Vancouver-based performer Luisa Marshall recently received international media attention when she appeared on The Ellen DeGeneres Show as Tina Turner, and everyone on set thought she was the real thing. The award-winning tribute artist was invited onto the show to impersonate the legendary singer, but things took a left turn when Ellen introduced Marshall as Turner herself.
“It was amazing. I was really stunned when she introduced me as Tina, because that wasn’t in the script,” says Marshall, who performs in Powell River on Friday, September 30. “When the end credits came on it said ‘Luisa Marshall as Tina Turner,’ but even my friends didn’t know it was me until then.”
The authenticity of Marshall’s show has been the key to her longevity as a tribute artist. After countless shows performing as Turner, Marshall says it’s not the singing or performing that’s the most work; it’s the hair and makeup.
“The preparation is quite alarming for me still. I want everything perfect and I have to start with the hair; it’s always the hair, and the makeup,” she says. “Once you get that right, everything is fine. I just have to prepare for my songs and make sure I’m mentally ready for anything that can happen during the show.”
Marshall’s show is a combination of tried-and-true Turner classics such as “Private Dancer” and “What’s Love Got to Do With It?” along with songs from other singers, sung in character as Turner, which she says makes for an entertaining night.
“Oh, we all have fun. I have a very engaging show,” says Marshall. “It’s about Tina’s songs and all of the other songs I wanted to perform. For example, I do Lady Gaga songs, but I perform them as Tina, so it’s really fun. I do Amy Winehouse, I do Shania Twain, and people are really surprised that I can do all of those songs while still doing Tina. It’s pretty exhilarating.”
After all of her acclaim, is it safe to say that Marshall is the best Turner tribute artist in the world?
“Well,” she laughs, “there’s a reason why Ellen invited me to her show!”
Luisa Marshall as Tina Turner
When: 8 pm, Friday, September 30
Where: Royal Canadian Legion (6811 Alexander Street)
Price: $30/$25 Legion members
Info: 604.485.4870
