The Tina Turner Musical
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''Tina: The Tina Turner Musical'' is a
jukebox musical A jukebox musical is a stage musical or musical film in which a majority of the songs are well-known, pre-existing popular music songs, rather than original music composed for the musical. Some jukebox musicals use a wide variety of songs, while ...
featuring the music of
Tina Turner Tina Turner (born Anna Mae Bullock; November 26, 1939 – May 24, 2023) was a singer, songwriter, actress, and author. Dubbed the "Honorific nicknames in popular music, Queen of Rock 'n' Roll", her vocal prowess, raspy voice, and electrifyin ...
and depicting her life from her humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her transformation into a
rock 'n roll Rock and roll (often written as rock & roll, rock-n-roll, and rock 'n' roll) is a genre of popular music that evolved in the United States during the late 1940s and early 1950s. It originated from African American music such as jazz, rhythm and ...
superstar. Directed by
Phyllida Lloyd Phyllida Christian Lloyd, (born 17 June 1957) is an English film and theatre director and producer. Her theatre work includes directing productions at the Royal Court Theatre and Royal National Theatre, and opera director for Opera North and ...
with a book by
Katori Hall Katori Hall (born May 10, 1981) is an American playwright and screenwriter from Memphis, Tennessee. Hall's best known works include the hit television series ''P-Valley'', the Tony-nominated ''Tina (musical), Tina: The Tina Turner Musical'', and p ...
, Frank Ketelaar, and Kees Prins, the musical had its world premiere on 17 April 2018 at the
Aldwych Theatre The Aldwych Theatre is a West End theatre, located in Aldwych in the City of Westminster, central London. It was listed Grade II on 20 July 1971. Its seating capacity is 1,200 on three levels. History Origins The theatre was constructed in th ...
in
London London is the Capital city, capital and List of urban areas in the United Kingdom, largest city of both England and the United Kingdom, with a population of in . London metropolitan area, Its wider metropolitan area is the largest in Wester ...
. The
Broadway Broadway may refer to: Theatre * Broadway Theatre (disambiguation) * Broadway theatre, theatrical productions in professional theatres near Broadway, Manhattan, New York City, U.S. ** Broadway (Manhattan), the street ** Broadway Theatre (53rd Stre ...
production opened on 7 November 2019.


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 "Nutbush City Limits" is a semi-autobiographical song written by Tina Turner which commemorates her rural hometown of Nutbush in Haywood County, Tennessee, United States. Originally released as a single on United Artists Records in August 1 ...
"). 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 "Don't Turn Around" is a Popular music, popular song written by Albert Hammond and Diane Warren. It was originally recorded by American singer Tina Turner and released as the A-side and B-side, B-side to her 1986 Hit song, hit single "Typical ...
"). 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 Izear Luster "Ike" Turner Jr. (November 5, 1931 – December 12, 2007) was an American musician, bandleader, songwriter, record producer, and talent scout. An early pioneer of 1950s rock and roll, he is best known for his work in the 1960s and ...
and his band, the
Kings of Rhythm Kings of Rhythm are an American music group formed in the late 1940s in Clarksdale, Mississippi and led by Ike Turner through to his death in 2007. Turner would retain the name of the band throughout his career, although the group has undergone c ...
(" 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 "It's Gonna Work Out Fine" is a song made famous by Ike & Tina Turner in 1961 as a single issued on the Sue label. It was also included on their 1962 album ''Dynamite!''. The record is noted for being their first Grammy nominated song and their ...
"). 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 The Ikettes, originally The Artettes, were a trio (sometimes quartet) of female backing vocalists for the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. Despite their origins, the Ikettes became successful artists in their own right. In the 1960s they had chart-toppe ...
, she becomes increasingly aware of his vicious temper and possessiveness ("
A Fool in Love "A Fool in Love" is the debut single by Ike & Tina Turner. It was released on Sue Records in 1960. The song is Tina Turner's first release with the stage name "Tina Turner" although she had been singing with Ike Turner and his Kings of Rhythm since ...
"). 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 "Better Be Good to Me" is a song written by Mike Chapman and Holly Knight, recorded by singer Tina Turner for her solo studio album ''Private Dancer'' (1984) and released as a single in early September 1984. The song was originally recorded and re ...
"). 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 "I Want to Take You Higher" is a song by the soul/rock/funk band Sly and the Family Stone, the B-side to their top 30 hit "Stand!". Unlike most of the other tracks on the ''Stand!'' album, "I Want to Take You Higher" is not a message song; instead ...
"). 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 Harvey Phillip Spector (December 26, 1939 – January 16, 2021) was an American record producer and songwriter who is best known for pioneering recording practices in the 1960s, followed by his trials and conviction for murder in the 2000s. S ...
, 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 A river is a natural stream of fresh water that flows on land or inside caves towards another body of water at a lower elevation, such as an ocean, lake, or another river. A river may run dry before reaching the end of its course if it run ...
"). 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 "Be Tender with Me Baby" is a song by recording artist Tina Turner. Written by Albert Hammond and Holly Knight and produced by Dan Hartman, it was released as a single from Turner's seventh solo studio album, '' Foreign Affair'' (1989), in Octobe ...
"). Tina overdoses and is sent to a hospital, but is forced to check out for a performance ("
Proud Mary "Proud Mary" is a song by American rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival, written by vocalist and lead guitarist John Fogerty. It was released as a single in January1969 by Fantasy Records and on the band's second studio album, '' Bayou Coun ...
"). 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 "I Don't Wanna Fight" is a song by American singer and actress Tina Turner, released in April 1993, by Parlophone. The track was co-written by British singer Lulu, her brother Billy Lawrie, and Steve DuBerry. The song was first offered to sing ...
").


