Tina (musical) explained

Tina
Subtitle:The Tina Turner Musical
Music:Various
Lyrics:Various
Basis:Songs
by Tina Turner
Premiere Location:Aldwych Theatre, London
Productions:2018 West End
2019 Hamburg
2019 Broadway
2020 Utrecht
2021 Madrid
2022 US Tour
2023 Sydney
2025 UK Tour

Tina: The Tina Turner Musical is a jukebox musical featuring the music of Tina Turner and depicting her life from her humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her transformation into a rock 'n roll superstar. Directed by Phyllida Lloyd with a book by Katori Hall, Frank Ketelaar, and Kees Prins, the musical had its world premiere on 17 April 2018 at the Aldwych Theatre in London. The Broadway production opened on 7 November 2019.[1]

Synopsis

Act I

The musical opens with Tina preparing to go on stage, as she recites a Buddhist chant, nam myoho renge kyo.

In 1950s Nutbush Tennessee, a young Anna Mae Bullock sings exuberantly at a community church gathering ("Nutbush City Limits"). Her mother Zelma is embarrassed at her loudness and reprimands her. Anna Mae's parents have a difficult relationship, and after being physically assaulted, Zelma walks out with her eldest daughter Alline. Anna Mae is left alone to be brought up by her grandmother, Gran Georgeanna.

Some years later, Gran Georgeanna encourages Anna Mae to go to Memphis and record an album, and Anna Mae leaves to go join her mother and sister, Alline, in St. Louis ("Don't Turn Around"). In St. Louis, Alline gives Anna Mae a makeover and introduces her to the nightlife ("Shake a Tail Feather"). At a nightclub, Anna Mae sees Ike Turner and his band, the Kings of Rhythm ("The Hunter"). Anna Mae is encouraged to sing on stage with Ike ("Matchbox (2018–2021) Blood Run Cold (2021–present)"). Realizing her potential, Ike persuades Zelma to let Anna Mae join his band ("It's Gonna Work Out Fine").

Ike changes the name of the band to the "Ike and Tina Turner Revue", and gives her the stage name "Tina Turner". An attraction is sparked between Tina and Raymond Hill, the band's saxophonist. Although Tina enjoys performing with Ike and The Ikettes, she becomes increasingly aware of his vicious temper and possessiveness ("A Fool in Love"). Ike is physically violent towards her, and leaves with a female stranger. While he is gone, Raymond confesses his love for Tina, despite her attempts to end the love affair ("Let's Stay Together").

The band is refused accommodation at a motel because of their race, with Ike telling the band that the new civil rights haven't changed people's attitudes. As the band sleeps in the bus, Ike tells Tina about his father who was brutally assaulted for having a relationship with a white woman. In addition, Ike is resentful that his first hit, "Rocket 88", was credited to someone else. He has Tina make a promise that she will never leave him, and asks Tina to marry him. Tina agrees, despite being pregnant with Raymond's child. As they are about to leave, two white police officers intimidate them and Ike is forced to pay them to avoid harm.

Raymond finds out about the engagement, and after warning Tina about Ike, he leaves. Rhonda Graam is introduced as the band's new manager, and Tina reveals she is pregnant with Raymond's child ("Better Be Good to Me"). As they continue touring, Tina becomes increasingly isolated from Ike as he begins taking drugs and sleeping with other women. She continues performing with Ike and his band, even while pregnant and eventually giving birth to two children, Craig and Ronnie, and still keeps performing despite Ike's infidelities, increasing violence, and demands of Tina's health ("I Want to Take You Higher"). The Ikettes leave the band because of Ike's behavior, and unsuccessfully try to convince Tina to leave as well. They introduce her to a Buddhist chant nam myoho renge kyo, to help give her strength. Rhonda admits to Tina she is only staying to help protect Tina and begs Tina to leave Ike, but she refuses because of her children.

Ike and Tina meet with Phil Spector, who offers them a recording deal. Ike is angered when Phil wants to record Tina as a solo artist. Phil guides Tina through a song he wrote for her, and Tina begins to find her "voice" ("River Deep Mountain High"). Despite the success of her new single, Ike is dismissive of Tina's ability as a solo artist. During an argument, Ike assaults her son, Craig. Tina threatens to leave Ike, but he apologizes and begs for her forgiveness ("Be Tender with Me Baby"). Tina overdoses and is sent to a hospital, but is forced to check out for a performance ("Proud Mary"). Zelma tells Tina that she must teach Ike a lesson.

Tina and Ike get into another violent fight, causing Tina to run away. Bruised and bleeding, she asks a hotel clerk for a room to stay, using only her stage name as a promise to pay later since she doesn't have any money ("I Don't Wanna Fight").

