‘TINA- The Tina Turner Musical’ Rocks Broadway in Detroit!
When TINA- The Tina Turner Musical thundered into Detroit, it did more than just bring a story — it brought a full-blown rock concert wrapped in a theatrical narrative. The Fisher Theatre pulsed with energy from the moment the lights dropped, and the cast showed exactly why this show demands not only powerhouse vocals but also physical endurance, emotional commitment, and tremendous creative ambition, honoring Tina Turner’s legacy in every moment.
[Warning: light spoilers from TINA The Tina Turner Musical are below!]
Tina Turner’s Story comes alive in TINA
TINA – The Tina Turner Musical tells the extraordinary true story of Anna Mae Bullock, the young girl from Nutbush, Tennessee, who rose from a turbulent childhood to become the international icon known as Tina Turner. The musical traces her journey from her early days singing in her church choir to the moment she catches the attention of musician Ike Turner, whose band launches her into stardom under the name “Tina.”
As Tina’s fame grows, the cost of that success becomes increasingly heavy. The show navigates the complicated and often abusive relationship between Tina and Ike, laying bare the emotional, physical, and psychological toll it takes on her. Despite fame, hit records, and the spotlight, Tina finds herself trapped in a life that threatens to consume her.
What makes her story extraordinary—and what the musical captures —is her fight to reclaim her identity. After finally breaking free from Ike, Tina must start over in an industry that dismisses her as a has-been. The second act becomes a testament to her resilience as she reinvents herself, pushes against the music industry’s expectations, and relentlessly works to rebuild her career on her own terms.
It’s a story driven by survival, grit, and the unwavering belief that it’s never too late to rise again. By the time the show reaches its triumphant finale—with Tina becoming the “Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll” and delivering some of her most legendary performances—the audience witnesses a woman who refused to be defined by hardship. Instead, she transforms her pain into power, becoming one of the most influential and electrifying entertainers in history.
The Cast, crew & creatives of TINA- The Tina Turner Musical
Leading the Detroit cast is Darilyn Burtley (Tina Turner), who delivers a performance as bold and relentless as Tina’s legacy demands. Burtley channels Tina’s signature rasp and powerhouse belts with remarkable control, but what makes her portrayal hit hardest is the emotional undercurrent. She moves seamlessly from vulnerable, quiet moments into volcanic vocal explosions, capturing both the humanity and the mythos of Tina Turner. The stamina required to perform this role is staggering—full-out vocals, sustained choreography, and dramatic intensity—and Burtley handles it with ferocity and finesse.
Opposite her is Monty Kane (Ike Turner / Ronnie Turner), who brings layered complexity to one of the story’s most difficult roles. His performance doesn’t flatten Ike into mere villainy; instead, he embodies the charisma, ego, and volatility that both anchored and sabotaged Tina’s early trajectory. Their scenes together crackle with tension—sometimes combustible, sometimes eerily intimate—and that dynamic becomes a driving force in the show’s momentum.
The supporting cast adds a vivid dimension to Tina’s world. K. Bernice (Zelma Bullock) plays Tina’s mother with steel-edged resolve, capturing the emotional push-pull that shaped Tina’s early life. Eva Ruwé (Gran Georgeanna) infuses Tina’s grandmother with grace and an astonishing five-octave vocal range, grounding the show with soulful authority. Eleni Kutay (Rhonda Graam / Toni Basil) adds levity, rhythm, and charm, seamlessly shifting between roles and offering bursts of warmth when they’re needed most. The ensemble—featuring standout performances from Brooke Aneece (Ikette / Alline) and Moriah J. Baskett (Ikette), among others—keeps the production humming with high-octane intensity, delivering harmonies and dance sequences that feel like a tribute to Tina’s own unstoppable energy.
Much of that vitality comes from the creative forces behind the musical. The book by Katori Hall, with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, doesn’t shy away from the pain woven through Tina’s life story. Instead, it creates a narrative that honors her resilience without sensationalizing her trauma. Director Phyllida Lloyd shapes this story with clarity, tension, and emotional precision, while choreographer Anthony van Laast infuses the show with movement that is equal parts gritty and celebratory.
The design elements are equally striking. Mark Thompson’s sets and costumes trace Tina’s evolution—from small-town beginnings to global icon—with smart visual storytelling. Bruno Poet’s lighting pulses with concert-level electricity, while Jeff Sugg’s projections add texture and cinematic flair. The sound, masterfully managed by Nevin Steinberg, ensures that every belt, whisper, and guitar lick lands exactly where it should. Add in musical supervision and arrangements by Nicholas Skilbeck, orchestrations by Ethan Popp, and musical direction from Shane Ffrench, and you get a sonic landscape that’s rich, nostalgic, and thrillingly alive.
Post-show thoughts on this Broadway in Detroit experience
A moment must be set aside for theater etiquette, especially for a show as demanding and emotionally precise as this one. Detroit audiences bring enthusiasm, which is fantastic—but great theater also relies on mutual respect. During this production, we experienced patrons who were extremely late, phones that went off at full volume, and individuals who were disruptive for a variety of reasons (talking, phone use, candy wrapping, etc.). This is a friendly reminder that phones should be silenced and tucked away, conversations saved for intermission, and if you need to get up from the middle of a row more than 7 times in one act, maybe it’s best to stay in the lobby or purchase an aisle seat. This musical weaves between intimate scenes and explosive numbers, and maintaining that atmosphere allows the performers—and the audience—to fully experience the journey without distractions. Passion is welcome; disruptions are not.
While TINA- The Tina Turner Musical might have already rolled out of Detroit, there’s still plenty of stops on its North American Tour! Stay tuned for more coverage of Broadway in Detroit’s season, featuring Hell’s Kitchen, Shucked, and Spamalot!
Exclusive Interview: K. Bernice of TINA: The Tina Turner Musical
