For the first time ever, the electrifying Broadway hit TINA: The Tina Turner Musical is coming to Penn State this October 6, bringing with it not only the unforgettable music and story of the legendary Queen of Rock ’n’ Roll but also a powerful message of resilience and triumph that’s already moved millions across the world—now, a new audience will experience the journey of a woman who refused to be silenced. Click the link to read more.

This fall, the iconic sounds of Tina Turner will echo through the halls of Penn State University as TINA: The Tina Turner Musical makes its long-awaited debut on October 6. The production, a critically acclaimed Broadway hit, promises to bring an unforgettable theatrical experience to central Pennsylvania—complete with roaring vocals, explosive choreography, and the powerful story of one of music’s most enduring legends.

The performance will take place at Eisenhower Auditorium, the university’s largest performing arts venue, and is expected to draw attendees from across the state. It marks the first time the show has toured through Penn State, as part of a larger North American tour that has already seen sold-out audiences in cities like Chicago, Atlanta, and Seattle.

Based on the life and music of Tina Turner, the musical traces her remarkable rise from small-town beginnings in Nutbush, Tennessee, to global superstardom. More than just a jukebox musical, TINA is a raw and emotionally driven narrative that doesn’t shy away from the darker chapters of Turner’s life, including her tumultuous relationship with Ike Turner and her courageous escape from years of abuse.

Audiences are taken on a journey through decades of music history, punctuated by powerful renditions of Turner’s greatest hits, including “River Deep – Mountain High,” “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “Private Dancer,” and of course, “Proud Mary.” The musical was written by Pulitzer Prize-winning playwright Katori Hall, along with Frank Ketelaar and Kees Prins, and directed by Phyllida Lloyd, best known for Mamma Mia!.

“Tina’s story is not just inspiring—it’s urgent,” said Hall in a recent interview. “It speaks to survival, reinvention, and how one woman dared to reclaim her voice in a world that tried to take it from her.”

This message resonates strongly with university audiences, particularly young women and aspiring performers. The Penn State performance is expected to include post-show discussions led by theater faculty and community advocates on topics such as domestic violence awareness, Black female representation in entertainment, and the power of music as a tool of resistance.

“There’s something about seeing Tina’s journey on stage, especially in a college setting, that’s incredibly empowering,” said Susan Russell, professor of theatre at Penn State. “She was told ‘no’ a thousand times, and yet she kept saying ‘yes’ to herself. That’s something our students need to see.”

The touring cast features rising star Naomi Rodgers in the title role, delivering a performance that has drawn comparisons to the Queen of Rock herself. Rodgers captures both the vocal grit and emotional vulnerability that defined Turner’s unique presence. Critics have praised her ability to channel Turner’s fierce energy while also bringing a fresh interpretation to the stage.

“It’s not about impersonating Tina,” Rodgers shared in a press release. “It’s about honoring her truth, feeling every beat of her life, and delivering it with as much heart as she gave.”

In addition to the performances, the Penn State Center for the Performing Arts has announced a week of Tina Turner–themed events leading up to the October 6 debut. These include film screenings of What’s Love Got to Do with It, student workshops on resilience and artistry, and an exhibit of photos chronicling Turner’s legendary career.

Tickets for the show sold out within days of going on sale, reflecting both Turner’s enduring popularity and the hunger for stories of strength and transformation. For many attendees, this won’t just be a night at the theater—it will be a personal tribute to a woman who helped them find their own voice.

Turner’s passing in May 2023 only deepened the emotional impact of the musical. For those who grew up listening to her music, the show now feels like a memorial. For younger generations, it’s an introduction to a woman who defied every odd to become a global symbol of power.

“She gave us everything—her story, her music, her fight,” said one student organizer. “Watching her life unfold on that stage reminds us that no matter how far you fall, you can always get back up—and do it dancing.”

As the curtains rise on TINA: The Tina Turner Musical at Penn State, the stage will not only light up with strobe lights and costumes, but with the spirit of a woman who turned pain into power, and silence into song.

And as the final number brings the audience to its feet, there will be cheers, tears, and a shared recognition that what they’ve just witnessed is not merely a performance, but a legacy in motion.