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 ''Private Dancer'' is the fifth solo studio album by singer Tina Turner. It was released on May 29, 1984, by Capitol Records and was her first album released by the label. After a challenging start to her solo career after divorcing Ike Turner, ...
"). 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 "Disco Inferno" is a song by American disco band the Trammps from their 1976 studio album of same name. With two other cuts by the group, it reached No. 1 on the US ''Billboard'' Dance Club Songs chart in early 1977, but had limited mainstream ...
"), 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 Tonight may refer to: Television * ''Tonight'' (1957 TV programme), a 1957–1965 British current events television programme hosted by Cliff Michelmore that was broadcast on BBC * ''Tonight'' (1975 TV programme), a 1975–1979 British current ...
"). 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) "We Don't Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)" is a song written by Graham Lyle and Terry Britten. It was recorded by American singer Tina Turner for the soundtrack album to the 1985 film '' Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome'', which starred Mel Gibson a ...
"). 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 Best or The Best may refer to: People * Best (surname), people with the surname Best * Best (footballer, born 1968), retired Portuguese footballer Companies and organizations * Best & Co., an 1879–1971 clothing chain * Best Lock Corporatio ...
"). Encore: Tina and her band perform a mini-concert of "Nutbush City Limits" and "Proud Mary".


Principal casts


Notable replacements

West End * Tina Turner: Chanel Haynes,Chanel Haynes Theatre Credits
About the Artists. Retrieved on November 4, 2023
Chanel Haynes Credits (Broadway World)
Broadway World. Retrieved on November 4, 2023
Nkeki Obi-Melekwe, Aisha Jawando, Elesha Paul Moses, Kristina Love, Karis Anderson,
Zoe Birkett Zoe Birkett (born 16 June 1985) is an English singer and musical theatre performer. Birkett was the highest placing female contestant on Pop Idol in 2001 and later appeared on Big Brother. Her first single, Treat Me Like A Lady, was released ...
,
Fleur East Fleur East (born 29 October 1987) is an English singer, songwriter, rapper and presenter. East competed on the second series of ''The X Factor'' in 2005 as part of the girl group Addictiv Ladies but was unsuccessful. In 2012, she signed with ...
* Ike Turner: Ashley Zhangazha, Jammy Kasongo, Caleb Roberts, Okezie Morro,
Rolan Bell Rolan Alfonso Bell (born 17 October 1983) is a Laurence Olivier Award nominated British actor who was born in West London,Gillian Fisher"Rolan Bell, Ragtime the Musical" Afridiziak Theatre News, 20 May 2012. of Jamaican and Nigerian origin. He ...
Broadway * Tina Turner: Nkeki Obi-Melekwe * Ike Turner: Nick Rashad Burroughs 1st North American tour * Ike Turner: Roderick Lawrence


