Ruva Ngwenya is simply the best in the dynamic musical tribute to the late, great Tina Turner, Tina. What Tina experienced in her lifetime (26th November 1939 – 24th May 2023) was more than anyone should. Yet, she overcame exploitation and abuse to become one of the greatest singers and performers the world has known. She was born Anna Mae Bullock in Tennessee and endured a turbulent childhood, including an uneasy relationship with her mother.
As this jukebox musical tells it, with a big and powerful voice, she was “discovered” by musician and bandleader Ike Turner at a nightclub when she was 17. A controlling and confrontational figure, Ike changed her stage name to Tina and renamed his band from the Kings of Rhythm to the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. He knew from the outset that she was a star, but as they hit the road, he continued to crave the limelight, intent on guiding her career forever more.
A violent man with a vicious temper, he extracted a promise from Anna Mae never to leave him. An unashamed womaniser, he all but forced her to marry him, even though she was involved with another band member at the time. It was when Ike introduced her to record producer Phil Spector that her career really took off, with the hit single River Deep Mountain High.
After finally leaving Ike following another physical fight, and with children to support, Anna Mae was in debt and struggling to make ends meet. Nearing 40, she continued her soul sound in Las Vegas bars, but was effectively in the wilderness for five years. It was while dropping off a demo tape at Capitol Records that she met a young Australian record producer by the name of Roger Davies. It would change the trajectory of her life both professionally (she became the Queen of Rock ‘n Roll) and personally.
With book by Katori Hall, with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, Tina: The Tina Turner Musical premiered in the West End in 2018 and on Broadway a year later. This Australian production is very much about showcasing the supreme talent of Ruva Ngwenya. Frankly, she has one of the most magnificent voices I have heard. She is a powerhouse performer and an entertainer extraordinaire. Her ability to transition from low registers to “lifting the roof” off bangers is all but unparalleled. I am in awe of what she does on stage, as both a singer and dancer.
Giovanni Adams makes a good fist of realising the sleazy, manipulative, combative Ike Turner, generating audible gasps with his vitriol. Among the many in the cast who also impresses is Jayme-Lee Hanekom, who plays Anna Mae’s older sister Alline and one of the Ikettes. They were the female backing vocalists for the Ike & Tina Turner Revue. Hanekom brings endearing sass and attitude to her representations.
While a drama packed story, Tina the musical is not without humour. That is especially evident when the songstress arrives in London on the say so of Roger Davies and he introduces her to the pair that will produce her new sound. What follows is hilarious. Aided by a stellar band, the company numbers, too, are full voiced, rousing anthems that metaphorically “bring the house down”. The highlight among the many, many is the sparkling rendition of (Simply) The Best, but the hit songs just keep on coming (23 in total).
That brings me to the highly accomplished choreography, lighting, sound and production design that are integral to the success of the show. In a word, they are awesome. Set changes, too, are lighting fast, with excellent projections used to maximum effect. While the destructive story arc that was Tina Turner’s reality is mighty hard to watch, this is one brilliantly composed and executed musical.
Before it is over, patrons are literally dancing and rocking in the aisles, paying the ultimate compliment to one of the most revered artists of our time. It is her story of endurance and dedication to her craft, to which Ruva Ngwenya et al do justice and how! Rush to buy your tickets, for Tina: The Tina Turner Musical is something very special. To purchase, go to https://tinathemusical.com.au/tickets/melbourne
It is playing at Princess Theatre until 26th January, 2025.
Alex First
Other reviews you might enjoy:
- Tina: The Tina Turner Musical – theatre review
- Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (Theatre Royal Sydney) – theatre review
- Madiba the Musical (Comedy Theatre) – theatre review
Alex First is a Melbourne based journalist and communications specialist. He contributes to The Blurb on film and theatre.