If you missed the spectacular THE CHER SHOW on Broadway a few years back, or even the popular two-year national tour that followed, fret not. Because now you can see it all, complete with legendary Bob Mackie costumes (for which the new musical won a Tony) and original stage design, right in our hometown!
South Florida’s glamorous, midsized The Wick Theatre & Costume Museum is closing out its blockbuster 12th season with what counts for them as a “new” show that’s still packed with nostalgia for all things Cher – from Sonny & Cher concerts to TV comedy to award-winning movies. Plus, we can easily access great seats to see the same trifecta of stars from its national tour portray the iconic singer/songwriter/actor (who at 79 is still going strong) in three distinct stages of her life. As for costumes, The Wick’s world-renowned Costume World division purchased all of Bob Mackie’s Broadway originals, many of the touring versions, as well as The Cher Show’s iconic attire for their collection … and now shares the star’s most shocking and ostentatious numbers with us onstage!
From the second you take your seats (though you might find it impossible to simply “sit” and not bob and sway or, when encouraged, clap to the beat) you won’t know where to LOOK first (from striking Chers to the extensive, perfectly choreographed ensemble of backup dancers who constantly put on shows of their own). Or LISTEN to the pitch-perfect, very Cher-sounding pop/rock hits we all know and love, accompanied by a real, live band. Thanks to the craft of book writer Rick Elice and over 30 musical numbers, executive managing producer Marilynn Wick says, “The Cher Show chronicles an extraordinary career while capturing Cher’s personal evolution – a journey of empowerment that continues to encourage women to fight for their own independence.”
I don’t want to give too much away and risk ruining your pleasure in making new Cher discoveries of your own, but I must say I was truly amazed at young Cherilyn’s sheer chutzpah and determination despite what many would consider an unstable, impoverished home life and undiagnosed learning disability. Not to mention all that bullying for simply looking different! Luckily, being blessed with a loving and supportive mom can be the magic armor that makes up for a multitude of societal sins.
To direct the show’s gifted cast – which in addition to the imported three “Cher” leads includes many local favorites – The Wick chose extremely multitalented Jeffry George, whose experience includes every aspect of theater (from actor to musician, singer, dancer, director, playwright and producer) for over 50 years. He certainly understands what makes great musical theater and holds both Cher, “An American icon who has helped shape our contemporary popular culture” and the musical qualities of The Cher Show in the highest esteem. As for the three Chers in this production: “Each represents a specific time in her life, all in conversation with each other. Witnessing her internal conversations allows us the opportunity to explore ourselves, helping us bridge the gap between who we were, who we are, and who we hope to become. It allows us to foster personal growth, compassion, and better decision-making.”
Wow! Thank you, Director George, for those deep insights. I admit, while watching the show, I simply enjoyed how the older and younger versions of Cher would argue with one another on how she should proceed – each based on their limited (at the time) world view. My simple takeaway was not to judge the missteps of our youth too harshly but, as Cher illustrated, we can then learn, grow and change. Yeah, like what Jeffrey George said in his far more sophisticated way.
Looking back while moving forward is the central theme of the show which opens to “(If I could) “Turn Back Time” featuring the central character’s most grown-up Cher iteration, called Star. Kristen Rose Kelleher, who both in looks and deep-throated vocals is astoundingly Cher-like, immediately grabs our attention with her powerful rendition of the opening number.
She’s followed by a “Turn Back Time Reprise” spanning 30 years, which serves to introduce her two younger versions – the youngest (a troubled child, and then 16-year-old) Babe, exceptionally portrayed both emotionally and vocally by Ella Perez. And young adult Lady, lovely Catherine Ariele, who rises to stardom while also being a mother. A major cause of marital conflict with success-obsessed Sonny Bono who refuses to allow her any downtime to relax and spend with Chaz. Lady joins Star and others in numerous musical numbers and is the featured solo in “Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down).”
