TAR
Menu

triangle arts review

"Tina - The Tina Turner Musical" is a Powerful Tale of Triumph

1/3/2023

0 Comments

 
Picture
Zurin Villanueva as 'Tina Turner' in the North American touring production of TINA - THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL. Photo by Matthew Murphy for MurphyMade.
Almost everyone knows who Tina Turner,  12-time Grammy Award winner and musical icon, is. However, TINA – The Tina Turner Musical, onstage now at DPAC under the direction of Phyllida Lloyd and written by Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, takes an up-close, personal look at her life and never shies away from its more difficult moments. In fact, the story opens with scenes from Tina’s traumatic childhood.

Of course, back then, she was still known as Anna-Mae, and the young actress, Ayvah Johnson, who portrays her does a fabulous job of aligning the audience with this starlet-in-the-making. She instantly becomes a sympathetic character that’s worth rooting for.

The fast-moving story quickly progresses to a teenage Tina, acted by a doe-eyed, bright-faced Zurin Villanueva. Viewers learn that the young heroine has been living with her loving grandmother, sweetly portrayed by Ann Nesby. And, as Gran Georgeanna sends Tina on her way to St. Louis to live with her mother, the two perform “Don’t Turn Around” in way that adds even more depth and beauty to the song. In fact, the musical’s ability to seamlessly blend Turner’s music with key moments from her real life is one of its resounding and unforgettable strengths.

This beautiful blending continues as Tina meets the man who will change her life, Ike Turner (Garrett Turner). The stern script doesn’t cover or excuse the infamous abuse he inflicts on her over the course of their relationship. Rather, it takes a painful, dark deep dive into the realities of a life that, while glamorous on the surface, was riddled with struggle. Many moments in the first act are so brutally honest that they’re hard to watch. However, scenes are included that show Ike as not so much a villain but an imperfect person, a surprisingly sympathetic touch. The fully-developed characters and unabashed portrayals of abuse elevate the story from “jukebox musical” to something truly touching, tender, raw, and real.

With all of that said, there is still joy to be found here. Tina’s second-act comeback is empowering and visceral, all the more so because the script does not downplay her challenges. Instead, it makes a stark statement about choice and the power of the human spirit, and Villanueva doesn’t miss a beat. She is vulnerable, strong, emotional, and practical all at once. With her powerful voice, charisma, and complete commitment to her role, she exemplifies everything that Tina Turner is known for.  Villanueva also has the aid of a strong supporting cast. Lael Van Keuren makes for a surprising ally as her manager-turned-friend, and the pair, along with others, deliver a lovely rendition of “Open Arms.”

Ultimately, the show ends with all the glamor and glitz one would expect from a Broadway musical, but it’s the softer, braver moments that really shine here. Viewers are encouraged to engage and enjoy, but also to look past the sparkling costumes and dazzling choreography to the powerful story of survival and triumph that lies beneath.
0 Comments



Leave a Reply.

    TAR

    We love the arts. We write about them. Founded 2018.

    Categories

    All
    5 Questions
    Book Reviews
    Burning Coal
    Carolina Ballet
    Cary Players
    Concert Reviews
    Dance
    Dance Reviews
    DPAC
    Durham Performing Arts Center
    Forest Moon Theater
    "From The Pit" By Michael Macsuga
    Harnett Regional Theatre
    High School Theatre
    July 2021
    Koka Booth Amphitheatre
    Music
    NCT
    NC Theatre
    Neuse Little Theatre
    North Carolina Theatre
    North Raleigh Arts & Creative Theatre
    PlayMakers Repertory Company
    Press Releases
    Raleigh Dance Theatre
    Raleigh Little Theatre
    Raleigh Memorial Auditorium
    ShaLeigh Dance Works
    Theatre In The Park
    Theatre Raleigh
    Theatre Reviews
    The Towne Players Of Garner

    RSS Feed

    Archives

    March 2023
    February 2023
    January 2023
    November 2022
    October 2022
    September 2022
    August 2022
    June 2022
    May 2022
    April 2022
    March 2022
    February 2022
    January 2022
    December 2021
    November 2021
    October 2021
    September 2021
    August 2021
    July 2021
    March 2020
    February 2020
    January 2020
    December 2019
    November 2019
    October 2019
    September 2019
    August 2019
    July 2019
    June 2019
    May 2019
    April 2019
    March 2019
    February 2019
    January 2019
    December 2018
    November 2018
    October 2018
    September 2018
    August 2018
    July 2018
    June 2018
    May 2018
    April 2018
    March 2018
    February 2018

Proudly powered by Weebly
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact
  • Home
  • About
  • Contact