Sunday June 23rd, 2024

Had the opportunity of attending the media night opening for the musical based on the life of 12 time Grammy award winning music legend Anna Mae Bullock better known to the world as Tina Turner, Tina-The Tina Turner Musical  https://www.mirvish.com/shows/tina-the-tina-turner-musica at Toronto’s CAA Ed Mirvish Theatre ( 244 Victoria St). Some background, this jukebox musical based on the life of Tina Turner (Tina Turner had much say in the content of the musical before it premiered in London April 17th, 2028) showcases her life as a young girl with dreams growing up  in Nutbush, Tennessee to her stage success with Ike and Tine Turner Review to finally becoming a solo phenomenon.  In between her success was her reality of abuse, racism, fall from grace and almost loosing her life.  So before I get into what I thought about this musical, I want to stress very much, if you saw the 1993 film What’s Love Got to Do with It starring Oscar nominee Angela Bassett and think you’ll experience the same story, think again.  The stories presented are far more deep, complicated and emotional than the film.  It does chronicle her relationship with her former husband and music partner Ike Turner and the abuse is on full display verbally and physically (If you have experienced domestic violence and need help with a family law matter, please call LAO’s Contact Centre immediately: Toll-free: 1-800-668-8258. GTA: 416-979-1446 ) .  We also watch her hardships with her family(her relationship with her mother), her career after Ike Turner , her struggles to make a comeback(how she was treated by her future record company), finding new love and worldwide fame.  Songs included in the stage show are Nutbush City Limits, Better Be Good To Me, Proud Mary, Private Dancer, What’d :Love Got To Do With It and Simply The Best.  This 2 hours 50 minutes (includes intermission) musical is very much an emotional ride. You want to enjoy the music but you’re also faced with full on racism(you will hear the N word several times) and the physical abuse Tina had to deal with from Ike Turner.  The show also reveals several new stories about her life that the film did not explore .  I did feel something was missing and it might have to do with the Actress I saw portray Miss Turner, Zurin Villanueva (Ari Groover also plays Tina Turner).  She did a good job taking on the roll but it is almost impossible to re create Turners energy and vocal talent.  But you will enjoy the surprise ending so make sure you stay right until the end. I give Tina- Tina Turner The Musical 3.85 out of 5 stars.  Tina-The Tina Turner Musical runs from June 18 – July 28, 2024.