Stage Entertainment, James L. Nederlander and Tali Pelman, in association with Tina Turner, are excited to announce additional casting for TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL on Broadway. It was previously announced that Adrienne Warren would play the role of Tina, stars Daniel J. Watts as Ike, Dawn Lewis as Zelma, Obi-Melekwe as Tina Turner (at some performances). You will also see Myra Lucretia Taylor, Steven Booth, Nick Rashad Burroughs, Gerald Caesar, Holli’ Conway, ,Kayla Davion & more!
Performances for Tina - The Tina Turner Musical, will begin at the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Saturday October 12, 2019. the new musical based on the life of icon, Tina Turner, world premiered in April 2018 at the Aldwych Theatre in London, opening to five-star reviews and continues to play sold out houses.
Tickets for the show are available now here. You can read more about the additional casting below!
ADRIENNE WARREN (Tina Turner) made her West End debut in the World Premiere ofTina – The Tina Turner Musicalin the title role of Tina Turner (Olivier, Evening Standard & WhatsOnStage Award Nominations). She was last seen on Broadway inShuffle Alongas Gertrude Saunders / Florence Mills, for which she received a Tony Award nomination for Best Performance by a Featured Actress in a Musical. She originated the role of Danielle in the Tony-nominatedBring It On: The Musicalon Broadway. She was also seen at the Apollo Theater as Lorrell inDreamgirls, followed by the national tour. Other New York theatre credits include:The Wizat Encores City Center. Adrienne has had the honor of performing for the Duke and Duchess of Sussex in the 2018 Royal Variety Show in London. She has toured and recorded with the multi-platinum selling Trans-Siberian Orchestra and is currently working on her solo debut album. Adrienne has headlined with The Virginia Symphony Orchestra and made her Carnegie Hall debut with the New York Pops. She is also a voice over artists, in which she is currently the voice of Maybelline New York. TV credits include: CBS pilot “Perfect Citizen”, the Amazon pilot “Point of Honor”, “Orange is the New Black”, “Blue Bloods”, “Royal Pains”, “People in New Jersey”, “The Tap”, “Quantico”, “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver”, “Irreversible”, and “Black Box”.
DANIEL J. WATTS (Ike Turner) has appeared in eight Broadway shows includingHamilton, In The HeightsandMemphis. Off Broadway he has starred in Suzan-Lori Parks'Death of the Last Black Man in the Entire World(Signature Theatre) and the world premiere ofWhorl Inside A Loop(2nd Stage). TV credits include recurring roles on Amazon’s “Marvelous Mrs. Maisel,” NBC's “Blindspot,” and HBO's “Vinyl” and “The Deuce.” “The Good Wife” (CBS), “Blue Bloods” (CBS), “Odd Mom Out” (Bravo), “The Night Of” (HBO), “Boardwalk Empire” (HBO), “Person of Interest” (CBS), “Broad City” (Comedy Central) and “Smash” (NBC). He currently appears as "Felony" in Tracy Morgan's new comedy series “The Last OG” on TBS.Daniel J. Watts' The Jaman homage to his great grandmother who made homemade jam from scratch and gave away what she couldn't eat herself, is a spoken word/storytelling experience fusing a live band, song, dance and multimedia where Watts encourages audiences to focus on social similarities opposed to differences. www.wattswords.com @dwattswords
DAWNN LEWIS (Zelma) President & CEO of Morning Jewel Inc. – a multi-platform production company of film, television, animation, music/music publishing projects. She is also the Founder & CEO of the A New Day Foundation – a non-profit 501(c)3 organization, that provides financial & programmatic support to underprivileged youth and grassroots community organizations. She is an: NAACP Image Award, Trumpet Award, Grammy Award-winning singer, multiple ASCAP & BMI Award-winning songwriter, film, television & stage actor, and a series TV creator/producer. She is currently co-starring with Kristen Bell in the highly anticipated reboot of “Veronica Mars” as The Chief in “Where in the World is Carmen San Diego” reboot, and recently seen recurring on three hit series: “This is Us!,” “Major Crimes” and “iZombie” or heard in: “The Simpsons,” “Futurama” and “Doc McStuffins.” Dawnn starred in two recently released award winning feature films:Revival,written & produced by acclaimed actor Harry Lennix featuring an all-star cast, andBe The Lightwritten and directed by “iZombie” star Malcolm Goodwin. For 5.5 years, Dawnn starred as one of the original cast members of the groundbreaking TV Series “A Different World” (also composer of shows theme song) and “I’m Gonna Git U Sucka!” Stage credits include:The Wiz(Bdwy),Intimate Apparel, Sister Act: The Musical(orig cast),The Marriage(NAACP Image award – Best Actress),How To Succeed In Business . . .(with Matthew Broderick & Megan Mullally). Web sitewww.DAWNNLEWIS.com
NKEKI OBI-MELEKWE (Tina Turner At Some Performances) currently stars as ’Tina’ inTina: The Tina Turner Musicalon the West End. She most recently appeared inAlice by Heart(MCC) andHalf Time(Paper Mill Playhouse). TV: “Bull” (CBS) and “SMILF” (Showtime). Nkeki graduated from the University of Michigan in 2018.
