TINA: The Tina Turner Musical

Exploding with energy and electrifying sound, TINA: The Tina Turner Musical is a show like no other. The musical follows the life and incredible comeback of Turner, starting with her modest early years in Tennessee and her journey to becoming one of the world’s most known names in the Rock’n’Roll music scene and music history itself. The show takes an in-depth look into Tina’s life, from her young years as Anna-Mae Bullock singing in New Orleans’ nightclubs, to how she met and started singing alongside Ike Turner, and her tumultuous career and marriage while with him, to how she finally overcame her struggles and became her own artist and person. 

Born in 1939 in Tennessee, Tina Turner was and is still known as the “Queen of Rock’n’Roll”. While she originally started by singing in church choir, she later met her future husband Ike Turner and began singing alongside him in his band, The Kings of Rhythm, between the years of 1956-1976. This period of her life was difficult, as she struggled with domestic abuse and began to have children all while touring and making music. Following a split from Ike and an almost fatal overdose, Tina reemerged into the music industry with what is known as one of the best comebacks of all time. Her hit song “What’s Love Got to Do with It” became Turner’s first and only Billboard Hot 100 Number 1 song and won her a Grammy award. Turner would continue on to be the recipient of 12 Grammy Awards and one of the most best-selling artists of all time. In an era of music that was full of big name stars and hot performances, Tina Turner’s shows sold more tickets than any other solo artists in history, a staggering and incredible feat that goes to show how beloved she was by the world. 

The show itself takes you along on this journey, accompanied by some of Turner’s biggest hits (“We Don’t Need Another Hero”, “Private Dancer”, “Better Be Good to Me”) and invigorating performances by the incredibly talented cast, headed by Zurin Villaneuva (Turner). From the incredible stage design, costumes, dazzling light and booming sound, this production is one-of-a-kind. As each era in Turner’s life develops, the outfits and confidence grow larger and more captivating. The performances from Villanueva (Turner), Deon Releford-Lee (Ike Turner), Dylan S. Wallach (Roger Davies), Roz White (Zelma) and Symphony King/Brianna Cameron (young Anna-Mae) went above and beyond. 

Even if you don’t know much about Turner, her music, or anything about her career, this is a very interesting look into her as a person, beyond just the famous name. If you are a Tina Turner fan, old or new,  be sure to stick around after the final bows as the cast returns for a megamix of Turner’s hits with all of the glitz and glitter of a real-life Tina performance. 

Highly Recommended 

Reviewed by Emilie Giardina

This production is running June 11th-16th at Overture Center for the Arts in Madison, WI. Overture Center is located at 201 State St., Madison, WI, 53703. The production is approx. 2 hours and 45 minutes, including one intermission. 

Tickets can be purchased through their website or by calling the box office at 608-258-4141.