Tina Turner musical comes to Wharton

By Chloe Gregg
Editor in Chief

“Tina: The Tina Turner Musical” is appearing at the Wharton Center in East Lansing this week, from Tuesday, April 18 to Sunday, April 23.

This jukebox musical depicts the life of Turner; from her humble start growing up in Tennessee to becoming a rock ‘n’ roll legend. Audiences will be captivated by the performances in this musical.

Parris Lewis, a native of Brooklyn, N.Y., plays Alline, Tina’s sister. Lewis got her start in musicals at a very young age. She attended a performing arts school from middle school all the way through high school. She then went on to graduate with a major in classic music and found her way to the theater through her music.

From a girl who used to sing Tina Turner songs for her auditions, Lewis said that performing in this musical is one of the scariest things she’s done.

“When I first saw the show, I said, ‘Oh jeez, I don’t know if I can do that,’” Lewis said. “This is really, really intense. Personally and professionally, it’s forced me to believe in myself and the talents that I have and the abilities that I have. I am beyond capable.”

Lewis said she is excited for audiences to see the Tina Turner musical.

“I’m excited for them to see (Tina Turner) come out on top as the magnificent and strong woman that she is and was at that time,” Lewis said. “And I’m excited for them to just have a good time.

“The show feels like a concert sometimes and it can definitely psych out audiences who think that they have to be quiet; because they don’t. We love it when they make noise.”

The musical premieres today (Tuesday, April 18) at 7:30 p.m., with tickets starting at $39 for adults and $29 for students and youth. The Wharton Center is located on the campus of Michigan State University in East Lansing.

For more information or to purchase tickets, visit the website here.