Tina - The Tina Turner Musical

                                                                        Naomi Rodgers

Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, part of the Kimmel Campus’ and The Shubert Organization’s Broadway series, is appearing at the Academy of Music through December 4, 2022. This extremely energetic show is double cast with Naomi Rodgers and Zurin Villanueva sharing the title role, starring in four performances each, every week. Naomi has phenomenal stage presence, and her voice resonates throughout every tier of the Academy of Music as she belts out number after number.  Ayvah Johnson, who portrays a young “Anna-Mae” has a powerful voice that belies her pint-size. Through an impressive amount of musical and dance numbers,  Tina – The Tina Turner Musical  reveals the heartache Tina endured from the time her mother abandoned her, through her 16 years of an abusive marriage to Ike Turner (Garrett Turner), through  her difficulties in getting established as a solo artist. The choreography is excellent not only for Tina, but for the Ikettes who accompany her, and for the ensemble dancers as well. Interestingly to note, that while there is a small orchestra on stage for several of Ike and Tina's song and dance numbers, local musicians are used to enrich the core orchestration. Costume and wig changes are brilliantly done. Tina frequently has one costume covering another which is stripped away while the audience’s attention is elsewhere. Projections are an important part of this production. They are innumerable and extraordinarily effective. The finale is nothing short of fabulous. It has people clapping, dancing in the aisle, and bringing forth two encores. For tickets to this excellent show, call 215-893-1999, visit online at www.kimmelculturalcampus.org or visit the Box Office of the Academy of Music,  240 S. Broad Street from 10 a.m. – 6 p.m.

The Tattooed Lady

                                                          Jackie Hoffman et. al. in rehearsal

The Philadelphia Theatre Company is presenting the World Premiere Musical  of The Tattooed Lady through November 20, 2022, at the Suzanne Roberts Theatre, 480 South Broad Street. Starring Jackie Hoffman, the musical is based on a book by Erin Courtney and Max Vernon with music, lyrics, and orchestrations by Max Vernon. This is a very innovative show. Based on some of the history of the tattooed ladies in circus side-shows in the19th Century, The Tattooed Lady  uses songs, dance, and humor to make a plea for accepting differences in bodies and embracing those differences. Jackie Hoffman portrays a Grandma, dressed in sweats and sneaks, who is against any art that is not “normal” and is bothered by an exhibit at the library which probably has some tattoos displayed. She encourages her granddaughter, Joy (Maya Lagerstam)   to have her views. When Bob, ( Anthony Lawton) an old friend of  Grandma’s, appears on her doorstep with a huge trunk, lives are about to change. Joy gets sent upstairs. (This is a beautifully constructed, two- story set. ) Then Bob begs Ida to return to her old life. After she refuses, he opens the trunk to try to convince her, and out climb several tattooed ladies, including a younger version of herself. Through song and dance the story of her life is told in retrospect. There are many enjoyable musical numbers in this rock musical. Joy returns downstairs and sings a powerful solo of her own, The  show is a fast-paced two-and one-half hour production. It is light and humorous yet  generates some strong truths about the importance of the acceptance of one’s own body and beliefs. Tickets and more information are available at 215-985-0420, online at www.philatheatreco.org or in person during box office hours. 

 

Les Miserables

                                                             Steve Czarnecki & Nick Cartell

The Kimmel Cultural Campus and the Shubert Organization are hosting a return engagement of the incredible Les Misérables at the Academy of Music through November 13, 2022. This production is fantastic. Every detail is perfectly planned to mesmerize the audience. The curtain rises to a chorus of men singing on a slave ship. The company is a marvelous group of talented singers. As  the background changes, land approaches and Jean Valjean (Nick Cartell ) is given parole by Javert (Steve Czarnecki) .  There are no spoken words. This is truly a musical as everything is in song. After Valjean goes from place to place looking for food or lodgings but can’t find any because he was a convict, he is given respite from a priest. His following Soliloquy has the audience respond with appreciative applause. Sets are phenomenal and are changed seamlessly. The tenements have a realist feel to them as Gavroche  (Harrison Fox) leans out the window and sings Look Down. with the beggars. As Valjean ages and the show progresses through the years of  France’s history, additional cast members are added and wonderful song and dance numbers ensue. (Master of the House featuring  Matt Crowle as Thenardier is one of my favorites ).The fight scene on the barricade is impressive with  its realistic gunfire. The projections are extraordinary . Two of particular note are the tunnel scene with Valjean and the suicide scene Javert. They  both bring audible gasps    from the audience  This production is loved by the audience who applauds and cheers every time Nick  Cartell sings. Tickets can be purchased by calling 215-893-1999 or online at www.kimmelculturalcampus.org. In person sales can be purchased daily at the Academy of Music Box Office located at 240 S. Broad Street. Visit  www.kimmelculturalcampus.org. for more information.