The Cher Show

Wow! What a phenomenal production!

A jukebox musical, The Cher Story tells of Cher’s long career, her roller coaster life and marriages and all the struggles and triumphs of this well known Diva.

Three Chers, Babe, Lady and Star, pay homage to and portray different eras of Chers life. Cathy Geddie, Star, Zoe Murray, Lady and Emma Clarkson, Babe were an outstanding, perfectly cast trio who gave compelling performances. A powerful chemistry radiated between these three as each delivered her own period in the life story not in chronilogical order but intertwined with fun, humour and story telling and Star almost offering advice while reassesing her career and life story. These three versatile divas gave brilliant performances all vocally powerful, moving and dancing with conviction, living the part and looking absolutely stunning. Whilst not trying to copy Cher, they did capture some of Cher’s mannerisms.

With, I believe, about twenty costume changes and wig changes, the costumes were fabulous and authentic for the varying decades and quite dazzling. Superb lighting design and effects all added to this visually brilliant production.

With thirty eight musical numbers, the pace of the show was fast and furious but still allowed time for recollection and appreciation of the more touching, poignant moments. The opening number ’If I Could Turn Back Time’ was stunning with Star certainly making an impact in her incredible costume as she and the ensemble totally set the scene for what was to be a mesmerizing evenings entertainment. Cher’s songs are pretty well known and the soloists and vibrant ensemble all sounded fantastic .This was supported by creative choreography which was delivered with intense energy and precision. There are so many wonderful numbers in this show that it is fair to say that every one was a winner.

Emma absolutely captured the vulnerability, naivity and innocence of the young Cher as she adoringly sung ‘I Got You Babe’ with Sonny who set her on her road to stardom. In contrast a thrilling ‘The Beat Goes On’ was determined and showed off her dancing skills. Joe Purcell ably demonstrated the contrasting sides to Sonny’s character, his loving caring side but also his controlling less endearing characteristics.

Chers emotional turmoil in dealing with Sonny’s intimidating behavior was well portrayed in Zoe’s ‘Bang Bang (My Baby Shot Me Down) and her new found confidence in ‘Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves’. There are so many meaningful numbers in this show but perhaps one of the most outstanding numbers was Cathie’s ‘The Way Of Love’ which was utterly captivating. She perfectly captured the character of this iconic legend. When this trio of Chers performed together as in ‘Song For The Lonely’ and ‘Strong Enough’ it was magical.

Eilidh Todd was well cast as Cher’s well meaning mother Georgia and her amusing one liners were never missed. All of the supporting characters were well played. Lyndsey McGhee gave a classisc example of how to make an immediate impact with her punchy characterisation of Lucille Ball and ‘Heart Of Stone’. Chers vulnerabilty in her romantic relationships was evident in her volatile relationship witht the domineering Greg well defined by Craig Aitkens and the less wordly wise Rob, Darren Johnston.

‘Dark Lady’ was one of the most visually stunning numbers with it’s eye catching red lighting, stage efffects and Hannah Barnetson’s beautiful dancing. A fairly simple set was used to great effect with its retractable catwalk and different levels.The video wall perfectly suited the many changes of scene.

This was an incredible production with remarkable performances, wonderful singing, acting and story telling. Energetic creative choreography and direction kept the production exuberant but controlled. This marathon of musical numbers was supported by a first class orchestra who never overpowered what was happening on stage. A rousing finale gave the audience the opportunity to get involved and show their appreciation of this most uplifting production.

Allegro have never shied away from attempting something new and different and again their courage and confidence paid off resulting in another most impressive, breathtaking production. Huge congratulations to all of the cast, production and technical team, wardrobe team and orchestra. Absolutely fantastic!

 

 

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