Tina Turner is back! Well sort of, as the megastar’s biographical stage musical opens in Australia.
Over the past few years, there’s been an onslaught of jukebox musicals based on iconic singers with many revered by the gay community. Cher, Carole King, Dusty Springfield and Gloria Estefan are all examples, with Tina Turner being the latest.
Ruva Ngwenya as rock legend Tina Turner
Tina: The Tina Turner Musical first premiered in 2018 on London’s Westend before heading to Broadway a year later. Despite a brief hiatus through COVID lockdowns, the production has won numerous awards including a prestigious Tony. Having also gained three Olivier Award nominations it has played in Spain, Germany, and the Netherlands. Now it’s Australia’s turn and considering the nation’s past love affair with the legendary singer, it’s bound to be embraced. Throughout the 1980s Turner performed to packed stadiums, starred in Mad Max: Beyond Thunderdome and featured in NRL rugby promotions – with Ian Roberts!
“It’s an extremely hard and demanding role, vocally mentally and physically.” – Ruva Ngwenya
Known for her roles in The Lion King and Moulin Rouge, Ruva Ngwenya takes on the role of Turner.
Ruva Ngwenya as rock legend Tina Turner
“While growing up, Tina and her music were present in my life however I don’t think I was truly aware of the icon herself,” says Ngwenya.
“Everyone danced the Nutbush in primary school and I remember thinking back then how the singer sounded so fierce and cool – and it was Tina! In year ten I sang River Deep Mountain High as part of our high school play, and it was a major touchpoint for me and my music career as I realised, I had a gift.
Ruva Ngwenya as rock legend Tina Turner
For Ngwenya, a Victorian College of the Arts graduate and triple-threat performer (skilled in acting, singing and dancing) playing Turner is as demanding as one would expect.
Tim Omaji as Ike Turner
“I played Tina at 16 years of age and now playing her again at age 30 feels very special,” says Ngwenya.
“I spent a lot of time watching, reading and listening to Tina over the past six months, including documentaries, books, her music and the film What’s Love Got to Do With It. I’m a student listening and learning, all in the hope that I can tell her story in a truthful way.”
“Understanding Ike’s ‘why’ has truly stretched every emotional muscle for me.” – Tim Omaji
“It’s an extremely hard and demanding role, vocally mentally and physically, and it’s taken everything I have to achieve it.”
Ruva Ngwenya as rock legend Tina Turner
As expected, the musical depicts Turner’s life from her early years in Nutbush, Tennessee to her tumultuous life with husband Ike and solo success which arguably became the biggest rock comeback ever. Although retired at 83 she was active in the production of the musical.
While Ike Turner was an early pioneer of rhythm and blues, he was known for being violent and abusive in his relationship with Tina – a challenging role to bring to the stage.
Ruva Ngwenya and the ‘Ikettes’ cast
Tim Omaji has performed in numerous Australian stage productions including RENT, Saturday Night Fever, MADIBA The Musical – A Celebration of the Life of Nelson Mandela and Moulin Rouge! The Musical. He takes on one of his most testing roles yet portraying Ike.
“It’s a confronting and at times shocking role to play,” says Omaji.
“So, the process has somewhat been the same, but I’m a person who runs towards challenges. The journey to understanding Ike’s ‘why’ has truly stretched every emotional muscle for me.”
A rock star like no other. The legend herself Tina Turner
“Most of my knowledge of Ike Turner is based on the biopic What’s Love Got to Do With It where he was played by Lawrence Fishbourne.”
“It’s a confronting and at times shocking role to play.” – Tim Omaji
“I also read his biography Takin’ Back My Name and watched a heap of Ike and Tina Turner material. But I didn’t know how to play the guitar, so I took guitar lessons to get comfortable with not just holding but playing one in the production.”
Ruva Ngwenya
Directed by Phyllida Lloyd (Mamma Mia!) the cast includes Ibinabo Jack (Dreamgirls), Deni Gordon (Godspell), Rishab Kern (Wicked) and Jayme-Lee Hanekom (The Book of Mormon) as Alline Bullock.
Mat Verevis (The Who’s Tommy) plays Roger Davies and John O’Hara (Rock of Ages) is Phil Spector.
The show has gained mostly positive reviews with the British Guardian concluding that “as bio-musicals go, this is as good as it gets”. Considering Turner’s many successful hits such as Private Dancer, The Best, We Don’t Need Another Hero and Proud Mary, it’s a guaranteed roof-raiser. And then there’s Nutbush City Limits, which Australians invented a dance to!
Ruva Ngwenya as rock legend Tina Turner
“The show is a comeback story like no other,” says Omaji.
“Tina’s struggles and adversities cover racism, domestic violence, ageism and much more, and yet she rose triumphant over all of it. It’s a unique story of hope. I believe people will get a sense of strength and resilience in the way Tina, despite the odds, found her voice at the top of an almost impossible mountain to climb.”
Ngwenya agrees, believing there is much in the show for people to relate to.
“I think it’s unique because it’s a real story of true difficulty and overcoming hardship, but it’s paired with some of the most iconic music of a generation,” she says.
“I hope the audience will take away the beauty, resilience and strength that is the human experience.”
Tina is playing at the Theatre Royal Sydney
For more: tinathemusical.com.au