MYRA LUCRETIA TAYLOR( Gran Georgeanna) Broadway: Nine (Tony Award® Best Revival), Macbeth, Electra, Chronicle of a Death Foretold, MuleBone, and A Streetcar Named Desire. Off Broadway: The Rolling Stone(LCT),The Lucky Ones (Ars Nova; Lortel nom., Best Featured Actress in a Musical), School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play (MCC; Special Drama Desk Award, Best Ensemble), Familiar (Playwrights Horizons; Lortel and OCC nominations for Best Featured Actress in a Play). Regional: School Girls; Or, the African Mean Girls Play (CTG; LA Drama Critics’ Circle Best Ensemble – nomination)Where Storms Are Born (Williamstown Theatre Festival, world premiere), Our Town (Long Wharf), Mary (Goodman), The Old Settler (McCarter, Long Wharf, world premieres). National Tour: Wicked (first African American Madame Morrible). International: The Winter’s Tale, Pericles (member Royal Shakespeare Company). TV: Upcoming: “Cortex,” “The Hunt,” Previous: “Atlanta,” “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” “Girls,” “Madam Secretary,” “Elementary,” “Instinct.” Film: Ben is Back, The Big Sick, Catfight, Bushwick, Madeline’s Madeline. WEB: “Best Thing You’ll Ever Do” (Indie Web nom., best supporting actress). Ms. Taylor is a Fox Fellow.
STEVEN BOOTH (Ensemble, Phil Spector, Terry Britten) Broadway:School Of Rock(Ned),Glory Days(Will),Avenue Q(Princeton/Rod u/s) Off-Broadway:Dogfight(Gibbs), National Tours:Kinky Boots(Charlie Price),Happy Days(Richie Cunningham), Recent Regional:ELF the Musical(Buddy the Elf).
NICK RASHAD BURROUGHS (Ensemble) Broadway:Kinky Boots(u/s Lola, Angel)King Kong(u/s Lumpy, Ensemble) National Tour:Something Rotten(u/s Shakespeare, Minstrel) He also recorded the single “Ordinary Day” on Todrick Hall’s #1 pop album “Forbidden”. Nick received a Broadway World Award for his portrayal of Judas inJesus Christ Superstar. Other Favorite credits include James Brown inJames Brown Liveat the Apollo Music Cafe,Shrek the Musical(Donkey),Ragtime(Coalhouse),Company(Robert).
GERALD CAESAR (Ensemble, Raymond Kin) Broadway/National Tours:A Bronx Tale(OBC)Choir Boy(OBC),The Lion King. Select regional credits include:Freaky Friday(North Shore Music Theatre)Hairspray(The Muny)Aida, South Pacific(Pittsburgh Civic Light Opera)Legally Blonde(Paramount Theatre)In the Heights(Sacramento Music Circus, Westport Country Playhouse). Gerald thanks Sacramento Music Circus, DGRW Talent, and his incredibly supportive family. BFA Elon University IG: gerald_caesar
HOLLI’ CONWAY (Ensemble, Ikette) is overjoyed to make her Broadway Debut withTina! Holli’ is a Louisiana native and a proud graduate of Northwestern State University at Louisiana where she appeared in musicals such asRent(Mimi),Hairspray(Little Inez), andAvenue Q(Bad Idea Bear). She also spent time as a production singer for Carnival Cruise Lines. Holli’ is fresh off of her reign as Miss Louisiana 2018 and was a preliminary talent award winner and 2nd Runner up to Miss America. Thank you, Bloc for continuing to believe in me. For God, my family, and my day one friends. No dream is too big; follow the cloud and trust your journey. Instagram: @welcometo_holliwood
KAYLA DAVION (Ensemble, Ikette) Broadway:King Kong(Ensemble, Ann Darrow U/S),Waitress(Ensemble, Dawn U/S). TV: "The Good Fight" (Winsome). Special shout out to Ball State University and my incredible agency Nicolosi & CO. Endless thanks to family and friends. “LEAD WITH LOVE.” And "To God be the Glory!"
