ORLANDO, Fla. – Full disclosure: I am a huge Cher fan. I first saw her in concert in 2002 during her Farewell Tour in Spokane, Washington, then again in 2003 in Pensacola. I have loved everything about this global icon for as long as I can remember: her music, her wardrobe, her hair. If you‘re ever at a party at my house (even my kids’ birthday parties) there’s a 99% chance, Cher will start blaring from the speakers at some point.
With that said, I wasn’t too familiar with the new musical detailing Cher’s life and career, but when I found out “The Cher Show” was coming to Broadway in Orlando at the Dr. Phillips Center, I couldn’t wait to see it.
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The show opens with one of my all-time favorite songs: “If I Could Turn Back Time.” I regularly sing that song at home, in the WKMG studio and in my car. I think my husband is slightly offended every time I belt out that tune so enthusiastically. So when the musical opened with that song, it was all I could do to remain in my seat and not start dancing like I was back at a Cher concert. (More disclosure: the last time I was at a Cher concert, I was “relocated” by security because the people behind me did not want me standing/dancing the entire time).
In “The Cher Show,” Cher is portrayed by three separate actresses representing different stages of her life: young Cher, married Cher, and global icon Cher. I learned so much about Cher. From her marital problems with two husbands and two children to the financial struggles she overcame and powerful words of wisdom from her friend, Lucille Ball, this musical biography was both informative and entertaining.
The show delivered amazing lighting, set and acoustics that we’ve all come to expect at the Dr. Phillips Center. Many people in the audience commented on how impressed they were that each of the actresses seemed to perfect Cher’s distinctive voice and mannerisms. The only complaint I heard was that they wanted to hear even more Cher songs.
Since our chances of seeing the real Cher in concert anytime soon are pretty slim, this may just be the next best thing. I love Cher and I loved “The Cher Show.”
“The Cher Show” runs through Sunday, Nov. 17 at the Dr. Phillips Center. Tickets and more information about the show are available through the Dr. Phillips Center website.
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