Musical numbers

;Act I *"
Nutbush City Limits "Nutbush City Limits" is a semi-autobiographical song written by Tina Turner which commemorates her rural hometown of Nutbush in Haywood County, Tennessee, United States. Originally released as a single on United Artists Records in August 1 ...
" (
Tina Turner Tina Turner (born Anna Mae Bullock; November 26, 1939 – May 24, 2023) was a singer, songwriter, actress, and author. Dubbed the "Honorific nicknames in popular music, Queen of Rock 'n' Roll", her vocal prowess, raspy voice, and electrifyin ...
)
- Richard, Young Tina and Company *"
Don't Turn Around "Don't Turn Around" is a Popular music, popular song written by Albert Hammond and Diane Warren. It was originally recorded by American singer Tina Turner and released as the A-side and B-side, B-side to her 1986 Hit song, hit single "Typical ...
" (
Albert Hammond Albert Louis Hammond Order of the British Empire, OBE (born 18 May 1944) is a Gibraltarians, Gibraltarian singer, songwriter and record producer. A prolific songwriter, he also collaborated with other songwriters such as Mike Hazlewood, John B ...
,
Diane Warren Diane Eve Warren (born September 7, 1956) is an American songwriter. She has won an Academy Honorary Award, Grammy Award, an Emmy Award, two Golden Globe Awards and three consecutive ''Billboard'' Music Awards for Songwriter of the Year from 19 ...
)
- Tina, Gran Georgeanna and Company *" Shake a Tail Feather" (Otha Hayes, Verlie Rice, Andre Williams) - Alline, Tina, Ikettes and Company *" The Hunter" (
Booker T. Jones Booker Taliaferro Jones Jr. (born November 12, 1944) is an American musician, songwriter, record producer and arranger, best known as the frontman of the band Booker T. & the M.G.'s. He has also worked in the studios with many well-known artis ...
, C. Wells,
Al Jackson, Jr. Albert J. Jackson Jr. (November 27, 1935 – October 1, 1975) was an American drummer, producer, and songwriter. He was a founding member of Booker T. & the M.G.'s, a group of session musicians who worked for Stax Records and produced their ...
,
Donald Dunn Donald Dunn may refer to: * Donald "Duck" Dunn Donald "Duck" Dunn (November 24, 1941 – May 13, 2012) was an American bass guitarist, session musician, record producer, and songwriter. Dunn was notable for his 1960s recordings with Booker T. & ...
,
Steve Cropper Steven Lee Cropper (born October 21, 1941), sometimes known as "The Colonel", is an American guitarist, songwriter and record producer. He was the guitarist of the Stax Records house band, Booker T. & the M.G.'s, which backed artists such as ...
)
- Ike and Ronnie *"Matchbox" (
Ike Turner Izear Luster "Ike" Turner Jr. (November 5, 1931 – December 12, 2007) was an American musician, bandleader, songwriter, record producer, and talent scout. An early pioneer of 1950s rock and roll, he is best known for his work in the 1960s and ...
)
- Ike, Tina and Company *"
It's Gonna Work Out Fine "It's Gonna Work Out Fine" is a song made famous by Ike & Tina Turner in 1961 as a single issued on the Sue label. It was also included on their 1962 album ''Dynamite!''. The record is noted for being their first Grammy nominated song and their ...
" (
Rose Marie McCoy Rose Marie McCoy (April 19, 1922 – January 20, 2015) was an American songwriter. She began her career as an aspiring singer before becoming a prolific songwriter during the 1950s and 1960s. Many artists have recorded some of the over 800 so ...
, Sylvia McKinney)
- Zelma, Ike, Tina, Alline, Ikettes and Company *"
A Fool in Love "A Fool in Love" is the debut single by Ike & Tina Turner. It was released on Sue Records in 1960. The song is Tina Turner's first release with the stage name "Tina Turner" although she had been singing with Ike Turner and his Kings of Rhythm since ...
" (I. Turner) - Tina and Ikettes *" Let's Stay Together" (
Al Green Albert Leornes Greene (born April 13, 1946), known professionally as Al Green, is an American singer, songwriter, pastor and record producer. He is best known for recording a series of soul hit singles in the early 1970s, including " Tired of ...
, Willie Mitchell, Jackson)
- Raymond and Tina *"
Better Be Good to Me "Better Be Good to Me" is a song written by Mike Chapman and Holly Knight, recorded by singer Tina Turner for her solo studio album ''Private Dancer'' (1984) and released as a single in early September 1984. The song was originally recorded and re ...
" (