LEANDRA ELLIS-GASTON (Swing) is delighted to be making her Broadway debut inTina: The Tina Turner Musical. Graduate of AMDA Los Angeles. 1st National:Beautiful. International:Hair. Regional: Memphis, Dreamgirls, HairsprayandOnce on this Island.Endless gratitude to God, Telsey & Co., The Carry Company, friends, family and my gracious husband Kyle. Ephesians 2:8-9 Insta:@leandraellisgaston
CHARLIE FRANKLIN (Ensemble, Roger Davies) New York:The Book of Mormon(Broadway),The Bridges of Madison County(Original Broadway Cast), Frankie Epps inParade(Lincoln Center), Tom Sawyer inBig River(City Center Encores!). Regional: Dickon inThe Secret Garden(5th Avenue), Ralph inLord of the Flies(Denver Center). TV: “Shades of Blue,” “The Loudest Voice.” Proud graduate of Pace University! Massive thanks to KMR and Telsey & Co. All of my love to Mom, Dad, the sibs, and DeLaney. @chazafranklin
JUDITH FRANKLIN (Ensemble) is thrilled to join the Broadway company ofTina - The Tina Turner Musical. Judith's interest in performing was sparked as a young girl while singing in her hometown of Missouri City, Texas in the Sunshine Choir at Briarchase Baptist Church. She graduated from Houston's Grammy Award-winning High School for the Performing and Visual Arts as a vocal and dance major and received a music scholarship to Clark Atlanta University where she graduated with a Bachelor of Arts in Theatre. Judith traveled the USA in the National Tour ofMotown The Musicalin 2017, and in 2018 Judith made her Broadway debut inSummer: The Donna Summer Musical. She has performed throughout the United States, Caribbean, Africa, Europe and South America. She has also been seen on TV in “Sesame Street,” Tyler Perry’s “I Can Do Bad All By Myself,” “Greenleaf” and several regional commercials. In 2019 Judith will be seen on the big screen in the movieSuper Intelligence, starring Melissa McCarthy. She is a proud member of Broadway Inspirational Voices. Special thanks to Mama & Daddy (My Angel), Jameaka, Jennifer, Family, Friends, Telsey & Co., The Creative Team, VGP Artist Management and Hybrid Talent. Social media: @judithfranklinwww.JudithFranklinOnline.com
MATTHEW GRIFFIN(Ensemble, Craig)hails from the cornfields of Indiana, recently moving to New York to study at Circle in the Square Theatre School. A few of his recent New York credits include:The New Yorkersat Encores! City Center,Cruel Intentions the Musical(Off-Broadway),Born for This(Cutler Majestic),The Outsiders(Staged Reading, directed by Liesl Tommy), and many more. His art has also given him the privilege to do concerts all around the world, including: France, South Korea, and Ecuador. Excited to be making his Broadway debut inTina - The Tina Turner Musical. There are seldom stories like this one, that reflect such strength, triumph, and love. Grateful to The Lord, his family and close friends, KMR Talent Agency, UPAF, every teacher who saw something and helped it develop into something beautiful, Yvonne, and the Spencers.
SHELDON HENRY(Swing)is a native New Yorker and has BFA from The Hartt School of Music. Some of his favorite credits: Broadway:The Prom.National Tours:South Pacific, The Little Mermaid, 20th AnniversaryRiverdanceInternational tour.Memphis, Scottsboro Boys, The Prom, Guys and Dolls, DreamGirls, Central Ave Breakdown, Five Guys Named Moe, Buddy Holly, Tommy, Parade, A Christmas Carol,andShowBoat. Sheldon is a proud alum of Boys Choir of Harlem and would like to thank his family, friends and wonderful agents at CarsonKolker.
