Producers of the hit musical based on Tina Turner’s life have expressed their sadness at the death of the rock icon but say the show – which opened in Sydney only last week – will go on.
Turner died on May 24 in Switzerland, aged 83, after a long illness, her publicist said.
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She was best known for solo hits including What’s Love Got to Do with It and Simply the Best, and the songs Nutbush City Limits and River Deep Mountain High with former husband Ike Turner.
TINA: The Tina Turner Musical had its world premiere in 2018 in London, breaking box office records, before opening in 2019 on Broadway, where it was nominated for 12 Tony Awards.
The Australian production of the musical opened at Sydney’s Theatre Royal, starring young Aussie performer Ruva Ngwenya as Turner, on May 18, to rave reviews.
Producers of the Sydney show say they are “deeply saddened to share the news that Tina Turner has passed away” but “performances will continue as planned”.
“Tina Turner’s contribution as an iconic music artist and performer, her influence on fellow artists and her inspiration to generations who followed, is legendary,” said a statement posted on the show’s website on Thursday.
“Through her life story and her music, Tina Turner inspired and taught so many people around the world to find strength from within.
“This is a loss that will be deeply felt.
“Words can’t express our feelings, so we look to one another to share the love, respect and kindness that she shared with us.
“Her legacy lives on in so many beautiful ways as we mourn a legendary woman.
“Our love, thoughts, and prayers are with (Tina’s husband) Erwin Bach and Tina’s family.
“TINA: The Tina Turner Musical is a true celebration of this exceptional woman, and in our mourning we continue to celebrate her life, her talent and her joy.”
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