Tina- The Tina Turner Musical is as high energy as a stadium concert, and as exciting as the legendary singer Tina Turner herself! With great performances, rousing music, beautiful sets and costumes, it chronicles Tina’s triumphant rise from hardship to a spectacular career as a solo artist.
Tina’s story begins as a child singing boldly in church, living in 1940’s Nutbush, Tennessee, sent to live with her grandmother after being abandoned by her mother. As a teen Tina meets Ike Turner, the leader and songwriter for the popular band Kings of Rhythm. Ike is immediately taken with Tina’s vocal talents and signs her to the band. The group changes the name to Ike and Tina Turner. The group have to deal with racism as they tour in the south. The tension adds to the struggle of these artists trying to make their name and money. In spite of this, Ike and Tina Turner become popular. When Tina marries Ike, however, the marriage quickly turns abusive and controlling. After many years, Tina cannot bear the abuse and makes a courageous escape from Ike. She begins her life and career again. Times are very tight until opportunity comes along with a new manager and new music that sends her to become one of the biggest comebacks in rock n’ roll.
The live performances give a trip down memory lane when those early rock n’ roll shows were big productions. The choice of songs is interesting. Besides the obvious hits, such as “River Deep Mountain High”, some songs serve as the narrative for certain scenes. The scene with the song “I Want To Take You Higher” is electrifying, full of the chaos in Tina’s life, with explosive consequences. Her escape from Ike is a powerful statement that leaving violence can open you to meeting good people.
The first act of the show is intense, with tough scenes of domestic violence. Tina’s relationship with her mother is sad and dysfunctional. But she has a loving grandmother, a supportive sister, and she becomes a fiercely protective mother. The second act builds to Tina’s epic comeback, professionally and personally. Her practice with Buddhism bookends the show, tying together her past and taking control of her present. And with the self-esteem to demand her worth. The climax is a big, powerful finale which will make the audience jump out of their seats! (No spoilers!)
Jayna Elise as Tina is wonderful! She confidently kicks it in those iconic high heels and shows the legend’s growth as an artist and as a woman, finding her strength and courage. Sterling Baker-McClary as Ike Turner is excellent. He captures Ike’s talent and charisma, masking a volatile and violent temper with a need for absolute control over everyone and everything around him. The entire cast is terrific and multi-talented.
This show is must see for Tina’s fans and for an insightful introduction to the early days of rock ‘n roll. Time may move on, but the music keeps on rollin’.
Photo credit: Julieta Cervantes
Tina- The Tina Turner Musical presented by evenko and Broadway Across Canada. Show runs until February 9, at Salle Wilfrid-Pelletier, Place des Arts, 175 Ste.-Catherine Street West, Montreal. For tickets call the box office at 514-842-2112 (or 1-866-842-2112) or go to www.placedesarts.com
