Tina: The Tina Turner Musical at DPAC
Is  a  Powerful  Tale  of  Triumph

Zurin Villanueva stars as Tina in Tina: The Tina Turner Musical
(photo © 2022 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 the Durham Performing Arts Center, written by Katori Hall, with Frank Ketelaar & Kees Prins', and directed by Phyllida Lloyd, 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 Bullock; and Ayvah J. Johnson, the young actress who portrays Young Anna-Mae, 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.

Tina stars Ayvaah Johnson (right) as Young Anna-Mae Bullock (photo © 2022 by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade)

The fast-moving story quickly progresses to a teenage Tina, acted by a doe-eyed, bright-faced Zurin Villanueva, who alternates with Naomi Rodgers in the title role. 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 Tina 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 (played by Garrett Turner). The stern script doesn't cover or excuse the infamous abuse that 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 Zurin 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.

Zurin Villanueva (left) and Ann Nesby star as Tina Turner and Gran Georgeanna in the Durham Performing Arts Center's Jan. 3-8
presentation of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical (photo © 2022 by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade)

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 that 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 Anthony Van Laast's dazzling choreography to the powerful story of survival and triumph that lies beneath.

Naomi Rodgers (right) alternates as Tina Turner in Tina (photo © 2022 by Matthew Murphy and Evan Zimmerman for MurphyMade)

Katori Hall and Frank Ketelaar & Kees Prins' TINA: THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL (In Person at 7:30 p.m. Wednesday and Thursday, 8 p.m. Friday, 2 and 8 p.m. Saturday, and 1 and 7 p.m. Sunday, Jan. 4-8), directed by Phyllida Lloyd, choreographed by Anthony Van Laast, presented as part of Truist Broadway at DPAC, and starring Naomi Rodgers and Zurin Villanueva as Tina Turner and Garrett Turner as Ike Turner (Durham Performing Arts Center in Durham). DIGITAL PROGRAM: https://issuu.com/dpac0/docs/tina_final_digital_pdf. TRAILER: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=d7xQt9MMuN8. SHOW VIDEOS: https://www.youtube.com/@TinaBroadway. 2022-23 TRUIST BROADWAY AT DPAC SEASON: https://www.dpacnc.com/truist-broadway/season/truist-broadway-at-dpac-2022-2023. THE PRESENTER/VENUE: https://www.dpacnc.com/, https://www.facebook.com/DPACNC, https://www.instagram.com/DPACNC/, https://twitter.com/DPAC, and https://www.youtube.com/user/DPACLive. DIRECTIONS: https://www.dpacnc.com/plan-your-visit/directions. PARKING: https://www.dpacnc.com/plan-your-visit/parking. DPAC COVID-19 FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS: https://www.dpacnc.com/events/latest-updates-on-events-at-dpac/reopening-faq. THE TOUR: https://tinaonbroadway.com/, https://www.ibdb.com/tour-production/tina-534377, https://www.facebook.com/TinaBroadway/, https://www.instagram.com/tinabroadway/, https://twitter.com/tinabroadway, and https://www.youtube.com/@TinaBroadway. TOUR CAST: https://tinaonbroadway.com/cast-creative/. TOUR CREATIVE TEAM: https://tinaonbroadway.com/cast-creative/#creative-team. THE SHOW (2018 West End and 2019 Broadway Musical): https://tinathemusical.com/, https://tinaonbroadway.com/, https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-show/tina-522229, and https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tina_(musical). TINA TURNER (nee Anna Mae Bullock, born Nov. 26, 1939): https://www.tinaturnerofficial.com/, https://www.rockhall.com/inductees/ike-and-tina-turner, https://www.ibdb.com/broadway-cast-staff/tina-turner-522235, https://www.imdb.com/name/nm0877913/, https://www.facebook.com/TinaTurner, https://www.instagram.com/tinaturner/, https://www.britannica.com/biography/Tina-Turner, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Tina_Turner, and https://www.youtube.com/user/TinaTurnerOfficial. AGE REQUIREMENT: Children under age 6 will NOT be allowed at this show. TICKETS: $35 and up, plus taxes and fees. Call 800-982-2787 or click here to buy tickets. GROUPS (10+ tickets): 919-680-2787, Groups@DPACnc.com, and https://www.dpacnc.com/events/groups-services. INFORMATION: 919-680-2787 or CustomerService@DPACnc.com. Susie Potter's Triangle Arts Review Review.

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