DAVID JENNINGS(Ensemble, Richard Bullock)BROADWAY:Once On This Island(Armand);After Midnight(Standby for Dule’ Hill & Babyface);Hands On A Hardbody. OFF-BROADWAY:The Secret Life Of Bees. WEST END LONDON:The Genius Of Ray Charles(Lead). NATIONAL:Ragtime(Coalhouse);Miss Saigon(John);Kinky Boots(Simon Sr.);Waitress(Ted);Freaky Friday(Mike);Dreamgirls(Curtis) with Jennifer Holliday;Ain’t Misbehavin’(Grammy Award nominee for 30th Anniversary Recording). TELEVISION: “Blue Bloods” (CBS); “The Shield” (FX); “The Sinner” (USA); “Last Week Tonight with John Oliver” (HBO).
ROSS LEKITES(Ensemble, Erwin Bach)Broadway:Frozen(OBC),Kinky Boots. Off Broadway:Brigadoon(Charlie) City Center Encores! National Tours:West Side Story(Tony),Kinky Boots. London:West Side Story(Royal Albert Hall). Regional: Goodspeed Opera House, Riverside Theatre, Ogunquit Playhouse, Theatreworks Silicon Valley. Concert Soloist: (Boston Pops, Philly Pops, San Diego Symphony, Virginia Symphony, Bulgaria Symphony) TV: “Time After Time” (ABC). For Mom and beautiful wife Mandy.www.Rosslekites.cominsta:@rjlekites
ROBERT LENZI(Ensemble, Carpenter)Broadway: Miles Tuck inTuck Everlasting, South Pacific. Off Broadway:Dogfight(Second Stage Theater),Hello Again(Transport Group). Regional:Cyrano de Bergerac(Guthrie Theater),Soul(Baltimore Center Stage),Assassins(Yale Repertory Theatre),A Sign of the Times(Goodspeed Opera House),Tuck Everlasting(Alliance Theater),Road Show(Chicago Shakespeare Theater),Into the Woods(Baltimore Center Stage and Westport Country Playhouse). Film:The Last Airbender, Sex and the City 2, The Happening, The Village. Television: “Orange is the New Black,” “Unbreakable Kimmy Schmidt,” “The Good Fight,” ”Deception," "Blue Bloods," "One Life to Live," "Live From Lincoln Center," “Clubhouse." Robert received a BFA in Acting from Carnegie Mellon University. @bob.lenzi
GLORIA MANNING(Young Alline) is a 6thgrader at the Professional Performing Arts Schools (PPAS). Recent credits includeThe Lion KingBroadway Tour 2017-19 (Young Nala), Nicklelodeon’s “Butterbean’s Café” (Brookie Kid), and “Sprout TV” (Lead rapper). Gloria has been singing and training since age 3 and is an active member of the Young Peoples Chorus of New York (YPC). Gloria attends Grace Baptist Church, Mount Vernon. She is represented by The SquarePeg Group, Inc. and Stewart Talent.
ROB MARNELL(Swing)Broadway:Beautiful(Gerry Goffin u/s),Gettin’ the Band Back Together(Joe Perry). Other/Tour:Jersey Boys(Bob Gaudio in Las Vegas & Joe Long in film dir. Clint Eastwood),Rock of Ages(Stacee Jaxx, regional premiere),Madagascar Live!(Alex, Original Touring Cast) & Heritage Theatre Festival. BFA, Elon University. Rob is the drummer for Poppy's Suitcase, a NYC cover band trio. Check out his youtube comedy channel "Foggy Joggans" & original music atwww.robmarnell.com.