Holly Knight Holly Knight (born 1956) is an American songwriter, musician, and singer. She was a member of the 1980s pop rock groups Spider and Device, and wrote or co-wrote several hit singles for other artists, such as " Rag Doll", " Obsession", " Love Is ...
,
Mike Chapman Michael Donald Chapman (born 13 April 1947) is an Australian record producer and songwriter who was a major force in the British pop music industry in the 1970s. He created a string of hit singles for artists including The Sweet, Suzi Quatro ...
,
Nicky Chinn Nicholas Barry Chinn (born 16 May 1945) is an English-American songwriter and record producer. Together with Mike Chapman he had a long string of hit singles in the US and UK in the 1970s and early 1980s, including several international record c ...
)
- Tina and Company *"
I Want to Take You Higher "I Want to Take You Higher" is a song by the soul/rock/funk band Sly and the Family Stone, the B-side to their top 30 hit "Stand!". Unlike most of the other tracks on the ''Stand!'' album, "I Want to Take You Higher" is not a message song; instead ...
" (
Sly Stone Sylvester Stewart (March 15, 1943 – June 9, 2025), better known by his stage name Sly Stone, was an American musician, songwriter and record producer. He was the frontman of Sly and the Family Stone, playing a critical role in the development ...
)
- Tina, Alline and Ikettes *"
River Deep Mountain High A river is a natural stream of fresh water that flows on land or inside caves towards another body of water at a lower elevation, such as an ocean, lake, or another river. A river may run dry before reaching the end of its course if it run ...
" (
Phil Spector Harvey Phillip Spector (December 26, 1939 – January 16, 2021) was an American record producer and songwriter who is best known for pioneering recording practices in the 1960s, followed by his trials and conviction for murder in the 2000s. S ...
,
Jeff Barry Jeff Barry (born Joel Adelberg; April 3, 1938) is an American pop music songwriter, singer, and record producer. Among the most successful songs that he has co-written in his career are " Tell Laura I Love Her" (written with Ben Raleigh and a ...
,
Ellie Greenwich Eleanor Louise Greenwich (October 23, 1940 – August 26, 2009) was an American pop music singer, songwriter, and record producer. She wrote or co-wrote "Da Doo Ron Ron", " Be My Baby", " Maybe I Know", " Then He Kissed Me", " Do Wah Diddy Did ...
)
- Tina and Company *"
Be Tender with Me Baby "Be Tender with Me Baby" is a song by recording artist Tina Turner. Written by Albert Hammond and Holly Knight and produced by Dan Hartman, it was released as a single from Turner's seventh solo studio album, '' Foreign Affair'' (1989), in Octobe ...
" (Knight, Hammond,) - Ike, Tina, Alline, Ikettes, Ronnie and Richard *"
Proud Mary "Proud Mary" is a song by American rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival, written by vocalist and lead guitarist John Fogerty. It was released as a single in January1969 by Fantasy Records and on the band's second studio album, '' Bayou Coun ...
" (
John Fogerty John Cameron Fogerty (born May 28, 1945) is an American singer, songwriter and guitarist. Together with Doug Clifford, Stu Cook, and his brother Tom Fogerty, he founded the swamp rock band Creedence Clearwater Revival (CCR), for which he was th ...
)
- Tina, Ike, Alline and Ikettes *"
I Don't Wanna Fight "I Don't Wanna Fight" is a song by American singer and actress Tina Turner, released in April 1993, by Parlophone. The track was co-written by British singer Lulu, her brother Billy Lawrie, and Steve DuBerry. The song was first offered to sing ...
" (
Lulu Lulu may refer to: Companies * LuLu, an early automobile manufacturer * Lulu.com, an online e-books and print self-publishing platform, distributor, and retailer * Lulu Hypermarket, a retail chain in Asia * Lululemon Athletica or simply Lulu, a C ...
, Billy Lawrie,
Steve DuBerry Steve DuBerry is a British Grammy Award nominated songwriter and record producer, co-writer of Tina Turner's "I Don't Wanna Fight" (along with Lulu and her brother Billy Lawrie). DuBerry has also written and produced songs for Tylah Yaweh, Blue ...
)
- Tina and Company ;Act II *"
Private Dancer ''Private Dancer'' is the fifth solo studio album by singer Tina Turner. It was released on May 29, 1984, by Capitol Records and was her first album released by the label. After a challenging start to her solo career after divorcing Ike Turner, ...
" (
