Karis Anderson as Tina Turner in TINA The Tina Turner Musical, photo by Manuel Harlan

(NEW BRUNSWICK, NJ) -- State Theatre New Jersey kicks off its 2024-25 Broadway series with four performances of TINA – The Tina Turner Musical from October 3-5, 2024. This musical reveals an uplifting comeback story like no other, of a woman who dared to defy the bounds of racism, sexism and ageism to become the global Queen of Rock n' Roll. TINA – The Tina Turner Musical is a celebration of resilience and an inspiration of triumph over adversity.

One of the world’s best-selling artists of all time, Tina Turner won 12 Grammy® Awards and her live shows have been seen by millions, with more concert tickets sold than any other solo performer in music history. 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. Through her life story and her music, Tina Turner inspired and taught so many people around the world to find strength from within.

The cast is led by singer-songwriter Jayna Elise as Tina Turner. Formerly known as Jayna Brown, Elise has appeared on stages with the likes of Tyler Perry, Queen Latifah, and more with her biggest appearances being on the hit TV shows, America’s Got Talent and American Idol; both for which she was a finalist.

Jayna Elise is joined on tour by Sterling Baker-McClary (Ike Turner/Ronnie Turner), Elaina Walton (Zelma Bullock), Mona Swain (Tina Turner at certain performances), Deidre Lang (Gran Georgeanna) and Kristen Daniels (Rhonda Graam/Toni Basil).

Performances take place Thursday, October 3 at 7:30pm; Friday, October 4 at 8:00pm; and Saturday, October 5 at 2:00pm & 8:00pm. Show tickets range from $40-$105 and are available for purchase online or by calling State Theatre Guest Services at 732-246-SHOW (7469). State Theatre Guest Services, located at 15 Livingston Ave, New Brunswick NJ, is open by phone and email only, Tuesday through Friday from 11:00am to 5:00pm. For in-person purchases, Guest Services is open Tuesday through Friday from 12:00pm to 4:30pm. Additional ticket and transaction fees may apply.

The ensemble includes Maurice Alpharicio, Catrina Brenae, Taylor Brice, Mya Bryant, Audrey Taylor Floyd, Chelsea Nicole Green, Charis Michelle Gullage, Callie Holley, Joe Hornberger, Jeffrey May Hyche, Daniyah Jezel, Aveighyah "Veigh" Lee, Morgan Lewis, Ashley D. Lyles, Bear Manescalchi, Darius J. Manuel, Pharaoh Mouton, Steven Sawan, Albert Sterner, Ephraim Takyi, Hunter Torr, and Paul Watt Morse.

TINA -The Tina Turner Musical is directed by Tony® Award nominee Phyllida Lloyd and Associate Director Sharika Niles with choreography by Tony® Award nominee Anthony van Laast and Associate Choreographer Janet Rothermel, set and costume designs by Tony® Award nominee Mark Thompson with Associate Scenic Designer Brian Webb and Costume Coordinator Kaitlyn Barrett, additional music and arrangements by Nicholas Skilbeck with music supervision by Alvin Hough Jr., lighting by Tony® Award nominee Bruno Poet with Associate Lighting Designer John Viesta and Assistant Lighting Designer Ken Wills, sound by Tony® Award nominee Nevin Steinberg and Associate Sound Designer Jaechelle Johnson, projection design by Tony® Award nominee Jeff Sugg with Associate Projection Designer Simon Harding and Animator Brittany Bland, orchestrations by Tony® Award nominee Ethan Popp, wigs, hair and makeup design by Drama Desk Award-winner Campbell Young Associates with Hair & Wig Coordinator Liz Printz and casting by Murnane Casting.

After major renovations, State Theatre New Jersey celebrated its 100th Anniversary in December 2021 in a fully renovated theater. Originally built as a silent film and vaudeville palace, State Theatre’s historic significance was honored by PBS by featuring it in its documentary series, Treasures of New Jersey, in the fall of 2018. “Treasures of New Jersey: State Theatre New Jersey” can be streamed online.

Today, State Theatre is the largest performing arts center in Central New Jersey and has welcomed more than six million people through its doors since reopening as a nonprofit performing arts center in 1988. State Theatre New Jersey is a cornerstone of the cultural vitality of Middlesex County and averages a total economic impact on New Brunswick and the surrounding area of more than $18 million a year. The mainstage programs have featured high-caliber artists such as Diana Ross, Tom Jones, Kevin Hart, Ringo Starr, Melissa Etheridge, John Leguizamo, Harry Connick, Jr., Diana Krall, Tony Bennett and Crosby, Stills & Nash. Program offerings include Broadway, orchestra, family, dance, comedy, rock/pop, country, jazz, Performances for Schools, and Sensory-Friendly Performances.

State Theatre New Jersey’s programs are made possible by funds from the New Jersey State Council on the Arts, a partner agency of the National Endowment for the Arts. Grant funding has been provided by the Middlesex County Board of County Commissioners through a grant award from the Middlesex County Cultural and Arts Trust Fund. For information on events, go to MiddlesexCountyCulture.com.