What a force. That energy. The resiliency. And that voice.

There aren’t enough superlatives to describe Tina Turner.

While I never saw her in person, on Sunday I saw The Tina Turner Musical in San Francisco. Outstanding.

As most people will know, Turner’s story is filled with abuse—physical, mental, emotional, financial—probably more. But that voice of hers, that determination, finally that belief in herself propelled her to become a force to be reckoned with. To become the queen of rock ’n roll.

I find it amazing how playwrights can capture the essence of one’s life in just a couple hours. The Broadway production closed in August 2022 before launching a 30-city tour in the U.S. It seemed even more special to see the show with Turner’s death in May at the age 83.

Two actresses—Zurin Villanueva and Naomi Rodgers—take turns portraying Turner in this traveling production. It’s understandable two people are needed for the role because of the intensity and athleticism needed to be Tina.

Many of the songs people will know, others were new to me as I’m not a Turner devotee. Nonetheless, it was all captivating.

The adult concepts might make it not age-appropriate for youngsters, but otherwise most everyone is likely to enjoy the show.

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

Deets:

• The show runs through Aug. 27 at the Golden Gate Theater, San Francisco.
• It will be at the San Jose Center for Performing Arts Aug. 29-Sept. 3.
• The show is coming to the Pioneer Center for the Performing Arts in Reno Sept. 26-Oct. 1.