MEHRET MARSH(Young Anna Mae/Young Alline u/s)Singer, actor, dancer. Her first feature film,Straighten Up and Fly Rightis due out soon and she just completed a short film with writer/director Jose Rivera. She was the first African born Young Nala on Broadway inThe Lion Kingat age 9. Other credits include: “What would you Do?” (ABC), “Super Wings,” “Sesame Street,” various voice overs, “Sandman,” Broadway Sessions, vocal solo, 54 Below, Tree Hause Broadway Cabaret, Tunes in Times Square, "Carols For A Cure" CD, opening solo;Lion Kingcast, and solo on "I have a Voice" for Broadway Kids anti-bullying campaign. Her last play wasTil We Meet Againby Glory Kadigan, directed by Tonya Pinkins and prior to that, Jose’ Rivera’sFall of the Sparrowas part of Playwrights for a Cause. She is excited and honored to be part of the original Broadway cast ofTina. She is especially grateful to her family and her team, Lisa Calli, Barry Kolker, Bonnie Shumofsky and her voice coach Bryan Wade. FB mehretmarsh. Instagram @mehret_marsh.
JHARDON DiSHON MILTON(Ensemble, Ronnie) Broadway:A Bronx Tale. Off-Broadway:The Black Clown, Lincoln Center;If Sand Were Stone, Theatre Row. Regional:The Black Clown, American Repertory Theater;Trevor the Musical(Jack), Writers Theatre;Saturday Night Fever(Monty),Bye Bye Birdie, Drury Lane Oakbrook;Little Shop of Horrors(Seymour), Tantrum Theater;La Cage aux Folles, Madagascar(Marty u/s), Marriott Theatre;Cabaret,Theatre at the Center;Men of Soul(Jeff Award Nomination), Black Ensemble Theater. Education/Training: BFA, musical theater, Viterbo University. Thank you Telsey, the producers, Mom, and my best, and VB’s! Hebrews 11:6 @jhardondishon
DESTINEE REA(Ensemble, Ikette)is thrilled to be playing a Bold Soul Sister with the company ofTina! Broadway:Book of Mormon, Amelie; Regional: Sarah,Ragtime(PSF), Chiffon,Little Shop(Music Circus) Lorrell,Dreamgirls(NSMT) and Dorothy,The Wiz(Maltz Jupiter Theatre). Destinee is the Co-Founder of BOLD @iamaboldwoman. Thanks to the Mine and my amazing friends and family for dreaming with me. “And we were like those who dreamed!” @Destineerea
MARS RUCKER(Ensemble, Alline, Ikette)is a proud non-binary/trans artist and is so excited to be making their Broadway Debut inTina. They believe in creation out of love, telling stories centered around truth, and activism through art. They sing, dance, act, write, and create artistic videos centered around breaking visual and social constructs. They want to specifically thank their parents, their family, their first director/educator that believed in them (Bobby Linhart), and their beautiful partner Isis Bruno. This is for all the weird kids out there, you can make it!!! Instagram: mars_the_mantis
JESSICA RUSH(Ensemble, Rhonda)Ms. Rush most recently completed a successful run in Broadway'sDear Evan Hansen, where she stood by for both Cynthia Murphy and Heidi Hansen. Last season she originated the role of Joyce Bogart inSummer: The Donna Summer Musical. Jessica had the honor of closing the Broadway run ofJersey Boysas the longest running Lorraine, and prior to that, appeared inGuys and DollsandGypsywith Patti LuPone. Television credits include "Billions" and "White Collar", and the award-winning web series, "Then We Got Help". She was the recipient of the Joseph Jefferson Award for her portrayal of Louise inGypsyat Chicago Shakespeare Theatre, and is co-founder of the Broadway Baby Mamas. Ms. Rush is married to actor Eric Anderson, and mom to their daughter, Elliot. insta: @jessisarush
ALLYSA SHORTE(Swing)Broadway/NY:Spongebob Squarepants; After Midnight; Zorba!.Regional Theaters: The Ordway:42nd Street(Anytime Annie), The Muny:The Wiz, 5th Avenue Theatre:Aladdin, Kansas City Starlight Theatre:Aida(Nehebka), North Shore Music Theater:Dreamgirls; Legally Blonde(Pilar), TUTS Houston;White Christmas. Film/TV:High School Musical 3; Bring it On: Fight to the Finish; “Americas Got Talent”;Across the Universe. AEA,SAG/AFTRA. Thankful for an amazingly supportive family.
