Tina - The Tina Turner Musical

It's uncommon for the subjects of a biographical musical to be living and actively participate in its production. However, Tina Turner and her second husband, Erwin Bach, served as Executive Producers for the original production of Tina - The Tina Turner Musical, which opened to widespread acclaim in April 2018. Sadly Ms Turner passed away (aged 83) just as the Sydney production was opening in May 2023. Ticket sales for the show in Australia have been extraordinary, and worldwide, it has attracted millions of theatregoers and devoted fans of Ms Turner. The Australian cast goes on record saying that 'Tina was deeply involved in the crafting of this musical - she would no doubt want us to share with you every ounce of joy, energy and artistry that she shared with us'. The statement holds true as this exuberant, high-octane, and superbly executed musical is nothing short of flawless!

The renowned creative team behind the global phenomenon Mamma Mia! has brought the production to Melbourne, including Director Phyllida Lloyd, Choreographer Anthony Van Laast, and Set and Costume Designer Mark Thompson. With its captivating storytelling, remarkable vocal talent, extraordinary dance routines, elegant costumes, and impressive visual components it's evident why Tina - The Tina Turner Musical has garnered such acclaim and a multitude of honors, including 12 Tony Award nominations.

The Set and Costume Design by Mark Thompson is crucial to the triumph of this production, showcasing numerous breathtaking set pieces and over a hundred flys. Thompson merges cutting-edge set design technology with classic stagecraft to convey a genuine and compelling story, all realized through a non-naturalistic approach. These methods vividly capture the cotton fields of Nutbush, the exhilaration of Club Manhattan in Illinois, the backstage happenings at Capitol Records studio, and the thrill of Tina's live shows in Las Vegas (complete with enormous mirror balls), as well as her Macarena Stadium concerts in Rio, plunging the audience into the story. His sophisticated costume designs, which number over 500, are historically authentic, represent the evolution of each character, and are beautifully handcrafted. The costume changes are rapid and frequent, with some performers undergoing as many as 20 different costume switches in a single show. One of many show-stopping costumes, a dazzling metallic dress adorned with thousands of hand-sewn crystals and glass beads, stunned the audience during the Act Two finale featuring 'Nutbush' and 'Proud Mary'.

Instead of adopting contemporary dance styles, Choreographer Anthony Van Laast stays faithful to the era each song portrays. The routines showcase Tina's vibrant and emotive style, which fuses rock 'n' roll, soul, and funk to convey a sense of both grace and strength. Highlights were 'Shake a Tail Feather', 'Disco Inferno', 'Proud Mary' and the 'Nutbush Megamix'. Guided by the expert leadership of Christina Polimos, the band delivered a seamless performance of 26 songs, featuring remarkable guitar and saxophone solos. The concert feel of the finale was heightened at its climax when the band took center stage, prompting an exuberant ovation from the audience. The band's ability to take to the stage so quickly defies belief! Theatre magic at its best!

Both Lighting Designer Bruno Poet (Frankenstein, Bad Cinderella, Miss Saigon) and Sound Designer Nevin Steinberg (Hamilton, Bright Star, Cinderella), are multi-award winners whose attention to detail is not only paramount but extraordinary. The lighting design (featuring over 740 cues) incorporates different techniques as the story progresses through time, using color palettes achievable with traditional equipment for earlier scenes while embracing contemporary technology for later moments. The use of a follow-spot was highly effective in the nightclub scene where Ike Turner searches for a singing partner from the audience. The spotlight glided across the audience before settling on the performers, pulling us into the narrative and conjuring the thrill and illusion of being in the club where Tina makes her debut performance. The effects (including sounds from nature, trains, cars and crowds applauding to name a few) strategically placed throughout the theatre are the most realistic I have ever encountered! The dramatic soundscape and lighting used during Act One finale leaves an indelible impact on the audience, as we feel Tina's adrenaline rush as she flees from her abusive husband. The Act Two finale, capturing Tina's concert in Brazil attended by 180,000 fans, is an electrifying spectacle and astounding success, thanks in large part to Poet and Steinberg's masterful designs. It's a sensory feast that must be experienced to be believed!

Tina Turner is played to perfection by Ruva Ngwenya (The Lion King, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Moulin Rouge! The Musical). Hailing from Melbourne (with Zimbabwean heritage), Ms Ngwenya is an unstoppable force, continually gaining momentum as the show goes on. Performing more than twenty songs, which often include dynamic dance routines, expressive arm movements, and rhythmic body coordination, in addition to participating in several fight scenes and managing twenty costume changes, this role must be among the most demanding in modern musical history! Ruva's heartfelt duet 'Don't Turn Around' with Deni Gordon stood out as one of the night's most moving highlights, seamlessly weaving vulnerability and determination through its lyrics and delivery. The performance of 'Let's Stay Together' featuring Rishab Kern was a crowd-pleaser, showcasing a powerful mix of soulful vocals and poignant lyrics that encapsulate the spirit of first love and dedication. While channeling an energy akin to Turner's, Ms Ngwenya's rendition of each song is unique, emotionally resonant, and establishes a genuine connection with the audience, rather than being a mere imitation of the original. British actress Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy (The Lion King, The Color Purple, Go Buster) plays Tina Turner at certain performances.

