No other words describe Tina Turner as succinctly and accurately as the singer’s own song, Simply the Best, according to Luisa Marshall, who pays tribute to the rock diva in her Hope Beyond Thunderdome tour.
“No one can beat her power. She has presence and endurance,” said Marshall. “She is simply the best. I am so happy to emulate her. Tina is so different from other female artists.”
The song is also a fan favourite people continue to love, said Marshall.
“Simply the Best ... it’s infectious, inspiring. It’s a feel-good song that everyone wants to hear,” said Marshall. “Every time I sing it, it just makes people happy.”
Marshall is continually studying Tina Turner’s movements, voice and mannerisms to ensure she captures the star in her tribute show.
“Impersonating Tina is not an easy job. The first time I did it, I wasn’t convinced I could actually impersonate her,” said Marshall.
A key element Marshall said she shares with the singer is her “rock ‘n’ roll attitude” and a great pair of legs.
“I have great legs, not quite like Tina’s, but pretty close,” she said.
Marshall has performed around the world, had two appearances on The Oprah Winfrey Show and The Ellen DeGeneres Show, introduced as one of DeGeneres’s squad members.
“It was unbelievable,” said Marshall about being on the The Ellen DeGeneres Show. “Everybody was so cool. I was just happy to be a part of her squad.”
Marshall was introduced as Tina Turner and she said everyone thought she was the real star alongside the other famous performers on DeGeneres’s squad.
Marshall performs in Nanaimo Saturday (March 5), 7:30 p.m. at the Port Theatre.
An aspect she loves about her show is it is a family affair. Her tribute band consists of her daughters, husband and sister.
Marshall is using the tour to raise money and awareness for military veterans who suffer from post traumatic stress disorder issues.
She is donating $5 from every ticket sold to the Veterans Transition Network, https://vtncanada.org.
She learned first-hand about some of the traumas that soldiers face when she performed for the United Nations Peacekeeping Force in Bosnia and Sarajevo and later for Multinational Forces and Observers in Israel and Egypt.
“I felt strongly for them. Some of them were really young,” said Marshall about the troop members. “I want to raise awareness in my own way. This is Canada-wide. I wanted to add meaning to what I do and my professionalism and passion.”
Tickets are $49.50 for balcony seats, $59.50 for rows K through W and $69.50 for rows A to J. For tickets please call 250-754-8550 or go to www.porttheatre.com.
For more information, please go to www.luisamarshall.com.
arts@nanaimobulletin.com