Act II

Divorced from Ike, Tina is in debt and forced to perform in Las Vegas bars with the help of Rhonda, now her manager. They're struggling to make ends meet because no record label wants to sign a black woman who's nearing forty years old, and Ike has claimed copyright over all songs from the "Ike & Tina Revue", preventing her from singing the songs she's known for ("Private Dancer").

As they drop off a demo tape at Capitol Records, they meet Roger Davies, a young Australian music producer who is a fan of Tina. Roger watches Tina perform in Las Vegas ("Disco Inferno"), and becomes her manager. Despite being upset about being put aside, Rhonda understands Tina needs to try something new. Tina tells Rhonda she needs her more as a sister, and Rhonda promises to stand by Tina's side ("Open Arms"). When Tina arrives in London, she meets Erwin Bach, who was sent to pick up Tina at the airport. Tina struggles with Roger's advice as she wants to reinvent herself. Tina feels lonely and isolated, and dreams of Ike watching her ("I Can't Stand the Rain"). Erwin comes to her hotel room and comforts her, and they share a kiss.

While preparing for a showcase for the record label, Tina becomes upset at Roger's instructions and does not want to be anyone's puppet. Tina prepares her Buddhist mantra to calm herself, and has visions of her younger self and Gran Georgeanna encouraging her ("Tonight"). Despite the showcase's success, the record label refuses to sign Tina because of her age, gender, and race. Furious, Roger quits the label and decides to promote her himself in the United States. Erwin declares his love for her and asks her to stay in London with him, but Tina rejects him. Tina successfully performs in New York City ("What's Love Got to Do with It?"). Capitol Records begs her to sign with them, but Tina agrees only on her own terms.

Alline arrives with news Zelma is dying. Tina visits Zelma at the hospital, who admits she struggled raising Tina. Ike also visits, and Zelma encourages them to reconcile. Tina is hurt her mother can't see Ike's abusive behavior, and Ike refuses to apologize. Tina and Alline mourn their mother ("We Don't Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)"). Tina realizes she is surrounded by people who form her own version of a family.

Riding high, Tina prepared for a concert in front of 180,000 people in Brazil. Roger and Tina share excitement. Erwin suddenly appears, having flown to be with her. They reconcile and share a kiss. Tina ascends the stairs for the concert ("The Best").

Encore: Tina and her band perform a mini-concert of "Nutbush City Limits" and "Proud Mary".

Principal casts

CharacterWest EndBroadwayHamburgUtrecht[2] MadridNorth American tour[3] Sydney
[4]
2018201920192020202120222023
Tina TurnerAdrienne WarrenKristina LoveNyassa AlbertaKery SankohNaomi Rodgers
Zurin Villanueva
Ruva Ngwenya
Ike TurnerKobna Holdbrook-SmithDaniel J. WattsMandela Wee WeeJuneoer MersRone ReinosoGarrett TurnerTim Omaji
Zelma BullockMadeline AppiahDawnn LewisAdisat SemenitschNoah BlindenburgJuno Kotto KingRoz WhiteIbinabo Jack
Erwin BachGerard McCarthyRoss LekitesSimon MehlichDieter SpileersOriol AngladaMax FallsMatthew Prime
Gran GeorgeannaLorna GayleMyra Lucretia TaylorAdi WolfJeannine la RoseIleana WilsonAnn NesbyDeni Gordon
Roger DaviesRyan O’DonnellCharlie FranklinNikolas HeiberSteven RooxPedro MartellZachary Freier-HarrisonMat Verevis
Rhonda GraamFrancesca JacksonJessica RushSarah SchützLiss WalravensAnna LagaresLael Van KeurenNadia Komazec
Alline BullockAisha JawandoMars RuckerDenise Lucia AquinoGaia AikmanAisha FayParris LewisJayme-Lee Hanekom
Phil Spector / Terry BrittenTom GodwinSteven BoothAlex BellinkxJasper KerkhofCarlos BáezGeoffrey KidwellJohn O’Hara
Raymond HillNatey JonesGerald CaesarAnthony Curtis KirbyOwen PlayfairYefry XanderTaylor A. BlackmanRishab Kern
Richard BullockDavid JenningsKristofer Weinstein-StoreyMarlon David HenryKevin TukuCarlton Terrence TaylorAugie Tchantcho
Carpenter / Martyn WareJason LangleyRobert LenziMarlon WehmeierDanny HoutkooperNico BaumgärtnerChris StevensBlake Erickson
Craig HillKit EsuruosoMatthew GriffinMichael B. SattlerGiovanni van GomMarcos OliAndre HindsDavid Mairs-McKenzie
Ronnie TurnerBaker MukasaJhardon Dishon MiltonDinipiri EtebuLorenzo KolfHansel MoyaAntonio BeverlyAbu Kebe

Notable replacements

West End

Karis Anderson,Zoe Birkett

Broadway

North American tour

Musical numbers

Act I
Act II

Songwriters in parentheses

In the Broadway production "Rocket 88" replaced "The Hunter" and "She Made My Blood Run Cold" was included after "Matchbox". Beginning in 2021, the same change was made to the West End production.

