Theater Review: 'Tina-The Tina Turner Musical' Tour at The Bushnell

By Nancy Sasso Janis

The Bushnell Theater in Hartford is the place to experience the touring company of “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical.” The musical is produced in association with Tina Turner herself, who with Erwin Bach is an executive producer. The diva’s participation no doubt adds to the authenticity of her often heartbreaking life story. The jukebox musical premiered in London and then headed to Broadway.

The book for the show was written by Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins. Original musical supervision, arrangements and additional music was by Nicholas Skilbeck. Tony Award nominee director Phyllida Lloyd keeps the story moving at a fast clip.

David R. Fay, President and CEO of The Bushnell, describes the story “that presents the full scope of Tina’s life–the obstacles she overcame her courage, her talent, and her determination–it truly captures the power of one of the most unforgettable performers in the history of popular music.”

On opening night, Zurin Villanueva was announced as the star of the performance, playing the role of Tina Turner. Possessing a powerful singing voice with an impressive vocal range, the Brooklyn-born actor embodies the iconic Tina Turner. Villanueva is a graduate of Laguardia High School for the Performing Arts and Howard University and will be seen on Netflix in “Murder Mystery 2.” She shares the role with Ari Groover.

Garrett Turner is appropriately evil in the role of Ike Turner, first Anna Mae’s manager, then her husband.

Carla R. Stewart, who was part of the original Broadway cast of “Tina,” has replaced Ann Nesby on the tour to play Gran Georgeanna effectively. Parris Lewis is blessed with the role of Tina’s adult sister Alline, and she is an understudy for the title role.

Roz White (“Dreamgirls” tour ) tackles the role of Tina’s less than supportive mother Zelma Bullock. Kristopher Stanley Ward steps up from the ensemble to play her father Richard Bullock. Max Falls, also the fight captain, covers the role of Erwin Bach in his national tour debut.

As Rhonda, Tina’s manager and friend, Lael Van Keuren (“Sister Act” on Broadway) stands out. Gerald M. Williams is strong in the role of Tina’s first love Raymond. His duet with Tina, “Let’s Stay Together” is impressive. Northwestern grad Zachary Freier-Harrison plays Roger Davies. Antonio Beverly, (they/them), who toured with “A Bronx Tale.” shines as Ronnie Turner and in the ensemble.

The young performer Ayvah Johnson is completely wonderful in her role as Young Anna-Mae. Johnson is from Slidell, Louisiana and played this role (and Young Alline) on Broadway, as well as Little Ti Mounce in “Once on this Island” with Oregon Shakespeare Festival. What a powerful voice she has. Lillian Charles covers the role of Young Alline and Young Craig in her stage debut.

Mark Thompson (“Charlie and the Chocolate Factory,” “Mamma Mia!”) served as both set and costume designer. The set for most of the action is simple and dark, until the finale reveals the talented onstage musicians seated at the back of the stage. Music director Anne Shuttlesworth gets to take a bow with the cast.

The choreography by Anthony Van Laast is high energy, wonderfully evocative of Tina and the Ikettesm and very demanding. All of the dancers are up to the challenge.

The audience gets to hear many classic songs by a wide range of composers, including "What's Love Got To Do With It", "Proud Mary", "Private Dancer", and "River Deep - Mountain High." The finale and encore brought the opening night audience to their feet.

Nevin Steinberg, who did the sound for “Hadestown,” “Hamilton,” “Dear Evan Hanson” and more, was in charge of sound design. For me, everything was much too loud. The opening numbers were earsplitting and it seemed that the vocals were pushed up to be heard above the onstage orchestra. Lighting design by Bruno Poet is sometimes annoying but was effective for the number “I Don’t Want to Fight No More” that closes the first act.

“Tina” runs through April 16 at The Bushnell. Be forewarned that Tina Turner’s story contains foul language, racial slurs and many incidents of domestic violence. It is recommended for ages 14 and up. With one 15-minute intermission and slightly late start, the performance runs almost three hours.

Nancy Sasso Janis, writing theatre reviews since 2012 as a way to support local venues, posts well over 100 reviews each year. In 2016, her membership in the Connecticut Critics Circle began and her contributions of theatrical reviews, previews, and audition notices are posted not only in the Naugatuck Patch but also on the Patch sites closest to the venue. She recently became a contributor to the Waterbury Republican-American newspaper. Her weekly column and theatre reviews appear in the Thursday Weekend section of the paper.

Follow the reviewer on her Facebook pages Nancy Sasso Janis: Theatre Reviewer and Connecticut Theatre Previews and on Twitter @nancysjanis417 Check out the NEW CCC Facebook page.