TINA, The Tina Turner Musical is an exhilarating journey through the remarkable life and enduring legacy of the Queen of Rock 'n' Roll. This jukebox musical tells the story of how Tina Turner discovered her talent and overcame challenges of gender, race, age, and domestic violence to become a global sensation. Growing up in the racially charged Nutbush, Tennessee as Anna Mae Bullock, she faced a difficult childhood marked by parental abandonment and limited opportunities. Once discovered by R&B pioneer Ike Turner, she was transformed into Tina Turner from a young age.
I had the privilege of seeing Jochebel Ohene MacCarthy, the alternate Tina, deliver a truly extraordinary performance. Jochebel stands out as one of the most impressive leads I have ever witnessed, capturing Tina Turner's essence with accuracy in her mannerisms, voice, and emotional depth, all supported by a phenomenal vocal range and unwavering endurance and energy. The musical numbers range from her high-energy hits to emotional ballads, capturing Tina's tumultuous life story perfectly. The choreography and energy of the ensemble are on par with a high-octane production like Hairspray.
Jochebel as Tina not only delivers vocally but also impresses with her classic Tina dance moves that'll have you shimmying in your seat. One of the show's peak moments is "River Deep, Mountain High" - starting as a subdued studio recording and building into a full-blown spectacle. Other musical highlights include "I Want to Take You Higher" and "Proud Mary," both of which feature interspersed dramatic scenes.
Lucy Bowyer, one of the young girls playing young Anna Mae, demonstrates her powerhouse voice, a talent Tina possessed from a young age. Her ability to belt out tunes and command the stage reflects not only her character's journey but also her own natural charisma and stage presence. As the story unfolds, we witness the evolution of Anna Mae from an excitable and naive young girl to a controlled and frightened young woman, before ultimately transforming into an empowered superstar and a devoted single mother Tina Turner.
The closing of Act One is unexpected and jaw-dropping, capturing a pivotal low point in Tina’s life in the mid '70s. Giovanni Adams delivers a compelling portrayal of Ike Turner, capturing the complexities of the character with great intensity; showcasing the tumultuous marriage between Tina and Ike that was marred by Ike's infidelity, exploitation, and abuse.
Act Two opens with a bang with "Disco Inferno," accompanied by dazzling disco balls that illuminate the entire Lyric Theatre. The arrival of characters Roger Davies and Terry Britten injects a lighter and more jovial tone as we witness the creation of "What’s Love Got to Do with It". John O'Hara, portraying Phil Spector and Terry Britten, brings a charming mix of humour and distinctive characterisations to his roles. Both Matthew Prime's portrayal of Tina's enduring love, Erwin Bach, and Mat Verevis as Aussie music producer Roger Davies, are excellent. Following numerous scenes of abusive behaviour from multiple men in Act One, it is heartening to see these new characters display supportive and kind attitudes in Act Two.
One of the most moving moments takes place as Tina says farewell to her mother during "We Don’t Need Another Hero." The starlight projected onto the stage transforms into the dazzling lights of a concert arena, leading into the explosive finale "Simply the Best." Ending the show with a high-energy mega-mix, the rock band takes the stage and before you know it, the whole audience is on their feet!
Featuring a revolving turntable, the stage set spins us through the different eras faster than you can say "Big wheel keep on turnin'!" The use of lighting and set elements ensures smooth transitions between place and time, making it easy for the audience to follow along. Tina's various outfits are a spectacle in themselves, not only showcasing her fashion evolution but also the meticulous effort put into replicating iconic looks from her career, allowing her to sparkle, quite literally, on stage. Multiple costume changes, most of which occur on-stage (including wig swaps), add a layer of excitement by allowing the audience to witness the transformation firsthand. Attention to detail in the props, from the iconic 60s microphones to the sleek 80s recording studio equipment, authentically captures the essence of each era, immersing the audience in a journey through time. The band delivers an energetic performance both on stage and off stage, showcasing a particularly impressive horn section.
The audience's reaction is a testament to the show's impact. Standing ovations, enthusiastic applause, and even the occasional sing-along moments reflect the deep connection and appreciation the viewers have for Tina Turner's music and legacy. This communal experience enhanced my overall enjoyment, elevating this musical from beyond mere observation to become a shared celebration of a musical legend. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or new to her story, this production at QPAC is an absolute must-see.
Now playing at the Lyric Theatre, QPAC until 23rd August.
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