“CHER” – Whether you are a fan (or not) of her music, her acting or her fashion styles, this production will certainly leave you admiring her, as it gives you a true account of the struggles she faced to become the “Diva”, Icon” and “Legend” that we all know her as being today.
And why have one Cher, when you can have three? And that is what you get. The writer of this musical, Rick Elice, has cleverly created a script that takes you on the journey of Cher’s life, giving you three Cher’s – “Babe”, “Lady” and “Star” who intertwine themselves with each other, watching through a looking glass into the various stages of her incredible life, from child to adulthood, the ups, the downs and then the numerous comebacks. We have all had moments when we have wondered “what would my younger or future self, think or do” about what is happening right now in our lives. With three Cher’s on stage, this is how those internal voices talk to each other, whether you want to hear it or not!
A true “juke box” musical, plotted against a script that is honest, heartfelt and sometimes downright hysterically funny, the back catalogue of Cher’s music plays a huge part of this story. Songs from the 60’s, 70’s 80’s and beyond, the seven producers have collaborated to deliver a show that takes some of her biggest hits and uses them to enhance the book of Cher’s life story. With hits like “I got you babe”, “If I could turn back time” and “Do you believe in love”, under the trustworthy direction of Arlene Phillips DBE, without doubt, this colourful production will eventually have you joyously singing and dancing in your seat or even on your feet as it did with tonight’s audience!
To have three actors playing the same character at the same time is something of a challenge, but to get three actors who are all equally as talented and have them beautifully deliver three versions of Cher at the same time is pure genius.
It is difficult to order them, as they all bring something different and with incredible style, but our three leading ladies are a class act both individually and as a trio.
Initially taking on the younger version of Cher – “Babe”, Millie O’Connell has mastered the awkwardness that Cher has in her formative years. From a bullied loner of a child to a developing teenage sexually explorative hippie, O’Connell gives us a masterclass impersonation, with exceptional comedy timing.
Taking the next phase of Cher’s personal growth and continued vulnerability, Danielle Steers leaves no emotional stone unturned when delving into the struggles that Cher faced with her stratospheric catapult to fame and turbulent marriage to Sonny Bono. Steers, with her powerhouse vocals gives us another version of Cher and her becoming a “Lady”, in which we see her gaining strength as a woman who knows her own mind and wants to speak up.
Finally, this third layer of Cher that rises and becomes the “Star” that we know and love today, is played by Debbie Kurup, and oh what a performance she gives. Kurups version of Cher is the golden thread throughout the whole show and again she has done her homework in learning the characterisation for this role. She is sassy, smart and beautiful, yet still desperate to be loved. Kurup is perfectly cast in the role and she doesn’t disappoint with her acting or vocals.
All three ladies actually have the vocals skills strong enough for them to just put on a Cher impersonation concert, and sometimes it really felt like you were at one. The tremendous onstage chemistry between them all is evident, and they support and compliment each other fantastically. When the three of them are on stage together, it is mesmerising to see how they each hold the mannerisms of Cher that fit that period of her life, yet together they create one superstar.
As we all know, the was no famous Cher until after there was “Sonny & Cher” and this story really shows what an impact Sonny Bono had on her life, for better and for worse. Lucas Rush takes on the role of Sonny and he too has done his research into this character. With excellent vocals and believable portrayal of Sonny, Rush gives us someone we both love and hate at the same time.
Jake Mitchell brings a wonderfully funny and camp “Bob Mackie”, who was the extravagant designer of Cher’s showstopping and sometimes jaw dropping costumes. Mitchell will have you in hysterics with his portrayal of Mackie.
Sam Farriday takes on a number of important characters that Cher meets throughout her life, and his versions of “Greg Allman and Rob Camilletti”, the two other love interests of Cher, allow him to show what a talented vocalist and actor also he is.
Cher is famous for saying that her mothers strength that she passed on was always her inspiration to succeed. Tori Scott brings us a wonderful maternal and sometimes obtuse “Georgia”. As a constant support to Cher, Scott’s softer motherly vocals are a nice balance to the rock vocals we get from Cher.
The staging and visual of this production is simple yet fabulously colourful. The costumes are camp and sparkly and expectedly revealing.
The ensemble that support the whole story throughout, with both song and dance, do so with high energy and style. This show has been choreographed by Strictly Come Dancing’s icon Oti Mabuse. If I am to be completely honest, this is an area that (for me and my guest for the evening) didn’t really enhance the show. There was a fusion of dance styles (and a lot of nods to the Latin/ballroom group dances as seen on the TV show) that just didn’t fit to what was going on, and were sometimes overly busy which made it look clumsy. That said, the talent in the ensemble was second to none and they gave it their all.
This is a show that I would highly recommend you go to see, if you want a feel good night out and to witness some outstanding vocal talents from three beautiful and gifted actresses who are “The Cher Show”.
Currently touring the UK, tour dates and tickets can be found at www.atgtickets.com
Review by Glen Clancy
The Biz 