Louisiana native Meghan Dawson is set to make her Broadway national tour debut as the legendary Tina Turner in ‘TINA – The Tina Turner Musical’ this June at the Cadillac Palace Theatre in Chicago.
Dawson honors her roots with her Instagram bio reading, “Louisiana born and fed,” a testament to the culture and spirit that shape her artistry.
Reflecting on her upbringing in Gray, Louisiana, just an hour southwest of New Orleans, she notes the diverse musical influences that permeated her childhood: blues, bluegrass, country, rock, and gospel.
This rich mixture, she believes, has profoundly impacted her creativity, enabling her to adapt her style to fit various musical contexts in theater.
Dawson spoke with The Chicago Defender about her excitement and the emotional depth involved in portraying Tina Turner, one of music’s most iconic figures.
The audition process for the role was swift and intense, with Dawson initially submitting in November, but not hearing back until January when she was immediately invited to the tour.
She describes the moment she received the call to join the cast as thrilling, noting she had a feeling of certainty after her final audition that she may have landed the role.
After a quick series of confirmations, she was enthusiastic yet faced the challenge of preparing for life on the road while ensuring everything was in order back in New York.
“I said, ‘Okay, I gotta figure out my apartment. I gotta figure out my survival job. I gotta put everything in its place.’ But I was ready. I was ready,” she remarked.
Stepping into the shoes of Tina Turner is both an honor and a significant responsibility for Dawson, who expressed that she feels fully equipped to embody the complexity of Tina’s legacy.
“I’ve never felt like I wasn’t good enough for the role; it feels like the perfect time for me to tell this story,” she said, emphasizing the emotional weight that comes with portraying Tina’s powerful narrative.
Despite the challenges, Dawson noted the exhilaration she feels after each performance, often reflecting, “I don’t know how I did that?” This sense of wonder contributes to her passion and dedication to the role.
Dawson acknowledges the difficult aspects of Tina’s story but credits her castmates for creating a supportive environment.
“The cast is phenomenal, and they’re genuinely good people,” she said.
She particularly highlighted her partnership with actor Sterling Baker-McClary, who plays Ike Turner, emphasizing the importance of collaboration when delving into the complex dynamics of Tina and Ike’s relationship.
It’s crucial, she remarked, to explore the humanity within their interactions, characterizing them not just as performers but as individuals shaped by their distinct backgrounds and experiences.
Dawson explained how during rehearsals, she had open discussions with Baker-McClary about their interpretations of the relationship, allowing for deep exploration of their roles.
This collaboration has been instrumental in bringing the authenticity of their characters to life on stage and has improved the overall performance experience for both actors.
When asked about her favorite song to perform in the show, Dawson chose “Simply the Best.”
She described the moment as magical, particularly because of the immersive experience created by the ensemble, allowing everyone in the audience to feel a part of the performance.
While she enjoys her craft, Dawson has yet to experience Chicago’s rich culinary scene but expressed her love for classic comfort foods like lasagna and pot roast.
In a lighter moment, she shared her dream duet partner, mentioning the late Tina Turner herself.
Dawson has often been told her performances are reminiscent of rock stars, and duetting with Turner would be a phenomenal experience she aspires to.
As for audiences attending ‘TINA – The Tina Turner Musical’ in Chicago, Dawson promises a thrilling experience.
She explained that this production transcends a traditional musical, aimed at delivering the powerful excitement reminiscent of Tina’s live performances.
Tina had a significant influence on the show’s creation, ensuring it reflects her true essence, making it distinct and engaging.
Audiences can expect everything from the iconic music to elaborate wigs and dramatic hairstyles that marked Tina’s illustrious career.
For those interested in experiencing this exhilarating musical journey, ‘TINA – The Tina Turner Musical’ will be at Cadillac Palace Theatre from June 3 to 8, 2025.
Tickets are available now at BroadwayInChicago.com, with prices ranging from $40 to $140, along with select premium seating options.
Group sales are also available for larger parties through [email protected].
This high-energy musical, written by Katori Hall, alongside Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, and directed by Phyllida Lloyd, tells the electrifying story of Tina Turner, capturing her incredible journey and resilience in the world of music.
With an award-winning creative team and a cast filled with talent, ‘TINA – The Tina Turner Musical’ promises to leave audiences captivated and inspired.
image source from：https://chicagodefender.com/from-the-bayou-to-the-stage-meghan-dawson-brings-tina-turner-to-life/?utm_source=newsshowcase&utm_medium=gnews&utm_campaign=CDAqEAgAKgcICjCNsMkLMM3L4AMwpKXlAw&utm_content=rundown
