ENTERTAINMENT WEEKLY: Congrats on the move across the pond.
Has the show changed substantially since moving from London?ADRIENNE WARREN:Yes.
I think the show has changed significantly.
David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images
Weve gotten an opportunity to really dig more into the book.
I think weve added a lot more depth to the story.
It really does feel like a play with music now and weve added a song.
David M. Benett/Dave Benett/Getty Images
It feels to me like a new show.
I always know hes never going to let me fall.
Hes never going to let me hurt myself and hes always going to be quote-unquote there with me.
I just think it is such a beautiful song.
How much time were you able to spend with Tina herself?
I asked very few questions actually about her performance and about her energy.
So we were very lucky to have her there and help me with my choreography.
The next time she came was our first or second preview [in London], I think.
She came backstage and she was giving everybody love and compliments.
And I went back to my dressing room and sobbed my eyes out.
She hasnt approved this yet.
What else do I have to do?
I didnt hear from her for a few days.
And in that conversation, she approved my performance.
She wasnt able to speak to me face to face when she saw it because she wasnt ready yet.
And she said some things I will never forget that I will keep near and dear to my heart.
But in that moment she was also able to help me on things that she thought I could improve.
She taught me about her stance, the way in which she holds her posture when she performs.
She asked me, Adrienne why do you think I stand that way?
And I said, I dont know.
I thought it was just the way you stand.
Its your power stance, its your I am woman hear me roar!'
And she said, No, I stood that way because I couldnt hit the note.
What an agonizing few days that mustve been!
So she gave me permission to put myself into the work.
Which is what I think I needed to hear.
Shes a queen and I actually got to talk to her a bit about the experience on the film.
It requires every bit of you, almost every second of the day.
I mean, Im still doing those things and Ive played this role for over a year now.
That kind of dedication implies that you must still be enjoying it.
And I think when you start really caring, thats when you become that emotionally invested in your work.
I care so deeply about this piece… because I care so deeply about this woman.
Tina: The Tina Turner Musicaliscurrently playingat the Lunt-Fontanne Theatre on Broadway.
