TINA: Simply the Best

If you read my post about the must-see Broadway shows of 2020, you know that TINA: The Tina Turner Musical was in my top 5. This past weekend, I went to New York to see it and it surpassed all of my expectations. Sometimes jukebox musicals (musicals with music from established artists instead of original songs) can be unimpressive because you already know all of the music and might prefer when the original artist sings it. However, this show was otherworldly thanks to the the lead, Adrienne Warren. I did not even mind that Tina Turner wasn’t singing in front of me because Adrienne Warren is a vocal powerhouse and she took my breath away.

I am going to try not to devote this entire review to praising Warren but it is going to be hard because she deserves it. We need to give her the roses and recognition that she deserves because her performance was electrifying. She gave new meaning to the word “sang” and she is a Broadway icon in the making. She tap danced her way into my heart in 2018 with her role in Shuffle Along. Now she is portraying THE Tina Turner and has the approval and support of the real Tina Turner. I can’t wait to see what her next role will be because she is a force of nature.

The musical itself is a beautiful depiction of the life of Anna Mae Bullock from the beginning. If your only knowledge of Tina Turner is linked to Angela Bassett, you need to see this musical. Tina Turner had to overcome much more than abuse at the hand of Ike Turner (or Laurence Fishburne to some of you). She faced sexism, ageism, racism, and fought to be known as the Queen of Rock and Roll as a mother in her 40’s. Throughout the entire musical I couldn’t help but think about one word: resilience. I believe that all Black women have resilience pumping through our veins. Tina Turner is resilience personified.

It’s Black History Month and this show has me feeling very festive. This musical reminded me that we need to give Tina Turner the accolades that she deserves because she paved the way for your favorites. She is the executive producer of this musical so go on and order your tickets now. The show just opened on Broadway in November so go see it before everyone realizes its a hit and the ticket prices go up.

The Overall Tea:

If you thought that What’s Love Got to Do with It was the whole story, you need to see this musical. There is so much more to Tina Turner’s story than the abuse that she faced. Not only is she a survivor, she is a fighter, advocate, icon, and queen. Best of all, she left our problematic country because Europe gave her the respect she deserves. What could be more iconic? Save your tax refund checks and use it to buy tickets to TINA. I promise you won’t regret it. It is simply the best.