The Cher Show

How do you portray a life full of fame and fortune, depression and failure, success and stardom, marriage and divorce spanning 50 years and package all those years into a musical. You simply have not one Cher but three. Babe covering the 1950s and 60s, Lady the 1970s and star the 80s and 90s. This musical is far more than it at first seems, not simply Cher song after song but looking at a life through so many aspects. The staging along with her growing through adolescence into aspiring fame with her wild aspirations and individuality all captured in this quite excellent piece of musical theatre. One might assume having three actors taking portions of her life that each would have a section of the production. Not at all, the three so cleverly integrating throughout with some of the early Babe scenes being shadowed by Lady and Star subtly placed partially in shade as if watching over their lives to come. The whole musical flowed beautifully with the iconic opening number ‘If I Could Turn Back Time’ cleverly showing off Cher at the height of her fame along with introducing all three Cher actors.

My compliments go to Claire Harriott your Director and Choreographer, her vision and direction quite beautifully delivered by all. Integrating three periods of life with Babe, Lady and Star often skipping back as memories come to the fore is no easy undertaking, but every portion of life through strain, emotion, desire and drive executed with polished performances throughout. The planning involved must have been epic considering the enormous changes experienced over those years. The costumes representing each decade quite stunning and my compliments go to Christine Minott and her team for the outstanding results on view. The full ensemble numbers were delivered with wonderful dancing and staging, along with high quality singing. Your musical Director Matthew Symonds must be thrilled with the commitment shown to achieve the excellent results not simply by the main principals but by the whole cast. Your 14-piece orchestra played beautifully throughout and at a level so they and all the performers could easily be heard. The set and projections by Ground house media was excellent moving through her years reminding us of her many up and downs .

Babe performed by Grace Hadabora the youngest Cher, showing such an innocence as she explores life and love , desperate to break out into a new world but not quite sure how. A beautiful portrayal with quality acting and singing including ‘A Dream is A Wish Your Heart Makes’, your times with the two other Cher’s really moving. You then meet Sonny , a new chapter indeed.

Lady by Harriet Thompson performing that central portion of time, realizing her desires for stardom and learning the ruthlessness of business , continuing the building of time with Sonny eventually becoming Sonny and Cher. ‘ I Got You Babe’ delivered as an iconic duo. Quality acting and singing showing off your excellent talent.

Star performed by Tanya Tuby moving the life of Cher through traumas and change, a performance of total conviction with superb acting and singing. Close your eyes as an audience member and all you hear is Cher, a true credit to a wonderful performance. I really enjoyed ‘Gypsies , Tramps and Thieves’ and the moving ‘The Way of Love’ along with the many others. The performance from all three of you was convincing, moving, emotional and the chemistry between you there for all to see.

Sonny performed by Adam Walker, a challenging role working with all three Cher ladies, many memorable scenes along with beautiful heartfelt songs. The changing emotion was well depicted as various traits of your character came through. Your duet as previously mentioned with Babe ‘ I Got You Babe’ delivered brilliantly. Georgia Holt performed by Caroline Fojut gave a wonderful performance as Cher’s Mother, unassuming and kind, supportive and compassionate with a delicate but firm poise, reminding us of how important a mother’s role is in life.

Cher was so famous for her wild costumes under the iconic brand produced by Bob Mackie performed by Andrew Stansill along with his assistant performed by Jay Bell. They both delivered great stereotypical  performances along with total delight during the cat walk scenes. Greg Allman the famous country singer performed by Jamie Cooke and delivered wonderfully. Some lovely cameo moments with Star . A further well delivered smaller role by Ria Westhead as Lucille Ball performed with grace and meaning. My compliments go to every one of you whether it be principals, smaller cameo roles, dancers, ensemble for a truly excellent evening of theatre. The number of fast changes, songs to sing, dances to perform and varying styles to portray all delivered to a very high standard.

The lighting and sound really excellent throughout. My thanks also go to the many unseen assistants back stage who must have worked tirelessly to assist with wig and costume changes.
If you haven’t yet brought a ticket please do, this production really needs to be seen, quite outstanding. Thank you also for the welcome and greeting received from your FOH.

In the words of Cher……. You haven’t seen the last of me …….. her story lives on….

She celebrates her 80th birthday on May 20th this year.

Philip Smith

Noda North East District 6 Regional Rep

 

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