Tina Turner was an accomplished performer and a trail blazer for women in the music industry. One of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, and recipient of 12 Grammy Awards. This musical honours her achievements, celebrates her music and acknowledges her influences and personal struggles along the way. It’s no secret that she had to overcome significant adversity before going on tobecome an iconic solo artist, songwriter and actor.
This show, is based on the book by Pulitzer-winner Katori Hall, along with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins. It moves through the defining moments of Turner’s life, kicking off in the town she grew up in, Nutbush, Tennessee, where we are privy to her stand-out vocal talents from an early age, singing in the church choir. Her love of singing is overshadowed by family violence and her parents separating. The show proceeds to paint a picture of a challenging early life – a difficult relationship with her mother, being recognised for her vocal talent at 17 by Ike Turner, played by Giovanni Adamsand being allowed to go on tour with his band at this young age, coerced into marriage and enduring years of domestic abuse, violence and racism. These moments are punctuated by her music, not necessariy in chronological order, more based on the relevanceof the lyrics. Either way these poiniant moments would often give rise to goosebumps as the sound of one of her familiar tracks would begin to play.
The second part of the show takes us on the journey to her solo career. It is more upbeat and humourous as it explores Tina meeting Australian manager Roger Davies (played brilliantly by Mat Verevis), who takes her to London to work with Martin Ware and Aussie songwriter Terry Britten who help her find her feet as a solo artist. Around that time she also meets her second husband and the true love of her life, the 16 years younger German record executive Erwin Bach.
Ruva Ngwenya who plays Tina is an absolute powerhouse, her impressive vocals are a constant delight throughout the show, she convincingly emulates Tina’s performance style and manerisms, giving those of us who never got to see Tina in concert a greater sense of what it might have been like. At the same time she makes the performances her own and feels authentic throughout. Casting for the show is excellent with stellar performances and superb vocal performances. The strong chemistry between the cast members is also clearly evident.
Culminating with a spectacular recreation of one of her biggest concerts in Brazil, which incorporates a huge and well executed music ensemble, it allows the theatre audience to willingly become the concert audience and joining in to sing the lyrics at Tina’s request. The concert is dazzling and flamboyant, with Tina’s trademark high energy singing and dancing that leaves the audience on a high.
While the pace of the show feels a little uneven at times, as it jumps between the highs and lows of Tina’s life, we are reminded of what a true survivor she really was. Overall it satisfies our desire to feel a little bit closer the artist, enjoy her unique style and talent and celebrate her most beloved music tracks.
This new musical based on the life of Tina Turner received its world premiere in April 2018 in London’s West End.
Produced by Paul Dainty AO/TEG DAINTY in special collaboration with Stage Entertainment, Tali Pelman and the late Tina Turner.
Featuring 23 hit songs including, “Simply The Best,” “What’s Love Got To Do With It,” “Nutbush City Limits” and “Proud Mary”, this smash hit musical has received 37 prestigious award nominations including BEST MUSICAL (Tony Awards) and BEST NEW MUSICAL (Olivier Awards).
TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL
Melbourne, Princess Theatre – September 21, 2024 to January 26, 2025
New tickets on sale Friday 4th October! Visit www.tinathemusical.com.au for ticket information.
