Music director Alvin Hough Jr. is quite a theater veteran.
In addition to being involved with Broadway shows “The Color Purple,” “Motown” and “Scandalous,” he’s also been on the road with national touring productions of “Memphis” and “Dreamgirls.”
So when he was invited to become the assistant music supervisor on “Tina – The Tina Turner Musical,” Hough jumped at the opportunity.
“It’s a magical ride,” said Hough, calling from New York City. “The songs are incredible. The woman, herself, is incredible.
“Watching the Broadway company in 2019 put it together was really rewarding. Then, of course, the pandemic hit and everything came to a standstill.”
When the show reopened on Broadway in 2021, Hough took over as music supervisor. He has the same title on the show’s national tour, which is in Cleveland through May 14 for shows at Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace.
Early on in the New York City run Hough had a chance to meet Turner, who he described as being a “beacon” of energy.
“It was one of those moments — she was just gracious to be a part of it,” Hough said. “She told the company that she had — and I don’t blame her — a hard time watching Act 1 because … some of those moments with Ike (still) hang with her.
“It’s still heavy feelings for her, but she’s proud of us, for sure. She’s insanely supportive, and she believes in the vision. There’s only one Tina, truly.”
This musical is, of course, based on the life of the legendary artist, whose career continually defied the odds, Turner overcoming one obstacle after another.
Growing up in a poor Tennessee family and later deserted by her parents, Turner had a tough childhood. Eventually, she moved to St. Louis, married Ike Turner and enjoyed pop/soul success in the ’60s and early ’70s.
The ending of her highly publicized and destructive marriage to Ike left her in relative obscurity, but perseverance paid off with big dividends in the ’80s as she resurrected her career with the album “Private Dancer,” which went on to sell more than 11 million copies.
Turner was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame for the second time in 2021. She’s one of only three women in to be inducted twice, the first time being in 1991 with Ike.
“Tina” is a jukebox musical with hits “River Deep, Mountain High,” “Proud Mary,” “Private Dancer,” “What’s Love Got to Do With It?,” “We Don’t Need Another Hero (Thunderdome)” and “The Best.”
While Hough doesn’t necessarily disagree, he does take exception with the term nowadays being viewed as a pejorative.
“It takes you somewhere and brings on a nostalgic feeling,” Hough said. “That’s the beauty of these kinds of shows. I don’t see that as a negative.
“There’s power — there’s strength in telling someone’s story, especially a strong Black female’s story. I think that empowerment is brilliant. And when done right, a jukebox musical is very effective. This one is top of the list for me. It’s great.”
‘Tina – The Tina Turner Musical’
When: Through May 14.
Where: Playhouse Square’s Connor Palace, 1615 Euclid Ave., Cleveland.
Tickets: $25 to $120.
Info: 216-241-6000 or PlayhouseSquare.org.
