Cher, Almost Live in New York

               Throughout the course of Broadway history, certain trends can be seen in the type of musical being produced. In the Golden Age (roughly 1940 – 1965), most shows were adapted from books. From about 1965 – 1980, many shows were experimental in nature and were a direct reflection of the times (Company, anyone?). The eighties were a dark period; the nineties hosted a slew of revues; and 2000-the present day saw a flush of mainstream classic movies turned into large spectacles. Today, in 2019, movies are still being adapted in droves, but within the past ten years, a new trend has appeared: The Jukebox Musical. This past week, I had the pleasure of seeing the newest addition to this roster, which is none other than The Cher Show.

               The Cher Show follows the life career of the Goddess Warrior Cher. Using a setup very much like Summer: The Donna Summer Musical, Cher is personified by three different actresses representing different periods in Cher’s life. The show begins with The Star, played by Stephanie J. Block, performing Turn Back Time and then welcoming The Lady and The Babe onto the stage with her to reminisce about her life and rise to fame. The Babe, played by Micaela Diamond, encompasses Cher’s life from childhood until about age twenty five. The Lady, played by Teal Wicks, represents Cher as a celebrity trying to balance work and family.

               However, the book to this musical is the weakest part. The use of three Chers, while meant to represent The Star’s past and inner monologue, often leads the viewer to forget that Cher is actually only one person. On the few occasions that I did remember this fact, having three of them was a bit distracting and a bit mind boggling. That is not to say that The Cher Show is not worth visiting – all three Chers, in particular Ms. Block, give stellar performances. When the three of them sing together, they somehow manage to not only sound like the same person, but extremely close to sounding exactly like Cher herself.

               The supporting cast also shines. Jarrod Spector, who originated the role of Gavroche in Les Miserables on Broadway, simultaneously makes Sonny Bono lovable and slimy and Emily Skinner, most well known for originating Daisy Hilton in Sideshow, tenderly portrays Cher’s mother Georgia Holt. Rounding out the cast are Michael Berresse (Bob Mackie/Robert Altman/Frank), Michael Campayno (Rob Camilletti/Lee), Matthew Hydzik (Greg Allman/John Southall), Marija Juliette Abney, Carleigh Bettiol, Taurean Everett, Michael Fatica, Ashley Blair Fitzgerald, Michael Graceffa, Blaine Alden Krauss, Sam Lips, Tiana Okoye, Angel Reda, Jennifer Rias, Christopher Vo, Aléna Watters, and Charlie Williams.

               But the real star of this show is the costumes designed by Bob Mackie. In true Cher and 70’s fashion, the costumes are numerous and a majority of them are decked in sequins, feathers, beads, or a combination of all. Talking to Marija Juliette Abney at the stage door post show, she said that all of the actors are consistently finding souvenirs in their street clothes. But despite this sacrifice of the performers, the effect is well worth it. The shine of the costumes and the skill of the actors covers the flaws of the book.

               Overall, The Cher Show is worth the trip. Tickets start at $59.00 and currently has an open ended run at the Neil Simon Theatre.

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Submitted by Carmel, NY

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