Background

On 16 December 2016 a workshop presentation was held with Tina Turner in attendance, announcing that a biographical musical about Tina's life had been in development by Stage Entertainment for over a year.[13] The creative team of the musical consists of Katori Hall, with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins as writers of the book, Phyllida Lloyd as the director, Mark Thompson as set and costume designer, Anthony van Laast as choreographer and Nicholas Skilbeck as musical supervisor. Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins wrote the early draft of the book, with Katori Hall taking over partway through development.[14]

Productions

West End (2018–present)

The show began previews on 21 March 2018 at the Aldwych Theatre, officially opened on 17 April. Adrienne Warren played the title role, with Jenny Fitzpatrick alternating in the role in some performances.[15] The production was nominated for three Laurence Olivier Awards, including Best Musical. After Warren's departure, the title role has been played by Chanel Haynes,[5] [6] Nkeki Obi-Melekwe,[16] Aisha Jawando,[17] and Elesha Paul Moses.[18]

Germany (2019–present)

The first non-English production opened in March 2019 at the Stage Operettenhaus in Hamburg, Germany.[19] [20] In March 2023, the German production was transferred to the Apollo Theater Stuttgart.[21]

Broadway (2019–2022)

The show began on Broadway in previews at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on 12 October 2019 and officially opened on 7 November 2019. Warren reprised the title role in the Broadway production, with direction by Phyllida Lloyd and choreography by Anthony van Laast.[22] [23] [24] The show was suspended on 12 March 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic and resumed performances on 8 October 2021.[25] [26] In June 2022, it was announced that the production would close on 14 August 2022 after 27 previews and 482 regular performances.[27]

Netherlands (2020–2023)

On 9 February 2020, the show opened at the Beatrix theater in Utrecht, the Netherlands.[28] After the suspension of the show a little more than a month after its opening, performances resumed on 14 July 2021.[29] The show closed in February 2023.[30]

Spain (2021–2023)

A Spanish production ran from 30 September 2021 to January 8 2023 at the Teatro Coliseum in Madrid.[31] [32]

North American National Tour (2022–present)

On 11 September 2022, the show embarked on a North American tour opening at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) in Providence, Rhode Island.[33]

Australia (2023–present)

An Australian production opened in May 2023 at the Theatre Royal, Sydney.[34]

Critical response

The musical received generally positive reviews from the critics, with particular praise reserved for Adrienne Warren in the title role as Tina Turner. Michael Billington of The Guardian described the "whirlwind performance" of Warren as "astonishing", and concluded on the production: "As bio-musicals go, this is as good as it gets."[35] Similarly Dominic Cavendish of The Daily Telegraph described Warren's performance as a "tour de force" and considered the show "slickly choreographed, beautifully designed and roof-raisingly well-sung".[36] Adam Mattera in Echoes noted "the production plays fast and loose with catalogue chronology... it's a crowd-pleasing decision meaning all the solo mega-hits aren't squeezed into the final act, but simultaneously it derails the dramatic reveal of Tina's 80s rock'n'roll reinvention," while concluding "it's so resounding joyous you don't care."[37]

Will Gompertz of the BBC criticised the script as "rather disappointingly two-dimensional", but thought the musical "elegantly staged" with Warren a "24-carat, all singing, all dancing, bona fide star".[38] Stephen Dalton of The Hollywood Reporter noted that while its grand finale contains "stilted, corny elements", "the production becomes a full-blooded rock show that is "roof-raising" and "life-affirming", with a climax that "swept the crowd to its feet. Pure button-pushing melodrama, maybe. But irresistibly uplifting entertainment, too."[39]

Awards and nominations

Original West End production

YearAwardCategoryNomineeResult
2018Evening Standard Theatre Award[40] Best Musical PerformanceAdrienne Warren
Best DirectorPhyllida Lloyd
Stage Debut Award[41] Best West End DebutAdrienne Warren
2019Laurence Olivier Award[42]
Best Actress in a MusicalAdrienne Warren
Best Actor in a MusicalKobna Holdbrook-Smith
Black British Theatre Award[43] Best Musical Production
Best Male Actor in a MusicalKobna Holdbrook-Smith
WhatsOnStage Award[44] Best New Musical
Best Actress in a MusicalAdrienne Warren
Best Actor in a MusicalKobna Holdbrook-Smith
Best Show Poster
2020Black British Theatre Award[45] Best Musical
Best Female Actor in a MusicalAisha Jawando

