Tina Turner’s career has been nothing short of legendary. Over the past 60 years, she has dabbled in almost every area of the musical entertainment business, including singing, songwriting, acting, producing, and choreography. Her life has already been loosely adapted onscreen in 1993’s “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” starring Angela Bassett (“American Horror Story” “Master of None”). Now, it’s only fitting that Turner’s story will take the stage.
According to Broadway World, a Tina Turner musical, set to debut in the UK, has been in the works for almost two years. Though few details have been shared, Stage Entertainment’s creative director, Tali Pelman, stresses that Turner’s “iconic songs” will be “matched only by the power and inspiration of her remarkable and moving story.”
“Tina” is directed by Phyllida Lloyd, helmer of “The Iron Lady” and both the stage and cinematic versions of ABBA musical “Mamma Mia!” The screenplay is written by Hattiloo Theater artistic director Katori Hall. Hall is also set to direct the film adaptation of her own play “Hurt Village.”
The creative team also includes costume designer Mark Thompson, music supervisor Nicholas Skilbeck, and choreographer Anthony Van Laast, who all have worked on the stage production of “Mamma Mia!”
Turner herself joined the creative team back in December for a workshop presentation of the musical. She exclaimed, “It has been wonderful to collaborate with Katori and Phyllida, and to have my story nurtured by such an amazing creative team is thrilling. London has always had a very special place in my heart, and it’s wonderful to be back.”
On Monday Turner shared the artwork for the new musical on Twitter:
Official casting, premiere dates, and other details have yet to be announced.