-Brenda Hillegas
feature photo: Naomi Rodgers as ‘Tina Turner’, by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade, 2022
Tina Turner is one of the world’s best-selling artists. She won 12 Grammy Awards. Her 1987-1988 “Break Every Rule” tour earned her the Guinness World Record title for selling more concert tickets than any other solo performer in history. concert tickets sold than any other solo performer in music history. She’s a two-time inductee into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame and a recipient of the Kennedy Center Honors…
But, where did she begin? How did she get where she is today? Tina – The Tina Turner Musical – a 12 time Tony nominated musical- is at the Kimmel Cultural Campus Academy of Music now through December 4th. Come see the story of Tina Turner (aka Anna-Mae Bullock) told through her music.
The musical takes audiences on an emotional journey through Turner’s tough childhood, to being discovered by Ike Turner, hitting rock bottom, and climbing back to the top. The story is paired with songs from her music catalogue, like “River Deep-Mountain High”, “Proud Mary”, “Don’t Turn Around”, “What’s Love Got to Do With It” and so many more as the decades roll by on stage.
Two actresses alternate the role of Tina on this tour (Naomi Rodgers and Zurin Villanueva). Last night, Naomi Rodgers absolutely killed it, channeling Tina’s voice, mannerism, emotions and never missing a beat. It’s such a big, intense role that no matter who you see on stage, you know you’re getting a top notch performer. By the end of the second act, you truly feel like you’re at a Tina Turner concert, just as she reached her renaissance and the audiences can’t get enough.
Garrett Turner, as Ike Turner, was incredible too. Fans likely know of their toxic relationship, but Garrett puts his all into making sure the audience really get a feel for their two decades together. Some scenes are tough to watch as we see the physical abuse Tina dealt with as a child and well into her years with Ike. However, it reminds the audience just how far she has come- through racism, through being told she’s “too old” for a number one single, the courage she gathered to walk away from everything so she could start fresh. From the sets to the costumes, the way the music is perfectly placed into each scene, and the story of how Tina Turner overcame so much to be where she is now- Tina – The Tina Turner Musical is an inspiring, feel-good story overall. Come see this amazing representation of the iconic Queen of Rock n’ Roll.
And don’t you dare try to leave at the start of the curtain call- you’ll be treated to an encore featuring your Tina Turner for the evening!
Tickets are available at kimmelculturalcampus.org. Follow the show on social media at @TinaBroadway – Facebook, Instagram and Twitter.
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