What should have been a triumphant night for live theater in Portsmouth ended with shock, confusion, and heartbreak after the Tina: The Tina Turner Musical production abruptly cut the show short — and then canceled its next performance in Detroit.
Audience members were dazzled by a powerhouse first act on Thursday night at the Vern Riffe Center for the Arts. Social media posts praised standout performances by Darilyn Burtley (Tina) and Monty Kane (Ike), calling the show “FANTASTIC” and saying Burtley should be on Broadway. Then the applause faded… and the intermission clock kept ticking.
After more than 30 minutes — long past the planned break — theatergoers were informed that the performance would not continue due to an off-site assault on members of the company.
A Cast Member Shot With a Paintball Gun
Attendees were told a racially motivated physical attack earlier in the day left cast members too shaken to finish the show. Multiple posters on social media said a performer was struck by a paintball fired from a passing vehicle while returning from the company’s hotel.
One person wrote:
“Their actions disrupted a long-awaited show and left a bad mark on the city of Portsmouth… Ask yourself, was it worth it???”
Another wrote that the incident brought back painful memories:
“I know the racial slurs that were hurled without anyone having to say them out loud. I sat in my seat stunned and hurting.”
Others pushed back — saying there was no public confirmation of a racial motivation.
“Paintball isn’t okay, but we shouldn’t jump to conclusions,” one resident said, calling it a prank gone horribly wrong.
But regardless of motive, one fact remains: a beloved Broadway-caliber performance ended halfway through because a visitor to our city was attacked.
Paintball Assaults: A Growing Problem Here
This was not an isolated incident.
Scioto County Daily News has reported dozens of drive-by paintball and BB gun attacks over the past two years — including assaults on pedestrians, cyclists, store employees, and children.
Thursday night, that pattern of reckless behavior stopped a $100+ ticket event dead in its tracks and sparked outrage from performers, audiences, and community leaders.
Touring Company Cancels Detroit Performance
The impact went beyond Portsmouth.
The Tina Turner Musical touring production also canceled Friday night’s show at Detroit’s Fisher Theatre, citing “unforeseen circumstances.” Refunds are being issued automatically for that performance.
All other tour dates remain scheduled — for now.
The Community Reacts: Pride vs. Pain
A passionate post by a Portsmouth resident summed up the mood:
“We crave more entertainment, more enrichment — and then we greet those who bring it with paintball guns? This is the antithesis of everything Portsmouth could be.”
Another commenter expressed fear that the city will be remembered not for its rich arts history or community spirit, but for a moment of hate and stupidity:
“Welcome to Portsmouth! That is not the welcome I’d ever want to receive.”
What’s Next?
Portsmouth Police did not release reports Friday, so official details remain unavailable. We will update as soon as information is provided.
The Vern Riffe Center posted a brief apology:
“We are disappointed that the second half of TINA was cut short… We appreciate our patrons and will be in touch with ticket holders by the end of the month.”
As refunds are processed and tour buses move on, the question lingers:
Will Portsmouth be the kind of place that embraces world-class art — or drives it away?
Because last night, a paintball cost more than a bruise.
It cost a community its spotlight.