Mark Knopfler Mark Freuder Knopfler OBE (born 12 August 1949) is a British musician. He was the lead guitarist, singer and songwriter of the rock band Dire Straits from 1977 to 1995, and he is the one of the two members who stayed during the band's existence ...
)
- Tina *"
Disco Inferno "Disco Inferno" is a song by American disco band the Trammps from their 1976 studio album of same name. With two other cuts by the group, it reached No. 1 on the US ''Billboard'' Dance Club Songs chart in early 1977, but had limited mainstream ...
" (Leroy Green,
Ron Kersey Tyrone Garfield Kersey (April 7, 1949 – January 25, 2005), known as Ron "Have Mercy" Kersey, was an American keyboardist, songwriter, producer and arranger most known for writing the music to " Disco Inferno" by The Trammps. Kersey was born in ...
)
- Tina and Company *" Open Arms" (
Martin Brammer Martin Brammer (born 13 May 1957) is an English singer, songwriter, composer and record producer. He is best known as the lead vocalist and primary lyricist of the pop trio Kane Gang. Brammer later developed his songwriting abilities to pen many ...
, Colette van Sertima, Ben Barson)
- Rhonda, Tina and Company *" I Can't Stand the Rain" (Ann Peebles, Don Bryant, Bernard Miller) - Tina, Ike and Company *"
Tonight Tonight may refer to: Television * ''Tonight'' (1957 TV programme), a 1957–1965 British current events television programme hosted by Cliff Michelmore that was broadcast on BBC * ''Tonight'' (1975 TV programme), a 1975–1979 British current ...
" (
David Bowie David Robert Jones (8 January 194710 January 2016), known as David Bowie ( ), was an English singer, songwriter and actor. Regarded as one of the most influential musicians of the 20th century, Bowie was acclaimed by critics and musicians, pa ...
,
Iggy Pop James Newell Osterberg Jr. (born April 21, 1947), known professionally as Iggy Pop, is an American singer, musician, songwriter, actor and radio broadcaster. He was the vocalist and lyricist of proto-punk band the Stooges, who were formed in 1 ...
)
- Young Tina, Gran Georgeanna, Tina and Roger *" What's Love Got to Do with It?" (
Terry Britten Terence Ernest Britten (born 17 July 1947) is an English-Australian singer-songwriter and record producer, who has written songs for Tina Turner, Cliff Richard, Olivia Newton-John, Status Quo (band), Status Quo and Michael Jackson amongst many ot ...
,
Graham Lyle Graham Hamilton Lyle (born 11 March 1944, in Bellshill, Lanarkshire, Scotland) is a Scottish singer-songwriter, guitarist and producer. Between 1970 and 1997, he co-wrote 18 British Top 40 hits, 9 ''Billboard'' Hot 100 entries, 4 US Country No ...
)
- Tina, Ikettes, Ronnie and Raymond *"
We Don't Need Another Hero (Thunderdome) "We Don't Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)" is a song written by Graham Lyle and Terry Britten. It was recorded by American singer Tina Turner for the soundtrack album to the 1985 film '' Mad Max Beyond Thunderdome'', which starred Mel Gibson a ...
" (Britten, Lyle) - Tina and Company *"
The Best Best or The Best may refer to: People * Best (surname), people with the surname Best * Best (footballer, born 1968), retired Portuguese footballer Companies and organizations * Best & Co., an 1879–1971 clothing chain * Best Lock Corporatio ...
" (Knight, Chapman) - Tina and Company *"Finale: "Nutbush City Limits (Reprise)" (T. Turner) / Proud Mary (Reprise)" (Fogerty) - Company : ''Songwriters in parentheses'' : ''In the Broadway production "
Rocket 88 "Rocket 88" (originally stylized as Rocket "88") is a song that was first recorded in Memphis, Tennessee, in March 1951. The recording was credited to " Jackie Brenston and his Delta Cats"; while Brenston did provide the vocals, the band was actu ...
" 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 Stage Entertainment is an international operating live entertainment company, a subsidiary of Advance Publications. The company was founded in 1998 by Joop van den Ende in Amsterdam. History The Netherlands / Corporate The root of the company l ...
for over a year. The creative team of the musical consists of Katori Hall, with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins as writers of the book,
Phyllida Lloyd Phyllida Christian Lloyd, (born 17 June 1957) is an English film and theatre director and producer. Her theatre work includes directing productions at the Royal Court Theatre and Royal National Theatre, and opera director for Opera North and ...
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.


