TINA – The Tina Turner Musical tells the story of the legendary singer who was crowned by many as the undeniable queen of rock and roll. Filled with Tina Turner’s legendary and beloved hits and her onstage triumphs, it also shares the story of her survival from an abusive marriage.
Her resilient and courageous journey to leave her husband and musical partner, Ike Turner, and make a smashingly successful solo career for herself takes audiences on a ride through her uplifting comeback story.
In the national tour of TINA coming to the DECC for one night only on February 15, actor Monty Kane plays the “villain” of the piece, Ike Turner. Originally from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, Kane is a 2019 graduate of Cardinal Stritch University in Milwaukee.
A stage, screen, and commercial actor, he is best known for his roles in ‘Chained to a Cowboy’ as Clay, ‘Killers Club’ as Patient #3, and featured in AMC’s ’61st St’ as ‘Sound Guy’ (2022).
In addition to his filmography, his performance roots are also embedded in theatre; some of his credits include Godspell (Jesus), Little Shop of Horrors (the Dentist), and 9 Circles (Daniel Reeves).
Kane had auditioned for Ain’t Too Proud, the Temptations musical, and TINA at the same time. The producers of TINA made him an offer first, and he was thrilled to accept and to take on dual roles, Ike Turner and Ike and Tina’s son, Ronnie.
“I am a friendly and outgoing person, so I have to separate myself from my character of Ike,” he said. Kane did considerable research to play the role. “I learned things about his character and smaller details like how he held his guitar and how he didn’t fully face the audience.”
“I appreciate working with my acting partner in TINA, Darilyn Burtley, and the trust she and I have in making the scenes of stylized domestic violence safe,” he explained.
He stressed one of the important themes of the show is perseverance, and that Tina was able to work through the years of abuse, come out the other side, and be able to rebuild her life and career.
“I am onstage almost the entire show, playing Ike in Act I and playing Ronnie in Act II, and then back to Ike again. This makes the show a marathon for me,” Kane stated.
The actor is enjoying life on the road in the national tour. “The company has become one big family. We like learning about each town we go to, visiting sites, going to museums, and trying foods together.”
Doing just one show in each city makes the constant travel schedule demanding. The TINA tour will continue until its final stop in April at the Pantages Theatre in Los Angeles.
Kane stated, “It is hard work, but I appreciate how it has helped me to develop a work ethic and to learn to be confident and proud of myself.”
He recalled his first acting experience in the musical The Wiz when he was in 5th grade and played the Cowardly Lion. “I remember being really scared but loving it at the same time,” he said.
Asked what show he would love to do next, he said there is a new production of The Wiz that he has his eye on. “I would love to play the Scarecrow or the Tin Man,” he noted.
Audiences in Duluth can look forward to the combination jukebox musical and the over 80 years of historical drama that Tina Turner lived through. Facing sexism, racism, and ageism, she went on to become an enduring legend in the music industry.
With iconic songs such as “What’s Love Got to Do With It,” “Proud Mary,” “Nutbush City Limits,” “River Deep—Mountain High,” “Private Dancer,” and many more, audiences are sure to be standing on their feet, dancing, clapping, and singing along by show’s end.
More Information on “TINA – The Tina Turner Musical.”
Written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall
February 15, 2026, at 7:30 pm
DECC Auditorium Symphony Hall
For more information and tickets, visit destinationduluth.co/decc-tina-turner-musical
The show contains mature situations and content. Parental discretion advised. Not recommended for ages 13 and under.
