Review: Tina Turner musical is 'simply the best'

May 2—INDIANAPOLIS — "You're simply the best." Classic lyrics from the late songstress were performed during "Tina! The Tina Turner Musical," which made its Indy debut Tuesday at the Old National Centre.

The play starts off with a spiritual vibe but soon turns into an electrifying look into the late songstress' life and work.

Young Tina, like many singers, got her start at church.

While there, the budding songstress couldn't keep her vocal prowess a secret as sacred song and dance oozed from her being.

Symphony King, the child actress portraying the budding songstress, stole the hearts of audiences with her clear, soulful vocals and contagious energy.

In what seems like a moment, innocent Anna-Mae is exposed to the reality of domestic abuse when her father, Floyd, strikes her mother, Zelma.

This leads to two heartbreaking moments as she is abandoned by both her parents and sent to live with her grandmother.

Later, Tina, a 15-year-old with a wild streak, is sent to live with her mother in St. Louis. It is here that her life takes an inalterable turn.

While clubbing with her sister, she meets a charming guitarist by the name of Ike Turner. Tina shows off her soon-to-be legendary vocal prowess and meets her infamous soon-to-be husband.

Ari Groover, one of the actors portraying Tina, stopped audiences in their tracks with her uncanny vocals and believable shyness while singing "She Made My Blood Run Cold."

Those familiar with the story know that Turner agrees to take Tina on the road with him. Little does she know, it will cost her her name.

The singer not only changes her last name to Turner but her first name to Tina.

Though initially reluctant to take the name Tina, she acquiesces to appease Ike Turner.

Appeasing others, particularly, powerful and sometimes racist men, is a recurring theme of Tina's story as her marriage to Ike becomes increasingly abusive.

Eventually, Tina, like many women in her shoes, reached her breaking point.

Fans will enjoy watching the legendary Queen of Rock and Roll find her voice and lasting love.

Though not much time is spent on it, the play touches on Tina meeting and falling in love with Erwin Bach, to whom she was married until her death on May 24, 2023.

Many know the end of Tina's story, but they don't know the end of this play. A few surprises are in store for audiences seeing "Tina! The Tina Turner Musical," which runs until May 5 at the Old National Centre.

Follow Caleb Amick on Twitter

@AmickCaleb. Contact him at

caleb.amick@heraldbulletin.com

or 765-648-4254.