Original Broadway production

YearAwardCategoryNomineeResult
2020Tony Awards[46] Best Musical
Best Book of a MusicalKatori Hall, Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins
Best Performance by a Leading Actress in a MusicalAdrienne Warren
Best Performance by a Featured Actor in a MusicalDaniel J. Watts
Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a MusicalMyra Lucretia Taylor
Best Direction of a MusicalPhyllida Lloyd
Best ChoreographyAnthony Van Laast
Best OrchestrationsEthan Popp
Best Scenic Design of a MusicalMark Thompson and Jeff Sugg
Best Costume Design of a MusicalMark Thompson
Best Lighting Design of a MusicalBruno Poet
Best Sound Design of a MusicalNevin Steinberg
Drama Desk Awards[47] Outstanding Actress in a MusicalAdrienne Warren
Outstanding Costume Design of a MusicalMark Thompson
Outstanding Lighting Design of a MusicalBruno Poet
Outstanding Wig and Hair DesignCampbell Young Associates
Drama League Awards[48] Outstanding Production of a Musical
Distinguished Performance AwardAdrienne Warren
Outer Critics Circle AwardsOutstanding New Broadway Musical
Outstanding ChoreographerAnthony Van Laast
Outstanding Actress in a MusicalAdrienne Warren
Outstanding Featured in a MusicalDaniel J. Watts
Outstanding Costume DesignMark Thompson

