Say “Hey Hey Tina!”
Tina the Musical is playing at Connor Palace Theater until May 14th. The musical tells the story of the iconic, Rock and Roll Hall of Famer, Tina Turner. First, let’s say it’s not the same as the 1993 film, What’s Love Got to Do With It, but it is a biographical look at Tina Turner’s life. Second, Tina Turner is not in nor does she appear in the show. In fact, the role of Tina Turner is alternated between 2 actresses Naomi Rodgers and Zurin Villanueva. Garrett Turner plays the role of Ike Turner and as the people behind me said, “He PLAYS that role.”
Act one tells the story of a young Anna MaeBullock in Nutbush, Tennesee, and follows her through her time with Ike Turner. The young actress, XXXX is very talented and has an amazing voice. Act two is Tina’s journey after leaving Ike, “with only her name.’ It tells the story of Tina, being a single mom, trying to make ends meet to he journey of Tina becoming the solo superstar that we know and love.
The show runs 2 hours and 45 minutes, but don’t leave at the curtain call because there’s an additional 15 minutes of music and performance. It was worth dealing with the lines out of the parking garage.
Before the show I was warned about, violence and guns. The violence wasn’t a big surprise, knowing Tina Turner’s story but there can be some uncomfortableness with the leisurely use the n-word in a mixed crowd. Overall, I loved the musical, but if you’re someone who loved the movie and is hoping to say “Eat the cake Anna Mae” then you’ll be disappointed.It’s perfect for a date night, but it might be more fun as a girls night out. Either way, you’ll leave the show singing and pulling up Tina Turner songs on your favorite music streaming service (especially if you don’t leave out too early).
TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is part of our KeyBank Broadway Series, and is here at the Connor Palace for three weeks, through Sunday, May 14th, 2023. Remaining tickets for the run can be purchased on playhousesquare.org or by calling 216-241-6000.