Curtain Calls: ‘The Tina Turner Musical’ brings international icon’s greatest hits to East Bay
A hit on Broadway, “Tina – the Tina Turner Musical” follows the inspiring story of a small-town girl with a big voice who defied racism, sexism and ageism (not to mention an abusive husband) to become an international icon.
During her career, Turner won 12 Grammy Awards and influenced generations with her music, performances and unshakable spirit. She was inducted into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame in 1991.
The show features some of Tina’s biggest hits including “What’s Love Got to Do with It” and “Proud Mary.”
It’s fitting the show takes place at the Kaiser Center for the Arts where Tina and Ike Turner performed in 1972.
Directed by Phyllida Lloyd, Darilyn Burtley portrays the iconic singer with Monty Kane in the role of Ike Turner.
For tickets, go to hjkarts.org.
Berkeley: You may remember Golden Globe and Emmy Award-winning actor Jimmy Smits from “NYPD Blue,” “West Wing,” “LA Law,” “Dexter” or one of his many films. But did you know he also has such Broadway shows as the Pulitzer Prize-winning play “Anna in the Tropics” and “God of Carnage” to his credit?
Well, you’ll be able to see him in action in Berkeley Repertory’s “All My Sons,” running Feb. 20 through March 29. He shares the stage with actress and real-life partner Wanda De Jesús. The duo has performed together on several occasions including in 2003 in Berkeley Rep’s production of “The Guys.”
Written by Arthur Miller, “All My Sons” looks at the American Dream and the moral compromise often needed to obtain it. The powerful play centers on a family whose hard-won success is threatened by a father’s fateful decision.
Berkeley Rep’s Associate Artistic Director David Mendizábal reexamines this classic work through a lens of race, ethnicity and class – sharpening its themes of justice and inequality.
“It is a rare and thrilling opportunity to work with artists of this caliber,” said Mendizábal. “Jimmy Smits and Wanda De Jesús bring an extraordinary depth, history and authenticity to ‘All My Sons.’ Their real-life connection infuses every moment with an intimacy that amplifies the play’s emotional stakes. The doors that they have opened for Latino artists in the field have paved the way for me to be able to bring my vision of Miller’s incredible play to the stage, and it’s such an honor to have them leading this production.”
Single tickets have recently gone on sale. To secure yours, call 510-647-2949 or go to berkeleyrep.org.
Also in Berkeley: The Marsh on 2120 Allston Way dishes up Marga Gomez’s “Spanish Stew” to spice up 2026.
Running Jan. 17 through Feb. 22, this comedic recipe charts Gomez’s youthful history starting in Manhattan where her mother abruptly “outs” her sexuality and continues as she follows her college girlfriend to San Francisco. Here Gomez finds new girlfriends, cults, weird roommates and a survival job at a bohemian café.
Using her trademark lightning-fast transitions, Gomez plays a host of vivid characters in this colorful one-woman show.
For tickets, go to themarsh.org.
Walnut Creek: Synergy Theater returns to Lesher Center for the Arts on 1601 Civic Drive with the world premiere of “Improvised Stephen King: The Improvised Comedy that’s a Screaming Good Time!”
This hysterical homage to the master of horror runs Jan. 15-25.
“It’s 1981 and Stephen King needs to write a new book,” said Artistic Director Kenn Adams. “So, he turns to the legion of demons, to whom he’s sold his soul for seventy-five years of fame and fortune, for help. Now, the demons, of course, are the audience and that’s how we get our suggestions to improvise the show.”
Adams plays Stephen King and throughout the show fields suggestions from the audience like “What’s hiding behind the door?” or “Who jumps out from behind the chair?” However the audience responds dictates the next line of action.
For a “screaming” good time, call 925-943-7469 or go to lesherartscenter.org.
Also in Walnut Creek: Here’s your chance to see the next generation of comedic talent with “Best of San Francisco Stand-Up” coming to the Lesher Center on Jan.10.
Maybe the next Robin Williams or Dana Carvey, who both honed their comedy skills in San Francisco, will be in the line-up.
For tickets to this comedy tour de force, go to lesherartscenter.org.
Reach Sally Hogarty at sallyhogarty@gmail.com, and read more of her reviews online at eastbaytimes.com/author/sally-hogarty.