The Liverpool Empire audience was on its feet dancing, singing and cheering as the deliciously camp new musical, The Cher Show, came to a close.
The Cher Show details the life and career of famed singer and actress, Cher. Any performer attempting to replicate the magic and star-power of such an icon has tough shoes to fill, with three talented women donning sequins and sparkle to portray Cher at different points in her life.
Debbie Kurup, Danielle Steers and Millie O'Connell play iterations of Cher, from the shy school girl trying to understand why she's the target of bullies, to a trailblazer of fashion and performance fighting for fair pay, to the legend we know and love today.
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The trio are obviously exceptionally talented, with many of Cher's trademark vocal patterns and mannerisms nailed - though at a few points, some lines and actions seem a little like a caricature. The script is packed with many of Cher's iconic quotes - like when her beloved mum told her to marry a rich man and Cher simply replied, "but mom, I am a rich man", as well as hilarious quips and one liners, including, "The younger I look, the better gay men feel".
At times, the show manages to evoke a sense of innate intimacy - even against the backdrop of such elaborate glitz and glamour - that allows the audience a deep insight into the psyche of a star. It's like the audience has been invited to look inside Cher's head while also being on a night out with her - quite the feat, and quite the experience.
A special mention must go to Danielle Steers, whose impeccable vocals were like rich velvet, filling the auditorium with a sense of gravitas and star power akin to Cher herself. Her rendition of 'Song for the Lonely' was goosebump inducingly good.
This show is a dazzling, fun and energetic tribute to an icon. The set design is incredible, taking the audience from the swinging sixties to the big hair and bright lights of the 80s. There's a constant stream of new and inventive displays to chart the years of Cher's life, from four mannequins - a nod to Cher's impact on the world of fashion - each adorned with a digit, to a street light descending from the ceiling to mark the arrival of the 90s.
Influential and important people in Cher's life are brought vividly to life by the talented supporting cast members, with Lucas Rush as Sonny proving a particular highlight. Cher's meteoric rise to fame wasn't an easy journey, with the show pulling back the curtain on the realities of stardom.
Cher was, and remains, a beacon of independence and individuality. From her unique sense of style, and her determination to battle the men who underestimated her, Cher championed herself and kept going against all the odds. The musical is a wild ride through the decades with Cher and is packed with 35 of her biggest hits, including 'Turn Back Time', 'I Got You Babe', 'Strong Enough', 'The Shoop Shoop Song' and, of course, 'Believe'.
For the finale, all three Chers took to the stage for a medley of her songs. The entire audience jumped to its feet, laughing and cheering, and suddenly, it was like being at a concert and not a stage show. The final line of the show? "You haven't seen the last of me." I certainly hope not.
Written by Tony award-winning Rick Elice, The Cher Show Made its debut on Broadway in 2018 in a production that earned two Tony Awards and delighted fans from around the world. This new production is its European premiere. The Cher Show is at the Liverpool Empire until this Saturday, January 21. You can book tickets here.
What do the creatives say?
Arlene Phillips said of directing The Cher Show: "I have been a fan of Cher since I first heard I Got You Babe in the mid-sixties and cannot wait to direct her musical. I love stories about strong inspirational legends like Cher and I am proud to be joined in the creative team by two women who have already made a huge impact in their careers: Oti Mabuse as choreographer of the many different genres in the show and Gabriella Slade for the iconic costume designs.
"This exciting show will be a non-stop journey of Cher's rollercoaster life, bringing to the audience Cher's iconic songs, glorious dance numbers, unique costumes and her epic drama. All they need to do is come along and 'believe'."
Choreographer and Strictly Come Dancing star Oti Mabuse said: "I cannot wait for audiences to see what we're doing with The Cher Show. Cher's music covers so many styles, genres and rhythms, which makes it so exciting to choreograph.
"Every Song in the show is a hit and we are going full out with exciting routines and movement - it's going to be a party. Cher has been such an inspiration to so many people and this musical is going to be a celebration of everything people love about her."
Costume designer Gabriella Slade added: "Cher is quite literally a style icon. Her fashion moments pushed the boundaries of the time and continue to do so. I’m so excited to be taking huge influence and inspiration from these looks as I embark on creating the costume design for this new production of The Cher Show."
The Cher Show is at the Liverpool Empire until this Saturday, January 21. You can book tickets here.
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