Review by Lauren Donikian
Have you ever been to a concert that completely changed your life? Ben Graetz has, and he wants to tell you all about it. In this one-hour performance Miss Ellaneous aka Ben Graetz tells us the story of their life. From growing up in Darwin, to studying and socialising in Sydney, Greatz shares the moment that he saw Tina Turner live for the first time and the instant impact it had on him.
Tina Turners greatest hits are playing loudly over the speakers as you enter the Wharf theatre at Sydney Theatre Company. The room is setup cabaret style at the front half of the room with bleacher like seating at the back. There is pink lighting onstage, a metal arch with strips of lighting in the middle of the stage and a raised runway with seating for the audience either side. There is a big screen in the middle of the arch that has a cartoon image of Tina Turner on it. With her signature big hair and long legs on display, she is also surrounded by bubbles which you will continue to see displayed on the screen throughout the performance in different colour ways. Disco balls hang from the ceiling in a round interspersed with lights and there is a digital sign with the name Tina in capital letters hanging in the middle.
Not only has Graetz written, directed and starred in this performance, but has ensured that it is a First Nations led production with cast and crew all First Nations people. It is a celebration of life, love and country with special guests from Darwin and Sydney on show. As the show tours the acts change based on the location, so I was lucky to see Ursula Yovich stun with her live vocals and powerful presence, as well as Sivillion who performed one of Tina’s songs with ease and oozed confidence. Ryan Pearson wowed us with their graceful dance moves and thigh high boots and Dana Dizon aka Prawn Cracker Spice introduced us to an energetic Tiny Tina in their lip sync performance. Graetz was joined onstage by the “Missette’s” Glory Tuohy-Daniell and Cleopatra Pryce as his back up dancers with choreography by Sani Townson.
Every cast member was on theme, whether they were wearing a large curly hair wig, sparkly red mini dress, or leather skirt it was all on point and paid homage to looks that we have come to know and love from Tina Turner. As Greatz said “it’s a new song, and yes I have a new costume”. The costumes really allowed the Drag Queens and dancers to lose themselves in the music and get into character which is so fun for the audience to see.
I thoroughly enjoyed myself at this performance. From the moment that Nana Miss Koori took the stage to welcome us to country, I knew I was in safe hands. It was fun, honest, and nostalgic. It was the type of show that made you feel welcome and in on the joke. Graetz has a quiet confidence that puts you at ease, and he really knows how to put on a good show with strong and talented performers along for the ride. I highly recommend you see Tina – A Tropical Love Story because whether you decide to sit back, relax and enjoy or get up and dance you will be doing the Nutbush on the way out.
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