My first memory of Tina Turner was in primary school where we learnt how to dance The Nutbush. Back then, I wasn’t aware of who she was, her achievements, nor even her special connection with Australia.
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, produced by Paul Dainty AO and TEG Danity, with Stage Entertainment, executively produced by Tina Turner and Erwin Bach, and directed by Phyllida Lloyd, had its Australian premiere back in May 2023. After a long wait, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical finally had its Melbourne premiere at the Princess Theatre on Thursday the 3rd of October 2024, the final stop of the production’s itinerary.
The musical follows Tina from her humble beginnings as a child growing up in Tennessee, to dazzling in her prime as a beloved rock superstar. All the hits are present including, ‘What’s Love Got To Do With It’, ‘Proud Mary’ and ‘The Best’. However, legends never reach great heights without challenges, and this show holds nothing back, addressing the troubles Tina Turner faced in her life including racism, sexism, domestic violence, abandonment, anxiety, family strains and financial issues. Despite this, throughout her entire journey, one thing remained certain – Tina’s determination to sing.
For opening night, Zoe Desmier played young Anna-Mae and knocked it out of the park with a reimagined version of ‘Nut Bush City Limits’. I was astounded by such a big voice coming from such a tiny human, but the transition from Desmier’s youthful and innocent Anna-Mae to Ruva Ngwenya’s ambitious and formidable Tina, is a seamless and believable one.
The relationship Tina has with her family is strained. While fruitful and kind with her Gran Georgeanna (GG), played by Deni Gordon who has the most hauntingly beautiful voice, her relationship with her father Richard Bullock, played by Augie Tchantcho who commands the stage at every opportunity he’s given, is almost non-existent.
Although Tina’s relationship with her sister Alline Bullock, played by Jayme-Lee Hanekom who I couldn’t take my eyes off of, comes naturally, there is much tension between Tina and her mother Zelma Bullock. Ibinabo Jack is brutal and hard as stone as Tina’s estranged mother. In this convincing portrayal, one can only imagine how tough Tina really had it with her mum.
Professional family wise, Rishab Kern’s dance moves are smooth and he is vocally stunning as early love interest and fellow musician, Raymond Hill. His vocals during the duet with Ruva’s Tina to ‘Let’s Stay Together’ had audience members squealing and waving their hands in delight. Nadia Komazec shines as assistant, manager and friend Rhonda Graam, particularly during the rearranged performance of ‘Open Arms’ where her gorgeous vocals can be heard, the song itself transformed into a heartfelt ballad.
Matthew Hamilton and Blake Erickson are hilarious and scene stealing as new wave musicians Terry Britten and Martyn Ware, while Mat Verevis impresses as the surprisingly dashing and extremely likable Australian artist manager and music producer, Roger Davies. Matthew Prime is convincingly adorable as the kind, gentle and understanding Erwin Bach who is apparently just a nice guy from marketing, and Giovanni Adams is flawless as the intimidating, sweet talking and unapologetic, Ike Turner. After seeing Adams effortlessly ace the role of Ike, I am convinced there’s nothing he cannot do.
And then we have Australia’s chosen Tina Turner; the unfathomable, unyielding, fierce, feisty and sensational powerhouse that is Ruva Ngwenya. Finally slaying the role in her home city, her vocals alone could penetrate the coldest of hearts and light up the darkest of days. Ruva’s vocal prowess is matched only by the woman she portrays. Honestly, what a gift.
Every time Ngwenya took to the stage, I was gobsmacked by how perfect she was as Tina. I believed every emotion that her character went through. I could relate to the prejudice of being a woman of colour with a dream. I understood her fierce determination and passion not only to succeed but to survive. Yes, it was a rollercoaster that was dark and painful at times, but it was a ride worth taking. Admittedly, I did find myself shedding a few tears throughout the show too, with the tears beginning to roll down my cheeks around the end of the first act!
Magically taking audiences back in time to where it all began, production wise, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical is a theatrical masterpiece that was well worth the wait of it coming to Melbourne. Although I unfortunately never had the opportunity to see the real Tina Turner live, I am grateful that this spectacular production complete with its opulent tech, its glamorous costumes (I want Alline’s party dress), its talented band, and its phenomenal cast and crew, has helped to make the experience of seeing Tina accessible, while also keeping her fighting spirit alive.
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical is an enthralling must-see story, with great music to boot, about a musical titan that found her voice, took back her narrative and reclaimed her power.
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical is currently playing in Melbourne at the Princess Theatre until January 26.
For more information and ticketing, visit:
https://tinathemusical.com.au
https://www.instagram.com/tinamusicalau
Photography by Grant Alexander.
