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

Review by Connecticut Critics Circle member and Patch Contributor Nancy Sasso Janis

The Palace Theater in Waterbury hosted the touring company of “Tina: The Tina Turner Musical.” The jukebox musical is produced by Crossroads Live 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. There are arrangements and additional music by Nicholas Skilbeck. Tony Award nominee director Phyllida Lloyd (with associate director Sharika Niles) keeps the story moving at a fast clip.

In her national tour debut, Darilyn Burtley stars in the role of Tina Turner. At the Sunday matinee in Waterbury, it was announced that understudy Tiyana Gentry would go on in the title role. This was also confirmed by the “at this performance” board in the lobby. Gentry possesses a powerful singing voice and admirably brings to life the iconic Tina Turner. The understudy, who also plays an Ikette on the tour, appeared in R.E.S.P.E.C.T. on tour. India Shelbi Boone covers the title role at certain performances of this tour.

Wisconsin native Monty Kane is appropriately evil in the thankless role of Ike Turner, first Anna Mae’s manager, then her husband. Kane also plays Ronnie Turner.

Eva Ruwé shines in the role of Gran Georgeanna in her Broadway tour debut. Ikette Brooke Aneece makes her national tour debut in the role of Tina’s adult sister Alline. Moriah J. Baskett and Jordan Estella Hankerson dance as Ikettes.

K. Bernice, who was part of the national tour of “Come From Away,” usually plays the role of Tina’s less than supportive mother Zelma Bullock, but Jadyn Romè covered the matinee. Keemer Robert Davis steps up from the ensemble to play her father Richard Bullock. He writes in his bio that “telling Tina’s powerful story has been an honor, and he’s grateful to continue sharing her legacy with audiences nationwide.” Collin Kilfeather covers the role of Erwin Bach in his second year with “Tina.”

As Rhonda, Tina’s manager and friend, Eleni Kutay makes her Broadway national tour debut. Kutay, who appeared at ACT of CT in “Nickelmines,” also plays Toni Basil. Lamar Burns makes his tour debut in the role of the Revue's saxophonist and Tina’s first love Raymond Earl King and Tina’s son Craig. His duet with Tina, “Let’s Stay Together” is impressive.

Kyle Channell steps up from the ensemble to play Phil Spector in his tour debut. Lee Thomas Cortopassi portrays John Carpenter and Hans José Mueh joins this tour right after touring with “The Cher Show” to portray the young Australian music producer Roger Davies. Danezion Ezekiel Mills makes his professional musical debut as Fred.

The young performers Claire Davy and Auset Jones share the role of Young Anna-Mae Bullock, as well as Young Craig Turner and Young Alline. Davy played the young Anna-Mae and Jones covered young Alline at the matinee, with Kianna Kelly-Futch stepping in as Ikette #3, Morgan Lewis in the ensemble.

Mark Thompson served as both set and costume designer. The set for most of the action is simple and dark, until the party of a finale reveals the talented onstage musicians at the back of the stage. (The drummer is also rolled onstage to be part of Tina’s band for one scene.) The enormous amount of costume changes (some onstage) and wonderful wig, hair and makeup design by Campbell Young Associates beautifully help to tell Tina’s life story. It is “(Simply) The Best.”

“What’s Love Got to Do with It”

Music director Daniel Mollett, who conducts the cast via video screen, is invited to come out and take a bow with the cast. He then leads the musicians from the stage to the end of the outro. The rocking orchestra (fleshed out with synthesizer) includes Mollett on keys 2, Associate Music Director Timothy Daniel Boaz on keys 1, Leonid Morozov on guitar 1, Jason Fullmer on guitar 2, Elliott “Kirk” Kuykendall on bass and Tovah Lovely on drums. The score contains a bevy of Tina’s hits as well as few that were new to me.

The choreography by Anthony Van Laast (with associate choreographer Janet Rothermel) is high energy, wonderfully evocative of Tina and the Ikettes, and very demanding. Almost 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 exciting finale and encore brought the audience to their feet.

Nevin Steinberg (“Hadestown”) was in charge of sound design. Lighting design by Bruno Poet was very effective throughout the two acts. (Two mirrored disco balls!) Projections designed by Jeff Sugg are often big and bold.

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.