Productions


West End (2018–2025)

The show began previews on 21 March 2018 at the
Aldwych Theatre The Aldwych Theatre is a West End theatre, located in Aldwych in the City of Westminster, central London. It was listed Grade II on 20 July 1971. Its seating capacity is 1,200 on three levels. History Origins The theatre was constructed in th ...
, officially opened on 17 April.
Adrienne Warren Adrienne Warren is an American actress, singer and dancer. She made her Broadway debut in the 2012 musical '' Bring It On'', and in 2016 received a Tony Award for Best Featured Actress in a Musical nomination for her performance in '' Shuffle Alo ...
played the title role, with Jenny Fitzpatrick alternating in the role in some performances. The production was nominated for three
Laurence Olivier Awards The Laurence Olivier Awards, or simply The Olivier Awards, are presented annually by the Society of London Theatre to recognize excellence in professional theatre in London. The awards were originally known as the Society of West End Theatre Aw ...
, including Best Musical. After Warren's departure, the title role has been played by Nkeki Obi-Melekwe, Chanel Haynes, Aisha Jawando, Elesha Paul Moses, Kristina Love, Karis Anderson, and
Zoe Birkett Zoe Birkett (born 16 June 1985) is an English singer and musical theatre performer. Birkett was the highest placing female contestant on Pop Idol in 2001 and later appeared on Big Brother. Her first single, Treat Me Like A Lady, was released ...
&
Fleur East Fleur East (born 29 October 1987) is an English singer, songwriter, rapper and presenter. East competed on the second series of ''The X Factor'' in 2005 as part of the girl group Addictiv Ladies but was unsuccessful. In 2012, she signed with ...
. It was announced in May 2025 that the show would be closing on 13 September 2025.


Germany (2019–2024)

The first non-English production opened in March 2019 at the Stage Operettenhaus in
Hamburg Hamburg (, ; ), officially the Free and Hanseatic City of Hamburg,. is the List of cities in Germany by population, second-largest city in Germany after Berlin and List of cities in the European Union by population within city limits, 7th-lar ...
, Germany. In March 2023, the German production was transferred to the Apollo Theater Stuttgart. The musical closed in Stuttgart on September 22nd, 2024.


Broadway (2019–2022)

The show began on
Broadway Broadway may refer to: Theatre * Broadway Theatre (disambiguation) * Broadway theatre, theatrical productions in professional theatres near Broadway, Manhattan, New York City, U.S. ** Broadway (Manhattan), the street ** Broadway Theatre (53rd Stre ...
in previews at the
Lunt-Fontanne Theatre The Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, originally the Globe Theatre, is a Broadway theater at 205 West 46th Street in the Theater District of Midtown Manhattan in New York City, New York, U.S. Opened in 1910, the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre was designed by C ...
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. The show was suspended on 12 March 2020 due to the
COVID-19 pandemic The COVID-19 pandemic (also known as the coronavirus pandemic and COVID pandemic), caused by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 (SARS-CoV-2), began with an disease outbreak, outbreak of COVID-19 in Wuhan, China, in December ...
and resumed performances on 8 October 2021. In June 2022, it was announced that the production would close on 14 August 2022 after 27 previews and 482 regular performances.


Netherlands (2020–2023)

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


Spain (2021–2023)

A Spanish production ran from 30 September 2021 to January 8 2023 at the Teatro Coliseum in
Madrid Madrid ( ; ) is the capital and List of largest cities in Spain, most populous municipality of Spain. It has almost 3.5 million inhabitants and a Madrid metropolitan area, metropolitan area population of approximately 7 million. It i ...
.


