From Disney princess childhood dreams to fierce warrior princess on stage: that’s the journey of Cher as told in this new musical that originally premiered in 2018 prior to a Broadway run, which won two Tony Awards. Now with an updated book by Rick Elice, the production uses Cher’s extensive catalogue of music to chronicle the highs and lows of the more than sixty years that she has spent as an entertainer.
Such is the diverse and prolific nature of Cher’s work, that it takes three women to play her. They are on stage almost constantly, sharing the narration of the story and each enjoying their time in the spotlight. Millie O’Connell as Babe takes the audience through the early years, embodying the nervous and shy younger Cher as she tries to fit in with her peers and find an anchor in her life. Danielle Steers takes over the story as Lady, showing a woman discovering her inner strength and trying to fight for herself and her future. Then last, but by no means least, Debbie Kurup as Star portrays Cher’s first steps on Broadway and on film and her return to the music charts and is the constant voice of independence and experience.
This musical is a joyous celebration of an incredible woman, with plenty of humour along the way. The lighting design (Ben Cracknell), vibrant costumes (Gabriella Slade) and musical arrangements (Rich Morris) were used to full effect to show the passage of time and to celebrate the individual moments in Cher’s history. For that’s what this show is, a series of moments that are woven together (some more seamlessly than others) to carry the audience through Cher’s rise to stardom; and while it is exactly as sparkle-filled as you would hope and expect, interestingly it was the quieter moments of struggle and vulnerability that held the most power for me.
The theme of empowering women runs throughout the piece, culminating in the celebration of a woman who does believe that there is life after love, and who does believe that she is strong enough, and Kurup is to be commended for embodying so many conflicting emotions and for demonstrating the most outstanding vocal and performance range. The girl power element can also be found backstage, as the piece is directed by Arlene Philipps and choreographed by Oti Mabuse.
Regardless of how much or how little you know of Cher’s music or her story, there is something in this show for you. It’s got everything: three memorable lead vocal performers, an energetic and talented ensemble, a very committed supporting cast who understand their roles well… and bucketloads of sequins!
The Cher Show is playing at the Sheffield Lyceum until Saturday 14th May. Information and tickets, including for accessible performances, can be found here: https://www.sheffieldtheatres.co.uk/events/the-cher-show The tour then continues around the country until March 2023, and additional information about the show and tour dates can be found here: https://cheronstage.com/
Reviewer: Jo Tillotson
Reviewed: 10th May 2022
North West End UK Rating: ★★★★