Prince (October 10, 1993) – “Billboards” Performance Advert – Star Tribune.
A major newspaper advertisement promotes the forthcoming Minneapolis engagement of the Joffrey Ballet's acclaimed rock ballet Billboards, set entirely to the music of Prince. The production brought together contemporary dance and some of Prince's best‑known songs for a week‑long run in his home state of Minnesota.
Publication: Star Tribune
Publication Date: October 10, 1993
Country: USA
Event Date: October 19–24, 1993
This full‑page advertisement promotes The Joffrey Ballet's production of Billboards, a rock ballet choreographed by Laura Dean, Charles Moulton, Peter Pucci, and Margo Sappington, with music by Prince.
The advert highlights a selection of Prince songs used in the production, including:
Purple Rain
Trust
Baby I'm A Star
The promotional text describes the performance as combining the artistry of the Joffrey Ballet with the power and energy of Prince's music. A review quotation from the Chicago Sun‑Times praises the production as:
“An immediate hit!”
Performances were scheduled at Northrop Auditorium in Minneapolis between October 19 and October 24, 1993, with additional ticket outlets and telephone booking information prominently displayed.
A dramatic photograph of a ballet dancer is incorporated into the word “BILLBOARDS”, visually reinforcing the fusion of dance and popular music that defined the production.
CONTEXT AND NOTES
Originally created by the Joffrey Ballet, Billboards became one of the most celebrated examples of rock music being adapted for the ballet stage. Prince's catalogue provided the musical foundation for the production, demonstrating the growing recognition of his work beyond traditional pop and rock audiences.
The Minneapolis engagement carried additional significance because it brought a ballet based on Prince's music to his home city during one of the most successful periods of his career. Newspaper advertisements such as this document the promotion and local excitement surrounding the event.
FEATURE HIGHLIGHTS
Event: Joffrey Ballet presentation of Billboards
Era: 1993 – Love Symbol era
Tone: Promotional and celebratory
Photography: Large advertising image featuring a ballet dancer integrated into the Billboards title design
WHAT THE CLIPPING SHOWS
Advertisement for Billboards
Music by Prince
Joffrey Ballet production
Northrop Auditorium engagement
Performance dates of October 19–24, 1993
References to Purple Rain, Trust and Baby I'm A Star
Ticket and booking information for Minneapolis audiences
SOURCES Prince Vault, Sleevographia2, Discogs.
All single artwork, photographs, logos, and original text excerpts remain the property of their respective copyright holders. This entry is a transformative, non-commercial archival summary created for historical documentation and educational reference. No ownership of the original material is claimed or implied.
Comments