Tina Turner musical
Photo credit: Manuel Harlan
Another musical about a star singer has come to Broadway. Tina: The Tina Turner musical chronicles the life of the iconic performer, beginning with her days as a young child with a mother who has little interest in her younger daughter. Anna Mae Bullock, Tina’s real name, is “too loud”, her mother tells her. That sets the scene for a life of struggle, highlighted by her relationship with Ike Turner, the man who helped provide her with a professional career, but also spent years physically and mentally abusing her.
By the end, Anna Mae (Tina) prevails, and is able to build her own sustainable superstar career on her own as Tina Turner.
It’s a great story to begin with and one that is incredibly inspiring. And then of course, there is that outstanding voice that Tina was born with and developed, along with her signature dance moves.
In this musical, Adrienne Warren plays Tina Turner, and gives a full out, powerhouse performance with a voice that seems out of this universe. She is surely set to be nominated for a Tony.
Also, special mention must go to the young actress who plays Tina as a child. Making her Broadway debut at 10 years old, Skye Turner is definitely one to watch, as she stole the show in every scene she appeared in. She even gets a special spotlight at the end of the performance.
A super talented cast with fabulous musicians, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical is pure entertainment. https://tinaonbroadway.com/
To learn about the woman who wrote many of the songs we know and love that Tina Turner made famous and are featured in the musical, listen to my interview with Songwriter Hall of Fame inductee and multiple award winner Holly Knight.
Saturday morning from 9-10, on “Bagels and Broadway with Valerie Smaldone” on WNYM-AM, and then on podcast at: Bagels and Broadway
Valerie Smaldone is a 5-time Billboard Magazine Award winner and is well known for her unprecedented success holding the #1 on-air position in the New York radio market on 106.7 Life-FM, an iHeart station. She has hosted, produced, and created several award-winning nationally syndicated programs featuring in-depth interviews with stars like Paul McCartney, Celine Dion, Rod Stewart, Elton John and Mariah Carey among others. Her radio talk show "Bagels and Broadway" highlighted theatre and food personalities. She is an accomplished interviewer and voice artist heard on commercials, narrations, promos and audiobooks, as well as a sought after live announcer.
Most recently, Valerie produced and directed a film, The Thursday Night Club, featuring pop diva Gloria Gaynor in her movie acting debut. She is one of the creators and producers of a docu-series, Divine Renovation, starring Erik Estrada, on streaming networks soon.
I saw Tina at the Matinee with Nkeki Obi-Meleke who was sensational. Skye Dakota Turner who plays Tina as a child ,reminiscent of a young Aretha Franklin. I’d say this show is a do not miss.