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We Need Another Hero

Student blogger Evan Fitzpatrick reflects on music legend, Tina Turner, in anticipation of TINA – The Tina Turner Musical playing October 18-20 at The Hanover Theatre & Conservatory for the Performing Arts.

If I took to the streets with a microphone and asked strangers who Anna Mae Bullock was, would anyone know? Do you? The world knows Tina Turner, the Queen of Rock n’ Roll, not Anna Mae.

TINA – The Tina Turner Musical peels back the curtain on the international superstar’s life. But in the same way that Dorothy discovered that The Great and Powerful Oz was just a man, I ask: are we ready? Are we ready to see that an American icon with super-human stage energy had deep struggles? What does that say about us if we’d rather not know and just appreciate Tina for her incredible talent as a performer who filled stadiums with tens of thousands of fans?

Learning Anna Mae’s reality is another story. The TINA audience should prepare for heartbreak, ultimately followed by triumph. We should keep in mind the past’s ability to challenge our present and what it takes to persevere. There’s a lesson for all of us here.

As we watch TINA, the audience should pay attention to the lights on stage as a thematic symbol. Notice the swirls, motion, and colors that change with each scene. They will serve as a visual representation of Anna Mae’s emotion as she navigates her tumultuous life. 

I always look forward to the casting in jukebox musicals more than any other. Tina’s vocal range and power necessitates two incredible voices in adult Tina and young Anna Mae. At The Hanover Theatre this weekend, the role of Tina Turner will be played by “American Idol” finalist, Jayna Elise and the role of young Anna Mae will be shared by Taylor Brice and Natalia Nappo.

Tina Turner was one of the world’s best selling artists of all time, winning 12 Grammy Awards. She sold more concert tickets than any other solo performer in music history. May she rest in joy.

Moving forward, we may never hear Proud Mary the same way again. I’m ready for it. 

See you at The Hanover Theatre October 18-20!