What a show.
‘TINA – The Tina Turner Musical’ is one of those productions which fills your heart – not necessarily in one sense, but in a number of ways. It’s got it all: deep sadness, sharp pain, and pure, unbridled joy. Tracking Anna Mae Bullock’s tumultuous rise to stardom, this production feels incredibly full, and its cast is packed with talent. . . Some of the best this reviewer has ever seen on stage.
Set design is smooth and far-ranging as we go from churches, to recording studios, to nightclubs, to motel parking lots, and decked-out stages. Lighting plays a huge role in many scenes and is used well to highlight Tina’s many experiences and her emotional journey. Most impressively, it realistically turns The Princess Theatre into a music arena at one point.
Giovanni Adams plays Ike Turner – a complex character who is at points so convincingly villainous that curtain call applause from the audience is – while still raucous – noticeably different in tone for Giovanni’s bow. He sells his charm, but also expertly shape-shifts to evil and abusive in scenes which will stay with this reviewer for a while.
Image © Daniel Boud
Jayme-Lee Hanekom is a stand-out as Tina’s sister Alline Bullock, bringing effervescence and sass to the stage. . . As is Deni Gordon as Tina’s grandmother Gran Georgeanna (their duet ‘Don’t Turn Around’ is stunning) and the delightful Matthew Prime as Erwin Bach.
At the centre of it all is Ruva Ngwenya as Anna Mae/Tina. Ruva’s talent knows no bounds, and to watch her on stage is to witness pure greatness. From her first moment on stage till her last, she exudes power and energy as the star, pushing through obstacles of abuse, sexism, ageism and racism to climb triumphantly to the top. Not to mention a mind-blowing vocal range which hits the very top of the Princess Theatre’s ceiling and reaches the furthest walls up the back.
Musically, highlights include ‘Nutbush City Limits’ (kicking the show off with a hearty, energetic bang), the ever iconic ‘Proud Mary’, and of course a show-stopping, standing-ovation-triggering rendition of ‘Simply The Best’.
Image © Daniel Boud
Tina’s story is one which feels completely appropriate to present on a scale such as this. Strip away the theatre of it all, and Tina’s rise to fame was still incredibly complex and interesting – she fought against so much and was able to rise to the top. . . Making her journey perfect for the stage: with a musical backdrop provided by none other than the woman herself!
A cast holding enough talent to fill a stadium. . . A soundtrack which shakes the theatre. . . And a story rich with themes of hardship and blistering success – ‘TINA – The Tina Turner Musical’ is extraordinary.
★★★★★
