The Queen of Rock ‘n’ Roll has entered the building with Simply the Best performance in TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL. Electrifying the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center, the cast of this powerful show had the audience singing, cheering, swaying, and occasionally picking their jaws up off the floor.
This musical isn’t just a celebration of Tina Turner’s greatest hits; it’s a raw, unflinching look at the highs and lows of her journey. From her humble beginnings as young Anna Mae Bullock in Nutbush, Tennessee, to her rise as a global icon, the show weaves her struggles and triumphs seamlessly into every note and dance step. And let’s talk about young Anna Mae (Natalia Nappo)—this girl has pipes that could shake the rafters! My favorite was her part of Proud Mary during the encore. Nappo had pure energy, big vocals, and all the attitude of a true rock legend in a pint-sized package.
The set design was fascinating—simple in some scenes and grand in others. Their use of the scrim and projections brought scenes such as a rain-filled night to the stage of sold-out concerts to life. The production didn’t need over-the-top spectacles in every scene because Tina’s story is already larger than life. Subtle staging shifts and dazzling lighting effects kept the focus right where it needed to be—on the performers. And those costumes? Every fringe, sequin, and high-heeled boot was pure, authentic Tina.
Meghan Dawson, who played Tina, had the energy, voice, and presence to do justice to the legend herself. From the signature raspy belts to the gravity-defying dance moves, Dawson didn’t just perform—she embodied Tina all the way down to those iconic legs. And the show didn’t shy away from the hard stuff. The audience felt the weight of racism, domestic abuse, and the music industry’s harsh realities through every emotional beat. Honestly, I walked in knowing who Tina Turner was, but this show proved I had only scratched the surface.
Of course, the magic of TINA isn’t just in its storytelling—it’s in the way it integrates her biggest hits into the narrative. “What’s Love Got to Do with It,” “Proud Mary,” and “Simply the Best” weren’t just thrown in for nostalgia; they were seamlessly woven into pivotal moments, making each song feel like a natural extension of her journey. By the time the finale rolled around, the audience was on its feet, proving that TINA is more than a musical—it’s a full-body experience.
Grab your best sparkly dress, channel your inner rock star, and get ready to roll through one of the most electrifying shows to hit Sacramento. You won’t want to miss TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL playing now through March 8 at the SAFE Credit Union Performing Arts Center. Learn more here.
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