CARLA STEWART(Ensemble)is ecstatic to return to Broadway and be a part of this legend’s story! Broadway:The Color PurpleRevival (Church Lady/ Olivia) Off Broadway:Secret Life of Bees(U/S Rosaleen, August, June),If Pretty Hurts, Ugly Must be a Muhfucka(The Voice of the River) 1st National Tour:The Color Purple(Shug Avery),Ghost(Oda Mae Brown) Regional:The Color Purple(Shug Avery/ Paper Mill Playhouse)The Wiz(Dorothy, Arkansas Rep.)Rent(Joanne, surflight)... Big thank you to my team at HCKR. Look what God has done! Cheers to storytelling!
JAYDEN THEOPHILE(Young Craig)was born into a military family in Anchorage, Alaska. A naturally gifted singer and dancer, Jayden has been entertaining friends, family and classmates for over 5 years. He has appeared in a community stage play and is ecstatic that he will be making his professional Broadway debut inTina - The Tina Turner Musical. Special thanks to my parents (Charlisa and Frantzy), my siblings (Aliyah and Kingston), my family, my manager Lisa Cali and agent Barry Kolker, who all supported and believed in my talent. IG: @Jaytheo_11
ANTONIO WATSON(Young Craig)is honored and excited to be making his Broadway debut at the Lunt Fontanne Theatre. A New Jersey native, Antonio was most recently seen in the role of Chip at the Paper Mill Playhouse in Disney’sBeauty and The Beast. Off-Broadway:Charley in This Ain’t No Disco(Atlantic Theater Company). Professional Stage: Joe Thibodeaux inCaroline, Or Change(Tantrum Theater),Mandela(AEA Reading),The Preacher’s Wife(AEA Reading). Film/TV: Andrew Pierce in “Blue Bloods,”All The Little Things We Kill(in post-production),In The Field, Lily,“The Late Night Show with Stephen Colbert,” Nick Jr.’s “Magic Carpet Ride” music video, “Sesame Street” Workshop, and “Sprout Sunny Side Up,” “Peanuts.” Pixie Dust Players:The People Garden(Hamilton Stage-UCPAC),Junie B. Jones(Hamilton Stage – UCPAC),Winnie the Pooh KIDS(Summit Playhouse),Seussical KIDS(Summit Playhouse), andOliver Jr(Summit Playhouse). In his spare time, Antonio loves to create fun drawings and conduct science experiments. Special thanks go to Zoom Talent and Abrams Artists. You can find Antonio on Instagram @antonio.j.watson and Facebook.
KATIE WEBBER(Ensemble) A California girl living in the Big Apple! Broadway:Rock of Ages, Wicked, Jersey Boys, Memphis, Catch Me if You Can, Honeymoon in Vegas, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Proud mom of the best little girl, Oli.
TINA TURNER. Winner of eight Grammy Awards and numerous Billboard, American Music and MTV Music Video Awards, Tina Turner is internationally recognized as one of the most successful and influential female artists of the 21st century, and the global ‘Queen of Rock and Roll’. Born in Nutbush, Tennessee, Tina began her career in the mid-1950s alongside the infamous Ike Turner and the Kings of Rhythm – soon catapulting the band to stardom as lead singer of the reformed group, The Ike and Tina Turner Revue. Following a string of chart topping hits around the world, Tina’s well documented tumultuous relationship with Ike led her to finally leave the duo in 1976; allowing her to relaunch an international Rock and Roll solo career in the 80’s, parallel to no other. Alongside establishing herself as one of the most cutting-edge artists of her time, Tina also took on successful film roles, including appearing as the ‘Acid Queen’ in The Who’s musicalTommy, and starring alongside Mel Gibson as ‘Aunt Entity’ inMad Max: Beyond Thunderdome. Tina was inducted into the ‘Rock and Roll Hall of Fame’ in 1991, awarded a star on the Hollywood Walk of Fame and has three singles (“River Deep-Mountain High,” “Proud Mary” and “Simply The Best”) inducted into the Grammy Hall of Fame. In 2005, she was celebrated as a prestigious Kennedy Centre Honors recipient, with Beyoncé, Oprah Winfrey, Robert Redford and then President George Bush amongst the many paying tribute. The late great David Bowie and rock legend Mick Jagger are also amongst her many notable co-performers and advocates. With a career spanning five decades, Tina holds the Guinness World Record for selling more concert tickets than any other solo performer in history, and has sold more than 200 million albums and singles worldwide to date, making her one of the biggest selling female artists in music history. In 2008, Tina returned from semi-retirement to embark on her critically acclaimedTina!: 50thAnniversary Tour, which went on to became one of the biggest selling shows of that year. An inspiration to masses across the world with her music and trailblazing career, she is still adored by fans globally and emulated by male and female contemporary pop and rock artists today.
