Casting Announced for North American Tour of ‘TINA – The Tina Turner Musical’

The musical that celebrates the iconic life and legacy of Tina Turner continues to woo audiences around the world. Casting has been announced for an all-new North American tour of the joyful and triumphant Broadway smash hit TINA – The Tina Turner Musical.

The tour will hold technical rehearsals at the State Theatre in Springfield, Ohio and launch at EJ Thomas Hall in Akron, Ohio on September 24, 2024 and go on to visit over 60 cities.

The cast is led by singer-songwriter Jayna Elise. 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).

The ensemble includes Maurice AlpharicioCatrina BrenaeTaylor BriceMya Bryant, Audrey Taylor FloydChelsea Nicole GreenCharis Michelle GullageCallie HolleyJoe HornbergerJeffrey May HycheDaniyah JezelAveighyah “Veigh” LeeMorgan LewisAshley D. LylesBear ManescalchiDarius J. ManuelPharaoh MoutonSteven SawanAlbert Sterner, Ephraim TakyiHunter Torr, and Paul Watt-Morse.

The 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.

Biographies

JAYNA ELISE (Tina Turner). Formerly known as Jayna Brown, Jayna Elise has been on stages with the likes of Tyler Perry, Queen Latifah, Wanya Morris of Boys 2 Men and more. With her biggest appearances on the hit TV shows, “America’s Got Talent” and “American Idol”; both for which she was a finalist. Now, Jayna is ready to embark on her next adventure in music and performance, hoping to continue to inspire and educate the community on self-love, mental health, and breaking barriers.

STERLING BAKER-MCCLARY (Ike Turner, Ronnie Turner). As a graduate of Center of excellence in Performing Arts Magnet program at Pebblebrook High School, Sterling McClary is bonafide Arts enthusiast, a trained dancer in over 7 various dance styles as well as training vocally and dramatically in commercial and musical theater techniques, granting him the opportunity to perform in various venues Around the countries and cruise ships just recently finished the National tour of Madagascar The Musical as Marty The Zebra. From choreography to teaching, to casting and coaching and even recording music, Sterling has experienced entertainment at every level and has more often than not been on the right side of quality. @Flash_baker

ELAINA WALTON (Zelma Bullock) is a Florida raised-Atlanta based actor, director, playwright and educator with an M.F.A in Acting from the University of Florida (UF) and a B.A in Theatre from the University of West Florida (UWF). Favorite credits: Apologies To Lorraine Hansberry (You Too, August Wilson), Chasing George Washington, and Hills on Fire. She gives all her love and dedicates all her work to her brilliant, little scientist.

MONA SWAIN (Tina Turner at certain performances) is thrilled to be making her Broadway national tour debut! Aside from her theatrical achievements, she has also built a social media following of more than 2 million people across her platforms (@monaswain). Other Credits: Legally Blonde (Serena), Summer: The Donna Summer Musical (Disco Donna U/S), War Paint (Miss Beam). Glory be to God.

DEIDRE LANG (Gran Georgeanna) is excited to be a part of TINA – The Tina Turner Musical! Most recently she played Motormouth Maybelle on the Hairspray national tour. Broadway: Ragtime, The Lion King, Tommy. National Tour: The Lion King, Hairspray, School of Rock, Tommy, Cats. Regional: The Lion King (Las Vegas), Rock of Ages (Las Vegas), Smokey Joe’s Cafe International tour. TV: Fox TV’s “In Living Color” as a Flygirl. Thanks to God, my Friends and Family!

