By Barbara Smith, Contributing Writer
The Tina Turner phenomenon is sweeping the country and San Diegans will have a chance to jump on board. In its national tour, playwright Katori Hall’s “TINA – THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL,” brings to life the story of the Grammy-winning musical icon at Broadway San Diego beginning July 25.
Evenly sharing the role of Turner, each playing four (of eight) performances a week, are two of Broadway’s most highly trained, dynamic actress/singer/dancers, Naomi Rodgers (“Frozen”) and Zurin Villanueva (“The Lion King,” “Mean Girls”), both of whom fill the role of the electrifying Turner with passion, energy and soul.
With Tina’s passing earlier this year, it becomes ever more precious to pay tribute to and learn from the larger-than-life star’s legacy. The movie “What’s Love Got to Do With It” gave masses an inside look at the life of Turner, but even with that film, her story of early celebrity followed by an abusive marriage and fall from fame, then a dazzling comeback, as told in this Tony-winning production, provides even more insight into the woman behind the legend.
For each of the actresses, the experience of playing Turner presents an exciting challenge and offers profound rewards. Clearly, the physical demands of the show are intense. The Tina character is onstage for nearly all of the 2-hour, 45-minute show, singing 21 songs. Added to this are the thrilling kicks, twirls, and gravity-defying dances. Fortunately for both, extensive fitness routines gave them the necessary stamina and skill for the role. Says Rodgers, “I’ve always been very fit and full of energy. My family and friends call me a ball of fire,” she laughs. Villanueva’s 6+ Broadway experiences similarly curated her endurance, she says, along with the plethora of dance classes her mother placed her in, she chuckles, “to get rid of all that energy I had as a child.”
Turner’s emotional journey became an area for deep exploration for both. Villanueva was astounded to learn of the star’s turmoil in the aftermath of leaving Ike. “He sent people to intimidate and scare her, blocking opportunities to sing at different venues,” she says, and this is a part of the story many don’t know. “But she didn’t quit, she kept moving forward, like a phoenix rising from the ashes. “With all she dealt with, she remained true to herself. I am eternally grateful for Tina’s example.”
Rodgers is especially moved by the scene when Turner leaves Ike for good and checks into a hotel with next to nothing in her pocket and only the clothes on her back. This is the moment she takes control over her life. “Now, she is given a key and that is the beginning of her new life.” The scene resonates deeply with Rodgers as a life lesson. In one’s personal and professional life, following one’s best instincts in decision-making is critical. “I learned I want to lead by Tina’s example,” she reflects. “Lead with love and kindness and strength. In making her own decisions, she became all powerful. That’s what I’ve implemented in my own life.”
“This is an epic musical,” says Villanueva. You’ll cry, you’ll laugh, you’ll have a time. Come with an open heart. I hope the audience leaves knowing and feeling that everything is possible, because it is.”
Adds Rodgers, “I hope people will get their healing in whatever is going on in their life. With all that Tina went through, she still found joy and happiness in anything and everything. She was still steppin’ and kickin’, still showing up and doing what she was called upon to do.”
THE TINA TURNER MUSICAL runs through July 30. For tickets, visit www.broadwaysd.com.
