When TINA – The Tina Turner Musical launched its North American tour in the fall of 2022 at the Providence Performing Arts Center (PPAC) in Rhode Island, few could have predicted just how deeply it would resonate with audiences across the country. After earning acclaim on London’s West End and Broadway, the touring production brought Tina Turner’s electrifying story to life in a way that was not only powerful, but personal for many who had followed her journey from the shadows of abuse to global superstardom.

The musical, directed by Phyllida Lloyd and written by Katori Hall, is not a sugar-coated celebration. It dives headfirst into the complex, often painful chapters of Tina Turner’s life—from her childhood in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her turbulent relationship with Ike Turner, and finally to her astonishing rise as a solo artist in her 40s. It’s a tale of transformation, resilience, and the unrelenting spirit of a woman who refused to be defined by her past.

At the center of the production is the music itself. With hits like “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “Private Dancer,” “We Don’t Need Another Hero,” and, of course, “Proud Mary,” the show delivers an emotional and sonic rollercoaster. But the songs aren’t merely inserted for nostalgia. Each one is strategically placed to reflect a moment in Tina’s life—sometimes joyous, often harrowing, and always powerful.

Opening night at PPAC was met with thunderous applause and standing ovations. From the first scene, the audience was swept into the world of young Anna Mae Bullock—the girl who would become Tina Turner—and the challenges she faced growing up with a mother who abandoned her and a father who was absent. The musical doesn’t shy away from these difficult realities. Instead, it uses them to frame the extraordinary force of will that Turner displayed throughout her life.

Actress Naomi Rodgers, one of two performers alternating in the lead role, received praise for her raw and fearless portrayal of Tina. With a voice that could shift from tender to explosive in a matter of seconds, she captured both the physicality and vulnerability of the music legend. Her performance, especially during emotionally intense numbers like “I Don’t Wanna Fight” and “River Deep – Mountain High,” left many in the audience visibly moved.

The staging and choreography also contributed to the show’s success. The production was fast-paced without feeling rushed, weaving dramatic scenes with dynamic dance sequences and concert-style lighting that transformed theaters into arenas. Costume design played a major role as well, charting Tina’s evolving image from humble beginnings to glittering stardom, complete with her iconic fringe dresses and high heels.

But perhaps the most impactful element of TINA is its message. Beyond the music, beyond the fame, lies a narrative about reclaiming one’s voice. The show makes clear that Tina Turner’s greatest achievement wasn’t selling out stadiums or topping the charts—it was walking away from a life of control and fear, and carving out a new path entirely on her own terms.

Audience reactions throughout the tour have been enthusiastic, and in many cases, emotional. In city after city—Boston, Atlanta, Chicago, Los Angeles—the musical has struck a chord. Fans from multiple generations, including those who grew up with Turner’s music and younger theatergoers discovering her story for the first time, have expressed gratitude for a show that doesn’t just entertain, but inspires.

Some viewers have even shared how the show helped them better understand the woman behind the legend. “I always loved her music,” one audience member in Detroit remarked, “but I never knew how much she went through. Seeing it on stage made me respect her even more.” Others spoke about how the show sparked conversations about domestic abuse, survival, and the importance of self-worth.

The tour’s creative team has acknowledged that this deeper impact is part of what sets TINA apart. In interviews, director Phyllida Lloyd has emphasized that the musical is “not a jukebox concert, but a drama about the cost of success and the courage it takes to start over.” Writer Katori Hall, a Pulitzer Prize winner, brought depth and nuance to the script, ensuring that Tina’s story was never reduced to just its most famous moments.

As the tour continues into 2025, with more cities being added due to high demand, it’s clear that TINA – The Tina Turner Musical has struck a cultural nerve. In a time when stories of strength and survival are more vital than ever, Turner’s life offers a powerful reminder of what it means to fight back—and win.

Though Tina Turner passed away in 2023, her spirit is alive and roaring in every note sung on that stage. The musical doesn’t just honor her memory—it reignites her power night after night, city after city.

And for every audience member who stands to applaud, perhaps the most lasting takeaway is this: no matter how long the journey, or how rough the road, it is possible to turn pain into power. Just like Tina did.