KRISTEN DANIELS (Rhonda Graam, Toni Basil) is thrilled to be touring with this powerhouse show! National Tour: Rudolph… (Dolly). Regional: Xanadu (Kira), Hairspray (Penny), A Chorus Line (Maggie), Cinderella (Charlotte), Grease (Frenchy u/s), School of Rock (Patti u/s). UC Irvine grad. Love to her family, her team at FSE, the Tina creative team, and Murnane Casting! kristen-daniels.com @kris10daniels

MAURICE ALPHARICIO (Raymond Earl King, Craig Turner). Born & raised from Durham, North Carolina. He’s an U.S Army Veteran & a proud member of Kappa Alpha Psi Fraternity, Inc. Credits: RENT in Concert at the Rady Shell, Dreamgirls, Choir Boy, The Brothers Size & Lead Vocalist/Performer on Norwegian Cruise Line. New York Film Academy, BFA. Rest in Power to the Queen of Rock & Roll. IG: @_mauricealpharicio

CATRINA BRENAE (Bodacious Lady, Ensemble). New York: Green Room 42: Jekyll/Hyde, Baltimore Centerstage: Soundcheck: Catrina Brenae in Concert, Dreamgirls (Effie Melody White), Education: Clark Atlanta University Bachelors of Art, Music: Vocal Performance. Instagram @catrina_brenae

TAYLOR BRICE (Young Anna-Mae Bullock, Young Craig Turner, Young Alline) is a proud, gifted 10-year-old from Charlotte, NC with a love of theater and a powerful voice beyond her years. She is honored to be making her 1st national tour! I would love to thank God, my family, and friends.

MYA BRYANT (Ikette #4, Alline) is thrilled to be making her National Tour Debut! Credits include: Memphis (The Lexington Theatre Company), Plumshuga: The Rise of Lauren Anderson (Stages). She thanks the team for this wonderful opportunity and her family for their support! @mya.lynaee

AUDREY TAYLOR FLOYD (Swing) is an NYC based Singer/dancer/actor. Her Recent credits include; The Broadway National Tour of Hairspray, The Little Mermaid/ Broadway Palm Dinner Theatre, Footloose/Prather Productions. She’d like to thank all of her Family and friends for their endless love and support! Insta: audrey_floyd

CHELSEA NICOLE GREEN (Swing, Dance Captain). UMBC graduate. Recently in “The Club Act” (Jack Cole Dancer). Off-Broadway: Bill T. Jones’ Watch Night (Echo Chamber). Regional: Jan in Grease (The Fireside Theatre). Disney Cruise Line: Wishes, Aladdin, Believe, Frozen (MainStage, Dance Captain). Dance: ClancyWorks. Film: Mean Girls. @leaptotherhythm

CHARIS MICHELLE GULLAGE (Ikette #3, u/s Tina Turner). Charis is so grateful to make her second national tour debut! Recent credits: SUMMER: The Donna Summer Musical Natl. Tour- Disco Donna, Sister Act South Korea- Deloris US, Hairspray Australia- Swing, and more. Huge thanks to her family, fiancé, and HKA!

CALLIE HOLLEY (Swing). National tour debut! An NYU Tisch graduate, her previous credits include Pippin (Catherine), Hair (Dionne) and Netflix’s Giving Voice. She would like to thank the Tina creative team, and her mother for all of her support. Social media: @callieholley

JOE HORNBERGER (Roger Davies, Ensemble). National Tour: Charlie and the Chocolate Factory. Off-Broadway: Frankenstein. Regional: Paper Mill, Milwaukee Rep, The Gateway, Engeman & more. Emerson College (BFA/MA). Love to the TINA Team, Murnane Casting, Lohne/Graham Management, HKA, Janet, and Ben. For Mom – who is simply the best. @joehornberger 

JEFFREY MAY HYCHE (Swing) is thrilled to be a part of this triumphant telling of Tina’s story! He was last seen in Super Freak: The Rick James Story! Special shout out to SFBATCO on 10 years! Big thanks to my family, friends, and faith-based communities! I love you! Ephesians 5:25

DANIYAH JEZEL (Ikette #2) is a Washington D.C. native and graduate of Nazareth University. Her credits include Vocalist with Oceania Cruises Vista, Pippin (Leading Player), Once On This Island (Ti Moune), Footloose (Rusty), Smokey Joe’s Cafe (Brenda), etc. @daniyahjezel