KATORI HALL(Book). Katori Hall is an Olivier Award-winning playwright from Memphis, Tennessee. Her playThe Mountaintop, premiering at Theatre503 in 2009, transferred to the West End in 2010 and won the Olivier Award for Best New Play. Following its West End run, the play opened on Broadway in October 2011 to critical acclaim. Katori’s other work includes the award-winingHurt Villagewhich is currently in development as a feature film,Hoodoo Love,Remembrance,Saturday Night/Sunday Morning,WHADDABLOODCLOT!!!,Our Lady of Kibeho,The Blood Quilt, andPussy Valley, which is being adapted into a TV series for US network STARZ. In addition to her Laurence Olivier Award, Katori’s other awards include a Susan Smith Blackburn Award, Lark Play Development Center Playwrights of New York (PONY) Fellowship, two Lecompte du Nouy Prizes from Lincoln Center, Fellowship of Southern Writers Bryan Family Award in Drama, NYFA Fellowship, the Columbia University John Jay Award for Distinguished Professional Achievement, National Black Theatre’s August Wilson Playwriting Award, and the Lorraine Hansberry Playwriting Award. Katori has also been published as a book reviewer, journalist, and essayist in publications such as The Boston Globe, The Guardian, Newsweek and The New York Times; she has also been a Kennedy Center Playwriting Fellow at the O’Neill, and is currently a resident playwright at Signature Theatre in New York City. In 2016, her playChildren of Killerswas performed as part of the National Theatre’s Connections Festival. Katori is a proud member of the Ron Brown Scholar Program, and the Coca-Cola Scholar Program.
PHYLLIDA LLOYD(Director). Phyllida’s West End smash hitMAMMA MIA!ran on Broadway for 10 years and 18 years on, the show still runs in the West End today and has subsequently opened globally, having now been seen by over 56 million people across 40 countries. The success of the show also led Phyllida to direct the film version of the musical for Universal Pictures, starring Meryl Streep, Pierce Brosnan and Amanda Seyfried – which went on to receive a Golden Globe and BAFTA nomination. Most recently she directed the critically acclaimed 5 star, all female Shakespeare Trilogy:The Tempest,Julius CaesarandHenry IV(which was nominated for the Southbank Award) for the Donmar Warehouse – all of which were also seen in New York, where she has previously directedTaming of the Shrew, at the Public Theatre andJosephine and Iat Joe’s Pub at The Public, a transfer from The Bush. Previously for the Donmar Warehouse Phyllida directedMary Stuart– which transferred to the Apollo Theatre London and then Broadway –The Threepenny OperaandBoston Marriage. She directedSix Degrees of Separation,HysteriaandWild Eastall for the Royal Court,The Rime of the Ancient Marinerwith Fiona Shaw at the Old Vic Tunnels, Brooklyn Academy of Music and Epidavros,The Way of the World,Pericles,What the Butler Saw,The Prime of Miss Jean BrodieandThe Duchess of Malfiall for the National Theatre, andArtists and AdmirersandThe Virtuosofor the Royal Shakespeare Company. Phyllida’s other film credits include the Oscar Award-winningThe Iron Lady, starring Meryl Streep and Jim Broadbent, andGlorianafor the BBC. Phyllida has also directed many operatic productions including works for the Royal Opera House and English National Opera and Opera North. Her work in opera has garnered an International Emmy, a FIPA d’Or and the Royal Philharmonic Society Award. In 2010, Phyllida was awarded a CBE for her services to drama.
