The Tina Turner musical, Tina – The Tina Turner Musical, opened on Broadway in October 2019. Based on the life and music of rock & roll star Tina Turner, the show has been playing at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre to great acclaim. However, there have recently been questions about whether the show might be closing soon.
Is Tina closing on Broadway?
At this time, there have been no announcements about Tina closing on Broadway. The musical is still playing 8 shows a week at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre, where it is currently booked through at least January 2023.
Producers have not given any indication that they plan to close the show any time soon. In fact, in April 2022 it was announced that the show’s Broadway run had been extended through March 2023.
So as of right now, Tina continues its open-ended Broadway run and is not set to close imminently. The show has been consistently grossing over $1 million per week, indicating strong ticket sales. Barring any unforeseen circumstances, it seems likely that Tina will continue playing on Broadway through 2023 and potentially beyond.
Will the musical go on a national tour?
Yes, Tina will launch a national tour in Fall 2023. The tour is scheduled to kick off in Providence, RI in October 2023, visiting over 30 cities in its first year including Philadelphia, Los Angeles, Denver, Houston and Seattle among others.
Additional tour stops and routing likely to be announced in the coming months. This touring production will bring the show to audiences around the country who can’t make it to Broadway.
So the musical isn’t closing for good, just leaving Broadway temporarily while the tour runs. This follows the common practice of Broadway shows going on national tours after establishing themselves in New York.
What other productions are planned?
In addition to the US tour, international productions of Tina are currently planned for Germany, Holland and Australia in 2023-2024. The German language production will play in Hamburg, with production and casting details forthcoming.
The Australian production just announced it will open in Sydney in 2024. Audiences in Sydney, Melbourne and potentially other Australian cities will get the chance to see the show down under.
So the global expansion of Tina continues, with the musical reaching new countries in the coming years. Even after it departs Broadway for touring engagements, the show will still be seen by audiences around the world.
What has the response been to Tina Turner musical?
The musical has received quite positive reviews from critics and audiences:
- Opened on Broadway in November 2019
- Currently has played over 500 performances
- Received 12 Tony Award nominations in 2020 including Best Musical
- Won the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical for Adrienne Warren
- Also won a Drama Desk Award and Outer Critics Circle Award for Best Musical
- Has broken the box office record at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre multiple times
- Recouped its $16.5 million investment in under 9 months, setting a record for a bio-musical on Broadway
In addition to critical acclaim and awards recognition, Tina has been a commercial hit on Broadway. With its high gross potential and popularity with audiences, it’s no surprise that the show is eyeing a long life beyond Broadway.
How long will the musical run?
There is no definitive end date set for the Tina Turner musical at this point. However, looking at other successful bio-musicals of the past decade can provide clues on how long it may run:
| Show | Broadway Run | Total Productions |
|---|---|---|
| Jersey Boys | 11 years | 9 productions worldwide |
| Beautiful | 6 years and counting | 3 current productions |
| Summer | 1 year on Broadway | 1 national tour |
Based on the popularity and accolades for Tina, it seems likely the show could have a Broadway run of 5+ years. It also is primed to have an extensive life beyond Broadway with touring productions around the world.
The Tina Turner musical has not shown any signs of slowing down. While a closing date hasn’t been set, there’s no reason to expect the show won’t continue thriving on Broadway and globally for years to come.
Will Adrienne Warren continue starring as Tina Turner?
Adrienne Warren originated the role of Tina Turner on Broadway, earning rave reviews and awards recognition including the Tony Award for Best Actress in a Musical. However, Warren played her final Broadway performance in May 2022.
Taking over the role of Tina on Broadway is Nkeki Obi-Melekwe, who previously understudied the role. Obi-Melekwe began performances in July 2022. She is expected to stay with the show for its ongoing Broadway run.
Meanwhile, Warren is rumored to potentially reprise her role as Tina in the upcoming national tour. However, official casting for the tour has not yet been announced. Fans will have to wait and see if Warren chooses to continue with the show beyond Broadway.
Regardless of casting, the musical continues spotlighting the incredible life and songs of the one and only Tina Turner.
How can I get tickets to see Tina on Broadway?
Tina is playing an open-ended run at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre (205 W 46th St, New York, NY 10036).
You can purchase tickets directly through the show’s official website or through ticket retailers like Telecharge and Ticketmaster.
A limited number of rush and lottery tickets are also available for each performance. You can check the musical’s website for the most up-to-date rush and lottery policies.
Ticket prices vary depending on date, seats, and availability, but generally range from $49 – $199 for regular tickets. Premium tickets can go up to $399.
Given the popularity of Tina, it’s recommended to purchase tickets well in advance, especially for weekend performances. The best availability is typically for weeknight shows.
Keep checking the musical’s website for the most up-to-date information on tickets and performances as policies are subject to change.
How has Tina Turner responded to the musical?
Though she was not directly involved in the creation of the musical, Tina Turner has been supportive of the show honoring her life and music. Some of her comments on the musical include:
- “It is a musical that tells my life story. And there were a few things I asked them to change, but I must say, I am very pleased with the end result.”
- “I went to see it for the first time in London. It was like an out of body experience, very strange”
- “They got the gist of my life right, although of course a lot is compressed in order to get so many years into a stage show.”
- “The actress who plays me [Adrienne Warren] is wonderful. Her voice is amazing and she has all my moves down.”
Turner has attended performances of the show in London and New York. By all accounts, she has been supportive of the musical and impressed by the lead actresses who have portrayed her.
The musical continues to tell her story 8 shows a week on Broadway, introducing her inspirational life and music to new generations of audiences.
Conclusion
While an official closing date has not been announced, the Tina Turner musical continues its successful open-ended Broadway run at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre in New York. The acclaimed show has recouped its investment and consistently breaks box office records.
Tina is primed for a long life, with a national tour launching in Fall 2023 and international productions slated for Germany, Holland, Australia and more. Adrienne Warren has departed the show after winning a Tony Award for her portrayal of Tina Turner, but the musical continues spotlighting the legendary singer’s story.
With no signs of slowing down based on reviews, awards recognition and impressive ticket sales, the Tina Turner musical is expected to thrive on Broadway and beyond for many more years. Fans in New York City and on upcoming tour stops will still have the chance to experience this high-energy celebration of a music icon.