AVEIGHYAH “VEIGH” LEE (Young Anna-Mae Bullock, Young Craig Turner, Young Alline). Aveighyah, better known as “Veigh”, is thrilled to make her Broadway tour debut in TINA – Tina Turner Musical National Tour. Aveighyah would like to thank God, her family, friends, and Agent for their continued support. Follow @veighway

MORGAN LEWIS (Ikette #1, u/s Rhonda/Toni, u/s Young Alline). National Tour Debut! She’s a Nashville native and recent Musical Theatre graduate from Syracuse University. Credits: Alabama Shakespeare Festival, Syracuse Stage, The Lex. Many thanks to her friends & family for their love and support! IG: @morgmlew 

ASHLEY D. LYLES (Ensemble, u/s Tina Turner). A Baltimore native, Ashley has made her mark in productions like Beehive: The Sixties Musical, Ragtime, and Dreamgirls. She is elated to join the cast of Tina – The Tina Turner Musical on her first tour, continuing her passion for storytelling through theater.

BEAR MANESCALCHI (Phil Spector, Ensemble). Credits include: Many Frankie Valli’s in Jersey Boys, Seymour in Little Shop, Motel in Fiddler, Hector in Orient Express, Watson in Baskerville and singing on Disney Cruise Line. Much love to their wonderful supportive family/closest humans: AA,DA,CB,SB,KM,BS,JS. Instagram: @bearquat3 

DARIUS J. MANUEL (Richard Bullock, Ensemble). Elf 2016 National Tour. Regional: The Prom, Sister Act, Tarzan, The Wiz, Head Over Heels (Pythio), S4NW (Man 1). 2019 NSAL Winner in Drama. 2022 Remy Award. BFA Musical Theatre (UArts). No rain, no flowers. …to the Revolution! IG: @legallydarius

PHARAOH MOUTON (Fred, Ensemble). A Houston native surrendering his life to self-expression and the adventures of the performing arts. As a southern boy living his dreams and watching them manifest, Pharaoh is elated to be a part of the storytelling journey of Tina. 

STEVEN SAWAN (Erwin Back, Ensemble). National tour debut! Favorite credits include Frozen (Prince Hans), Dogfight (Eddie Birdlace), and Something Rotten (Shakespeare). BA, Providence College. MFA, The Boston Conservatory at Berklee. All my love to those who helped me along the way. Website: StevenSawan.com

ALBERT STERNER (Swing, u/s Roger, u/s Erwin, u/s Phil, u/s Carpenter, Fight Captain) is ecstatic to be joining this production. Regional Credits include Kinky Boots (MT Wichita) Titanic (Maine State Music Theatre) and Charlie…Factory (Fulton Theatre). He wants to thank his parents for supporting him; his friends; and the higher powers that be.

EPHRAIM TAKYI (Swing, u/s Raymond, u/s Craig, u/s Richard, u/s Fred) is thrilled to be on the road with this spectacular show! Recent: Ragtime (Hangar Theatre), Beautiful (WPPAC). W&M alum. He is grateful to family, friends, and Stalwart Talent for their support! @ephraimtak

HUNTER TORR (John Carpenter, Ensemble) is excited to be back on the road with Tina – The Tina Turner Musical! Recent credits include Graham Nash in Super Freak (national tour), Adam in The Mad Ones, and T.J in Banjo. Thank you to his family and friends who he loves. AMDA

PAUL WATT-MORSE (Swing) is excited to be touring the country for the first time with Tina – The Tina Turner Musical! Regional: Pennsylvania Shakespeare Festival (A Chorus Line), Weston Playhouse (The Music Man), Reagle Music Theatre (Mame). Endless love to his family, Alex, and Fido. @paul.watt.morse

The tour is produced by Crossroads Live North AmericaTina – The Tina Turner Musical was written by Tony Award nominee and Pulitzer Prize winner Katori Hall with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins.

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.

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