“Simply the Best” comes to PPAC – Ann Clanton

by Ann Clanton, contributing reporter

Tina Turner the Musical Launches Road Tour in Providence

Closing last month to rave reviews, with a Tony Award for the lead actress and garnering 11 nominations, “Tina: The Musical” concluded a successful run on Broadway – but for Rhode Island fans there’s no need to worry that they missed out on the multi-Tony Award winning production. Because “TINA” launched its North American tour at the Providence Performing Arts Center, Sunday September 11th and it will continue here until September 18th, Then it’s on to visit 30 cities in its first year.

Featuring the icon’s music, the jukebox musical depicts Tina Turner’s humble beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, and her transformation into a rock ‘n roll hall of fame inductee – and as a woman who
overcame barriers to become the Queen of Rock n’ Roll.

A major part of her life was musician, songwriter and husband Izear Luster “Ike” Turner, Jr. How
does one prepare for and do justice to playing this complex character? I proposed that question
to Garrett Turner, who is playing Tina Turner’s husband.

“I talked to my wife. (Garrett’s wife is traveling with the cast as she will care for the younger cast members). The show is called ‘Tina’, rightfully,” Garrett says of the musical. “It’s about liberation from violence to find one’s own, full self. Ike is an essential part of her story,” he notes, but the focus is on Tina’s resilience. “Tina” is a jukebox musical, and Garrett confirms, “There is lots of music,
a good amount of which is tethered to Ike,” including signature hits like “Proud Mary” and “River Deep Mountain High”.

Ike and Tina’s story is well known, at least in general terms. In the nearly two decades they were married and performed together, they reached star status among R&B artists. Ike also physically abused Tina. She left him in 1976 and went on to a solo career — taking with her a powerful life story of overcoming trauma.

You can see Garrett as Ike Turner and the ensemble cast until September 18th at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC).

Here is a longer interview with “Garrett” and me.

TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL is the twenty-first national tour to open at PPAC since 2008. Individual tickets are available by calling the Box Office at 401.421.2787 or by visiting www.ppacri.org/tina. Discounted tickets are also available now for groups of 10 or more by
calling Paul Hiatt at 401.574.3162.

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Ann-Allison Clanton was born and raised in Providence, Rhode Island. As principal of Ann Clanton Communications, Ann has more than two decades of experience as a communications and public affairs consultant. She has written features and profiles articles for the Providence American Newspaper and Ethnic Online Magazine.

Among the notable persons interviewed include former U. S. Ambassador Andrew Young, Dr. Cornell West, former Florida Congressman Allen West (R-FL) and Ringling Brothers and Barnum Bailey Circus first African American Ringmaster, Johnathan Lee Iverson.

Ann is the founder of the Rhode Island Black Film Festival and a founding member of the Southern New England Association of Black Journalists.