Making his Australian theatre debut, Giovanni Adams (with his soulful vocals and charisma), is a brilliant choice for Ike Turner (Tina’s first manager and husband of 16 years). This multifaceted character is depicted as both a villain and a vulnerable individual. The intense and palpable tension between Tina and Ike, primarily characterized by negativity, make their emotional struggles deeply relatable. Although often criticized for his abusive behavior, the musical seeks to present a more nuanced view by highlighting Ike’s musical talent and his significant role in music history, while also delving into the motivations behind his actions, hinting at possibilities for understanding and redemption. Adam’s renditions of ‘Rocket 88’ (the hit often cited as one of the first rock 'n' roll songs), ‘Matchbox’, and ‘She Made My Blood Run Cold’ were authentic, captivating, and precisely executed! For a brief moment it felt as though we were experiencing the brilliance of Ike alongside the ideal version of himself that we hoped to see.

Deni Gordon (Hair, Heartbreak High, the voice of RAGE on ABC) with her extensive theatre background, brings depth and affection to the role of Gran Georgeanna. Ibinabo Jack (Vera, Legally Blonde, Porgy & Bess), is Zelma Bullock, whose complex relationship with Tina adds dramatic tension. Jayme-Lee Hanekom (Frozen, Charlie & The Chocolate Factory, In The Heights) plays Alline Bullock, whose optimistic spirit injects humor into the narrative. Augie Tchantcho (Book of Mormon, Dreamgirls, The Color Purple) convincingly portrays Richard Bullock, a determined preacher, gospel singer, and abusive husband and father, to such an extent that his performance is genuinely unsettling. The performances of Julius Chase and David Mairs-McKenzie as Ronnie and Craig, Tina’s sons, were convincing, and portrayed in a natural delivery. On opening night, Zoe Desmier shone as young Anna Mae, enchanting the audience with her radiant smile, dance moves, and vibrant vocals in “Nutbush City Limits”. Cindy Chitenhe brought Young Alline to life with dynamic energy and emotional nuance. Each actor representing Tina Turner’s family members delivered outstanding performances, deepening our insight into Ms Turner’s significant relationships.

Rishab Kern (Cruel Intentions - The 90's Musical) is Tina's secret boyfriend Raymond Hill. His heartfelt and pure performance of ‘Let’s Stay Together’ alongside Ngwenya captivated the audience, resulting in numerous whistles and claps. Nadia Komazec (The Wedding Singer, School of Rock, The Phantom of the Opera) portraying Rhonda Graam (Tina’slong-time assistant and confidante), whose rendition of ‘Open Arms’ was executed with a serene confidence. Mat Verevis (Beautiful: The Carole King Musical, Tommy, Sweeney Todd) delivers a standout performance as Roger Davies (Tina's manager of 30 years), whose swagger, Australian accent and wit provide a refreshing contrast to the drama of the show. His commanding stage presence captivates every scene he occupies. Erwin Bach, Tina’s second husband, is excellently depicted by Matthew Prime, whose German accent, quirky personality, and overall likable demeanor provide a refreshing contrast to the scenes depicting Tina’s previous abusive relationship with Ike. Particular recognition should be given to Emily Nkomo, Ina Seidou, Rebecca Selley, Tigist Strode along with Jayme-Lee Hanekom as the
Ikette’s, whose emotive backing vocals and polished dance performances create a captivating visual experience throughout.

Other main cast include: Blake Erickson (John Carpenter, Capitol Records manager), Matthew Hamilton (Phil Spector/Terry Britten), Emma Hawthorne (the London choreographer) and Kristin Paulse (Ensemble). The role of Young Anna-Mae is shared between Zoe Desmier, Samara Wheeler, Erianthe Boo Akaata and Lucy Bowyer, and the role of Young Alline is shared between Cindy Chitenhe, Liliana Yohannes, Tacara Blessing Tuazama and Amelia Deb. The remaining Swings include: Mia Dabkowski-Chandler, Junior Delius, Nicholas Eaton (Fight Captain), Kadesa Honeyhill, Loredo Malcolm, Gus Noakes, Ilana Richardson (Co-Dance Captain), Tendai Rinomhota and Noel Samuels (Co-Dance Captain) whose dedication and commitment to excellence help to cement the success of this incredible show!

There has been significant excitement surrounding the Melbourne premiere of Tina - The Tina Turner Musical, and it is 100% justified!

Whether you are a Tina Turner fan, an experienced theatre enthusiast, or looking for a show that will lure your partner or friend into the world of musicals, this is the perfect choice!

Jonathan Cox

Photographer: Daniel Boud