu fan gatherings in several cities, the kind of gatherings that are all about connection (and, yes, the chance to sing a few songs, in public, with plenty of feeling).
The "Purple Rain" AMC screenings will likely invite some of that spirit, too, as fans revisit a film they saw on the big screen in '84, or see it in a cinema for the very first time.
In the Los Angeles area, the following AMC theaters will be playing "Purple Rain":
- Atlantic Times Square 14
- Broadway 4
- Covina 17
- Norwalk 20
- Ontario Mills 30
- Orange 30 W/IMAX
- Promenade 16
- Rolling Hills 20