ANTHONY VAN LAAST(Choreographer).Anthony trained at the London School of Contemporary Dance, later joining the company as both performer and choreographer. His theatre credits include:MAMMA MIA!(Dora Mavor Moore award and Helpman award nomination),Sister Act(Olivier Award Nomination),Side Show(Broadway, Helen Hayes Nomination)Hair(Olivier award nomination), Andrew Lloyd Webber’sSong and Dance(Green Room award),Joseph and the Technicolor Dreamcoat(Olivier award nomination, Dramalogue award),Jesus Christ Superstar,Whistle Down the WindandBombay Dreams(Tony award nomination). Stephen Sondheim’sInto the WoodsandA Little Night Music, Leonard Bernstein’sCandide(Olivier award Best Musical). His film work includes:MAMMA MIA! Here We Go Again,Beauty and the Beast,MAMMA MIA!,Harry Potter and the Half Blood Prince, The Sex Pistols’Great Rock and Roll Swindle,Never Say Never Again,Excalibur,Hope and Glory,Jesus Christ Superstar(Emmy award) &Joseph and the Amazing Technicolor Dreamcoat. In 1999 he was awarded the MBE for services to Dance.
NICHOLAS SKILBECK(Musical Supervisor, Arrangements and Additional Music). A fellow of the Royal Academy of Music, Nicholas most recently served as Music Director and Supervisor forCharlie and The Chocolate Factoryon Broadway and Stephen Sondheim’s acclaimed musicalFollies, starring Imelda Staunton and Tracie Bennett, at the National Theatre. Nicholas’ other West End credits as Musical Supervisor and Musical Director include the Olivier Award-winning productions ofGypsy,Sweeney Todd,HairsprayandBilly Elliot the Musical, the Olivier Award-nominated West End premieres ofCharlie and The Chocolate FactoryandSister Act the Musical. Other credits includeMAMMA MIA!,Peepshow(Frantic Assembly and Lamb), and onstage with the late, great Victoria Wood inVictoria Wood – At It Again(Royal Albert Hall, UK tour and ITV). Nicholas has also worked with iconic music artist Kate Bush as Musical Director for her 2014 concert,Kate Bush: Before the Dawn, at the Hammersmith Apollo. As a composer, Nicholas’ musicalQuand la Guerre Sera Finiepremieres at the Avignon Festival in July 2017. Nicholas had a long-standing collaboration with performer and choreographer Nigel Charnock, co-founder of DV8 physical theatre. Together, their productions include:Asylum(Queen Elizabeth Hall),Affairs of the Heart(Helsinki Theatre Dance Company) andHell Bent(international tour). As an orchestrator Nicholas’s credits includeTravels With My Auntby Stiles and Drewe, and re-orchestrations forGypsy(West End). Nicholas is the co-author of the bookThe Singing and Acting Handbook – Games and Exercises for the Performer(published by Taylor & Francis).
STAGE ENTERTAINMENT(Producer) is a first-class theatrical production company focusing on musical theatre in Europe, with offices in the United Kingdom, Netherlands, Germany, Spain, France, Russia and Italy. Founded in 1998 by television and theatre entrepreneur Joop van den Ende, the group owns and operates a network of more than 20 theatres, produces some of the best-known titles in musical theatre including Disney’sThe Lion King, Mamma Mia!,andPhantom of The Opera, and creates original content includingTina: the Tina Turner MusicalandAnastasia. Stage Entertainment employs 3,000 people worldwide, and 7 million visitors attend a Stage Entertainment production every year. The company is widely known for the exceptional quality of its shows and the warm hospitality extended to its audiences.
JAMES L. NEDERLANDER (Producer). President of Nederlander Organization, and son of the late James M. Nederlander. Broadway: To Kill a Mockingbird; The Band’s Visit; Mean Girls;My Fair Lady; Escape to Margaritaville; On Your Feet!; The Humans; Meteor Shower; TheElephant Manstarring Bradley Cooper; I’ll Eat You Laststarring Bette Midler; Kinky Boots; West Side Story; Next to Normal; The 25thAnnual Putnam County Spelling Bee; Movin’ Out;as well as many others. Mr. Nederlander has also promoted hundreds of concerts, from Adele to Robin Williams, Billy Joel, U2, and Pink Floyd.
TALI PELMAN(Producer) is Group Creative Managing Director for Stage Entertainment, overseeing original content globally across the group and producing a new development slate, of which Tina – The Tina Turner Musical is the first title to enter production. Tali joined Stage Entertainment in 2014 following over a decade of producing in the West End and on Broadway both independently and for the Ambassador Theatre Group.
Photo: TinaBroadway Instagram