External links

Notes and References

  1. Web site: Tina - The Tina Turner Musical . LondonTheatre.co.uk . 2018-03-23 .
  2. Web site: TINA - De Musical. TINA de Tina Turner musical. nl. 2019-12-10.
  3. Web site: Cast & Creative TINA – The Tina Turner Musical Official Broadway Site . 2022-09-03 . TINA – The Tina Turner Musical . en-US.
  4. Web site: Further cast announced for TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL. Arts Review. March 1, 2023. May 2, 2023.
  5. https://www.abouttheartists.com/artists/561009-chanel-haynes Chanel Haynes Theatre Credits
  6. https://www.broadwayworld.com/people/Chanel-Haynes/ Chanel Haynes Credits (Broadway World)
  7. Web site: Gans . Andrew . Alice by Heart's Nkeki Obi-Melekwe Joins Cast of London's Tina—The Tina Turner Musical . Playbill . 27 May 2023 . 15 April 2019.
  8. Web site: Wood . Alex . New Tina – The Tina Turner Musical West End cast announced . WhatsOnStage . 27 May 2023 . 24 May 2022.
  9. Web site: Gans . Andrew . Kristina Love Steps Into Title Role of London's Tina—The Tina Turner Musical Beginning October 12 . Playbill . 27 May 2023 . 12 October 2022.
  10. Web site: Gioia . Michael . Why 'Tina Turner' Musical Star Nkeki Obi-Melekwe Gave Her First Broadway Paycheck to Her Family . People . 27 May 2023 . 29 March 2022.
  11. Web site: Gans . Andrew . Nick Rashad Burroughs is Ike in Broadway's Tina—The Tina Turner Musical Starting January 18 . Playbill . 27 May 2023 . 18 January 2022.
  12. Web site: Thomas . Ivan . Roderick Lawrence to Play Ike Turner on "Tina" Broadway Musical Tour. Its Only Entertainment . 11 July 2023 . 8 May 2023.
  13. Web site: TINA TURNER MUSICAL IN DEVELOPMENT . 2016-12-16 . OfficialLondonTheatre.com . 2018-03-23 .
  14. Web site: Mark . Brown . Katori Hall, writer of Tina Turner musical, on #MeToo, diversity and inclusion . 2018-03-05 . TheGuardian.com . 2018-03-23 .
  15. Web site: West End production of TINA extends bookings to February 2019 . 2018-04-18 . BestofTheatre.co.uk . 2018-04-18 .
  16. Web site: Alice by Heart's Nkeki Obi-Melekwe joins cast of London's Tina. April 15, 2019. Playbill.
  17. Web site: Tina announces West End extension to December 2022 and partnership with Refuge . WhatsOnStage .
  18. Web site: Production images and a new cast for Tina – The Tina Turner Musical. July 13, 2022. londonboxoffice.co.uk.
  19. Gans, Andrew. "Tina—The Tina Turner Musical Will Open in Germany in 2019; Broadway Plans Also Underway" Playbill, September 21, 2018
  20. https://www.broadwayworld.com/germany/article/BWW-Review-TINA-THE-TINA-TURNER-MUSICAL-in-Hamburg-20190308 "BWW Review"
  21. Web site: Musicals & Shows von Stage Entertainment . www.stage-entertainment.de . de.
  22. Fierberg, Ruthie. "Tina, the Tina Turner Musical, Will Arrive on Broadway in Fall 2019" Playbill, October 3, 2018
  23. McPhee, Ryan. "Watch Tina: The Tina Turner Musical Scribe Katori Hall Greet the Cast on the First Day of Broadway Rehearsals" Playbill, September 9, 2019
  24. McPhee, Ryan. " Tina: The Tina Turner Musical Begins on Broadway October 12" Playbill, October 12, 2019
  25. Web site: Check the Statuses of Broadway Shows During the Coronavirus Shutdown. May 12, 2020. Clement, Olivia. Playbill . May 29, 2020.
  26. Web site: Tina will reopen on Broadway Oct. 8. May 11, 2021. Huston, Caitlin. broadwaynews.com . May 19, 2021.
  27. Gans, Andrew. Tina—The Tina Turner Musical Will Close on Broadway This Fall Playbill, June 7, 2022
  28. Web site: 2019-03-08 . WEST END HIT TINA – DE TINA TURNER MUSICAL KOMT NAAR NEDERLAND . 2022-09-03 . Stage Entertainment . nl.
  29. Web site: 2021-06-07 . TINA – De Tina Turner Musical vanaf 14 juli terug in het Beatrix Theater . 2022-09-03 . Musicalweb.nl . nl.
  30. Web site: TINA - De Tina Turner Musical Archief musicals . 2023-05-24 . Stage Entertainment . nl.
  31. Web site: Tina: The Tina Turner Musical Sets Sights on October Reopening. Playbill. Dan. Meyer. May 11, 2021. September 15, 2021.
  32. Web site: Tina ofrece sus últimas funciones en Madrid. broadwayworld.com. José Germán. Martínez Paneque. Dec 29, 2022. January 9, 2023.
  33. Web site: Tina Announces Multiyear North American Tour TheaterMania. 2022-02-10. theatermania.com. 10 February 2022 . en-US.
  34. Web site: Mitchell . Thomas . 2022-08-01 . Start practising the Nutbush: The Tina Turner Musical is heading to Sydney . 2023-02-20 . The Sydney Morning Herald . en.
  35. News: Tina review – whirlwind Turner tribute leaves you breathless . The Guardian . Michael. Billington. 17 April 2018 .
  36. News: Tina The Musical at Aldwych, review - this joyful, lungs-bursting show is simply the best . Dominic . Cavendish. 18 April 2018. The Daily Telegraph .
  37. News: Tina: The Musical . Adam . Mattera. 20 April 2018. Echoes .
  38. News: Will Gompertz reviews Tina: The Musical at London's Aldwych Theatre . Will . Gompertz. 21 April 2018. BBC .
  39. Web site: 'Tina': Theater Review . 17 April 2018 . Stephen . Dalton. The Hollywood Reporter .
  40. Web site: 2018-11-16. Read the Evening Standard Theatre Awards 2018 shortlist in full. 2020-12-03. The Evening Standard. en.
  41. Web site: Stage Debut Awards 2018 – Winners. 2020-12-03. WestEndTheatre.com - London Theatre Tickets. en-GB.
  42. Web site: 2019 Olivier Award Nominations: London's Company and Come From Away Lead the Pack. McPhee. Ryan. 2019-03-05. Playbill. en. 2019-03-06.
  43. Web site: Longman. Will. 2019-09-19. Shortlist for first Black British Theatre Awards 2019 announced. 2020-12-03. London Theatre Guide. en.
  44. Web site: 2018-12-05. Shortlisted nominees announced for 2019 WhatsOnStage Awards. 2020-12-03. West End Wilma. en-GB.
  45. Web site: Thomas. Sophie. 2020-10-26. 2020 Black British Theatre Awards winners announced. 2020-12-03. London Theatre Guide. en.
  46. Web site: Full List of the 2020 Tony Award Nominees. The New York Times. Peter. Libbey. October 15, 2020. October 22, 2020.
  47. Web site: PBreaking: 2020 Drama Desk Awards Nominations- The Full List!. Broadway World. April 21, 2020. April 21, 2020.
  48. Web site: Breaking News: Drama League Announces 2020 Nominations. . BroadwayWorld.com. en. 2020-05-01.