Playing a perfectly believable (and short) Sonny Bono, no matter his age, is in-demand touring actor and BroadwayWorld Award winner Nick Anastsia. After a guest appearance by the Dave Clark 5 in “I Like It Like That,” we get to enjoy Anastsia with Perez in Sonny & Cher’s iconic theme song, “I Got You, Babe.” And when troubles are afoot, as Cher comments, “Sonny always has a plan.” He confirms his eternal love for Cher by singing “Little Man” while playing a piano onstage. Followed by “When the Money’s Gone,” featuring Babe, Sonny, and Ensemble.
Now let’s consider three local favorites (with Wick resumes) who add their unique talents to the show’s THE PRINCIPALS actor roster. Aaron Bower is perfect in the role of Cher’s independent-minded, theatrical mom Georgia Holt and, as noted in recent appearances in Wick musicals, her powerful voice continues to astound, starting with opening duet “Half-Breed.” (When Georgia takes Babe to her first movie, Disney’s Cinderella, Babe is completely captivated, singing “A Dream is a Wish Your Heart Makes.” After just one viewing, she could sing all the songs by heart and soon announces: “I know what I’m going to do – sing and be famous like in the movies.”)
Thus, a star is born, but it’s far from smooth sailing. Harsh reality soon strikes when Georgia sings “You Better Sit Down, Kid,” letting Babe know the man she’d considered her dad is leaving, but her mother will always be by her side. We get to enjoy more of Bower’s impressive vocals when she appears as Lucille Ball in Act Two to convince Cher that independence from a controlling husband is worth the cost. Lucille joins Lady in acknowledging love’s pain while moving on in their forceful duet, “Heart of Stone.”
Both love and loss are destined to make regular appearances in compassionate Cher’s life. It’s inspiring to see how despite many setbacks, she never turns cynical against the male species, remains friends with exes, and still manages to see the good in those around her.
Next love interest, and father of her second child (she had Chaz with Sonny at 18) is Gregg Allman whom she married in 1976 when she discovered she was pregnant with Elijah Blue. She managed to stay with Gregg for three years, but his ongoing drug addiction and problems with the law made her fear for her children’s safety and she filed for divorce. (It was so refreshing to learn that despite Hollywood’s pushy and pervasive drug culture, Cher steadfastly refused drugs throughout her life. You can “just say no.”) New Yorker – but quickly becoming a “local” Wick regular for both acting expertise and strong vocals – blonde-wigged Jesse Luttrell shines as “Midnight Rider/Ramblin’ Man” Gregg Allman. (He also plays John Southhall and Top of the Pops.)
Last, but not least, a true longtime local favorite actor, director, and ArtBuzz Theatrics producer Larry Buzzeo makes for a fine Bob Mackie, joining Lady, Star & Ensemble in “Ain’t Nobody’s Business If I Do” in Act One and with Babe and Mackie Assistant in the iconic “The Beat Goes On/It Don’t Come Easy” in Act Two. Buzzeo’s acting talent is called upon to play Frank the Director and Robert Altman.
Bringing their act to Vegas forms the perfect excuse for elaborate, highly feathered costuming and hot numbers featuring gyrations by bare-chested, hunky guys and skimpily clad, Las Vegas showgirls. Every showstopper ensemble is a Bob Mackie original, with the ultimate, fashion extravaganza collection presented by the design icon himself (convincingly played by Larry Buzzeo) and introduced as: “Ladies and gentlemen. Presenting Bob Mackie. It’s all about the clothes.”
And in many ways The Cher Show IS “all about the clothes” – at least these Mackie originals that you just can’t take your eyes off of. So while the musical can be appreciated as an insightful biopic of legendary Cher’s life. Or enjoyed as a highly entertaining pop/rock concert featuring the star’s greatest hits backed by awesome dance numbers. There’s still one more high point that grabs your attention early on and never lets go. And that’s seeing it as the ultimate Bob Mackie Fashion Show.
As Cher’s personal dresser for over 50 years, Bob Mackie, aka the “Sultan of Sequins,” designed the literal costume parade of originals that are marched out all together in one outstanding number – but also appear in various iterations throughout the performance. Iconic Cher Show fashions that are sure to surprise and exhilarate everyone – the fashion naive and costume experts alike.
