As always at the Wharton Center Great Hall, the technical aspects were efficient, seamlessly creating a wide variety of scenes enhanced by amazing projections and “media” — sometimes evoking moods and locations — sometimes psychedelic. The costumes evoked the era and were ever changing, as were the evolving wigs. And the dancing gave us those signature Tina moves and made many of us wish we were wearing fringe and sequins!? And the music (loud, but not TOO loud ;-} lifted spirits and spurred nostalgia.
Both Ari Groover and Naomi Rodgers are listed as playing the title role. We saw Naomi, as noted on the sign near the concessions area. She embodied both the vulnerability and the evolving strength and star power of Anna Mae turned Tina — as well as the killer dance moves and soaring vocals. I’m assuming these two actresses alternate shows? I can see where one would need a day or two to recover from such a powerful and draining performance.
Garrett Turner as Ike Turner gave us the abuser we have all heard of, who both discovered and launched Tina’s career and almost ruined it — a worthy enemy, but also a troubled character, not without sympathy. Carla R. Stewart was strong as Tina’s grandmother who took over when Tina’s mother (well played by Roz White) left her own abusive husband — and abandoned daughter Anna Mae, too.
This script by Katari Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins does a good job sorting out Tina’s story in a way we can follow —and earning its triumphant finale.
Tina continues at Wharton Center through April 23. Tickets at http://whartoncenter.com