Tina: The Tina Turner Musical Is ‘Simply The Best!’

This is a great date night. It's an even better girls night out. Tina: The Tina Turner Musical, now playing at the Citizen's Bank Opera House in Boston is "Simply The Best." When you start with a real life story, heavy on drama and loaded with inspiration, add an fiecely talented cast to tell it, and sautee it in a robust soundtrack... that's a potent recipe for success.

Most of us know at least a little something about 12 time Grammy Award winner Tina Turner's story. You likely are aware of some of the struggles she endured. But, when you see this telling of the Tina Turner story in this musical, you will appreciate who she is on a whole new level. Tina: The Tina Turner Musical chronicles The Rock and Roll Hall of Famer from a young girl to wife of an abuser, and ultimately a career and personal comeback of a lifetime.

The music will have you on your feet! Of course Turner's music is a highlight, but some pop favorites are also spinkled in for flavor. Turner's conflict with her egomaniacal drug-addicted music partner/husband, Ike,  will have you longing to loudly express your frustrations (and some did)! Still, it's Tina's triumph over all the obstacles that will leave you feeling joyful and inspired. Turner became one of the world's best selling artists, breaking barriers along the way, and proudly earning her title as the "Queen of Rock n' Roll."

Let Tina lift you up and take you places. It's an extraordinay comeback story. But a good story is left on deaf ears, if it isn't told in a compelling and entertaining way. This play delivers the message with thoroughly captivating performances, notably carried on the strong shoulders of the two lead actresses (the role is shared). The role of Tina is clearly physically and emotionally demanding, and like the real Tina, these performers give one hundred percent of everything they've got.

Presented by Broadway in Boston, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical will be at the Citizen's Bank Opera House on Washington Street in Boston through October 2.

PERFORMANCES ARE: Tuesdays, Wednesdays & Thursdays at 7:30pm
*Note: Wednesday, September 21 at 7:00pm
*Fridays at 8:00pm
*Saturdays at 2:00pm & 8:00pm
* Sundays at 1:00pm & 6:30pm

TICKET PRICES: From $49.50
Tickets for the upcoming production are on sale and can be purchased through an authorized ticket seller found only at BroadwayinBoston.com. Tickets will also be sold directly at the Citizens Bank Opera Box Office (539 Washington St. Boston)
For groups of 10+ please call Broadway In Boston Group Sales directly at 617-482-8616 or email Groups@BroadwayInBoston.com. Please also note that accessible seating, services, and performances are available – CLICK HERE.

The lead in this musical requires an abundance of energy, booming vocals, and a majority of stage time. That's why there are 2 actresses playing the lead part of Tina Turner. The cast is led by Naomi Rodgers (Frozen) and Zurin Villanueva (The Lion King, Mean Girls, Shuffle Along,The Book of Mormon). Both women  are sharing the role of Tina, evenly. Each one is playing 4 of 8 performances a week. I went last night (Wednesday) and saw Zurin in the lead role. I cannot even begin to tell you how blown away I was by her performance. Villanueva's energy and voice carried to every seat in the house. She was as comfortable in the skin of a real person, and story, as anyone could be.

The Boston production of "Tina" also stars Garrett Turner as Ike Turner, Roz White as Zelma Bullock, Ann Nesby as Gran Georgeanna and Lael Van Keuren as Rhonda. The full cast and bios can be found HERE.  

A standout peformance for the actress who plays young Anna Mae (Tina Turner), Ayvah Johnson was truly impressive. Her's is one of the first voices you will hear on stage, and honestly I was shocked it was coming from such a young girl. Just beautifully powerful vocals, and a stunning performance.

According to Harper's Bazaar, Tina and her husband Erwin Bach (who's character is also featured in the play), now live in Switzerland. The article says that after formally retiring in 2009, followed by the 2018 premiere of her Broadway musical, and her HBO documentary in 2021 she was ready to say goodbye to her American fans.

Harper's revealed that Tina and Erwin share a home(called the Chateau Algonquin) in Zurich, Switzerland. They moved there in 1995 and she became a citzen in 2013. Here, they apparently live a quiet, private life,

The song that launched the ultimate comeback was 1984's "What's Love Got To Do With It." It was Turner's first and only #1 single, and sold over 1.5 million copies around the world. Tina was 44 years old when she released this song, which made her the oldest solo female artist to top the Hot 100 chart.

Although not a huge commercial success, Ike and Tina Turner's 1966  "River Deep Mountain High" went on to be considered a musical masterpiece. Rolling Stone ranked it #33 on their list of the 500 Greatest Songs of All Time. Produced by Phil Spector, it was a costly work of art that took 21 sessions to finish.

Tina recorded and released her version of "The Best" in 1989. It was on her 7th studio album, Foreign Affair, and featued a sax solo from Edgar Winter.