First North American tour (2022–2024)

On 11 September 2022, the show embarked on a North American tour opening at the
Providence Performing Arts Center The Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC), formerly Loew's State Theatre and Palace Concert Theater, is a multi-use not-for-profit theater located at 220 Weybosset Street in downtown Providence, Rhode Island. It was built in 1928 as a movie ...
(PPAC) in
Providence Providence often refers to: * Providentia, the divine personification of foresight in ancient Roman religion * Divine providence, divinely ordained events and outcomes in some religions * Providence, Rhode Island, the capital of Rhode Island in the ...
,
Rhode Island Rhode Island ( ) is a state in the New England region of the Northeastern United States. It borders Connecticut to its west; Massachusetts to its north and east; and the Atlantic Ocean to its south via Rhode Island Sound and Block Is ...
, and closing on 4 August 2024 at the Proctor's Theatre in
Schenectady, New York Schenectady ( ) is a City (New York), city in Schenectady County, New York, United States, of which it is the county seat. As of the United States Census 2020, 2020 census, the city's population of 67,047 made it the state's ninth-most populo ...
.


Australia (2023–present)

An Australian production opened in May 2023 at the
Theatre Royal, Sydney Theatre Royal Sydney (TRS) is a theatre in Sydney, Australia. Earlier theatres also called the Theatre Royal, on the same site, date back to 1833. The current building, designed by modernist architect Harry Seidler, was built in 1976 and has o ...
.


Second North American tour (2024–present)

A non-equity tour kicked off on 24 September 2024, at the E. J. Thomas Hall in
Akron, Ohio Akron () is a city in Summit County, Ohio, United States, and its county seat. It is the List of municipalities in Ohio, fifth-most populous city in Ohio, with a population of 190,469 at the 2020 United States census, 2020 census. The Akron metr ...
starring
American Idol ''American Idol'' is an American Music competition, singing competition television series created by Simon Fuller, produced by Fremantle (company), Fremantle North America and 19 Entertainment, and distributed by Fremantle North America. It a ...
finalist Jayna Elise.


UK and Ireland tour (2025–present)

An UK and Ireland tour started on 6 March 2025, at the
Curve Theatre Curve, also known as Curve Theatre, is a theatre in Leicester, England, based in the cultural quarter in Leicester City Centre. Previously, it had been called Leicester Performing Arts Centre. It is adjacent to the Leicester Athena conference a ...
,
Leicester Leicester ( ) is a city status in the United Kingdom, city, Unitary authorities of England, unitary authority area, and the county town of Leicestershire in the East Midlands of England. It is the largest city in the East Midlands with a popula ...
.


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 ''The Guardian'' is a British daily newspaper. It was founded in Manchester in 1821 as ''The Manchester Guardian'' and changed its name in 1959, followed by a move to London. Along with its sister paper, ''The Guardian Weekly'', ''The Guardi ...
'' described the "whirlwind performance" of Warren as "astonishing", and concluded on the production: "As bio-musicals go, this is as good as it gets." Similarly Dominic Cavendish of ''
The Daily Telegraph ''The Daily Telegraph'', known online and elsewhere as ''The Telegraph'', is a British daily broadsheet conservative newspaper published in London by Telegraph Media Group and distributed in the United Kingdom and internationally. It was found ...
'' described Warren's performance as a "tour de force" and considered the show "slickly choreographed, beautifully designed and roof-raisingly well-sung".
Adam Mattera Adam Mattera was the editor of ''Attitude'' magazine, a leading UK monthly publication aimed at the gay market, from 1999 to 2008. During the period, he secured numerous celebrity cover exclusives including David Beckham, Madonna, Tony Blair an ...
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."
Will Gompertz William Edward Gompertz (born 1965) is an English journalist, author and art critic. He was formerly the BBC's arts editor before moving to a position as the Barbican Centre's Artistic Director from 1 June 2021. Family and education Gompertz ...
of the
BBC The British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) is a British public service broadcaster headquartered at Broadcasting House in London, England. Originally established in 1922 as the British Broadcasting Company, it evolved into its current sta ...
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". Stephen Dalton of ''
The Hollywood Reporter ''The Hollywood Reporter'' (''THR'') is an American digital and print magazine which focuses on the Cinema of the United States, Hollywood film industry, film, television, and entertainment industries. It was founded in 1930 as a daily trade pap ...
'' 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."


Awards and nominations


Original West End production


Original Broadway production


References


External links

*
Internet Broadway database
{{Tina Turner, state=expanded Jukebox musicals 2018 musicals African-American musicals Tina Turner Tony Award–winning musicals West End musicals