Aldine HS Alumna Stars in ‘Tina: The Tina Turner Musical’

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The Aldine ISD grad forms part of the cast touring the U.S.

Houston native Gigi Lewis came through her hometown in the national tour of Tina: The Tina Turner Musical last month at the Hobby Center for the Performing Arts.

The musical tells the story of Tina Turner, the iconic superstar known for her big voice, presence, and drama in her relationship with husband Ike Turner. Across her more than 50-year career, she sold over 100 million records worldwide, shattered records and barriers, won 12 Grammy Awards, was the first Black woman to be featured on the cover of Rolling Stone, and acted in Mad Max Beyond Thunder Dome, among many other accomplishments.

Lewis hit the road with Tina in October, taking on the roles of Alline and being part of the ensemble. She also understudies the role of Tina.

For those unfamiliar with Alline Bullock, she was Tina’s sister, an Ikette, and manager of the Ikettes. She wrote songs for Ike and Tina.

Road to Broadway

Lewis lauds the incredible music and drama teachers she had and the opportunities to participate in choir productions.

She also credits her parents, especially her dad, for helping to teach her the craft of singing. From the age of about 5 or 6, she says, her father, a singer himself and a preacher, would sit down and sing to her all the time. She began mimicking him, and he would offer her tips.

On Having Performed in Her Hometown

Lewis is grateful that her friends and family saw her sing, dance, and act.

“I just felt so supported by the people who’ve reached out and came to see me. My teachers. My principal. My dream was always to be on that big stage, so having people see me doing what I always said I’d do — that makes me teary-eyed.”

Local Media Press

Click HERE to read the full article CultureMap Houston, written by Molly Beretto. Read how Lewis honed her craft playing gigs in Houston while studying at Prairie View A&M University, working at a cruise line, and nailing the audition for a spot in Tina.

You can also click HERE to see her interview in Houston Life.

The Tour

After hitting Houston, the tour just completed a run in Nashville, TN, and will begin playing in Naples, FL, next. Click HERE to catch all the tour dates.