THE CHER SHOW Previews- Page 7

[BIG BALONEY]

Posted: 11/11/18 at 8:47pm

Went last night and had a blast. Afternoon The Prom was a special treat and at night a juggernaut of a Broadway/ Vegas show knocked my socks off. This is just what this town needed at the moment. Can't praise it enough. Would not call it a jukebox musical at all. Why couldn't Summer be like this with a good book. Two musicals in one day that bring a shine to Broadway.

[Sho-Tunes-R-Us]

Posted: 11/11/18 at 11:43pm

inception said: "Sho-Tunes-R-Us, it sounds like you saw most of the new shows playing so I'm curious how you would rate The Cher Show vs the others, especially vs Pretty Woman & The Prom?"

I thought The Cher Show had the most entertainment value and would rate it #1. 

Although The Prom was a tad preachy, the cast was stellar and the show was just overall fun.  That's #2.

Pretty Woman was basically the movie on stage, but Vivian has more power now.  Women in the audience (of whom there were many) were eating it up ... and wanted to eat Andy Karl up as well!  This comes in at #3 because of lack of chemistry between the leads.

 

[2019planning]

Posted: 11/11/18 at 11:57pm

How is the lighting by Kevin Adams? And set by Ms Jones?

[bwaybrent]

Posted: 11/12/18 at 3:33pm

I’ve noticed they changed SJB’s wig to look more like 80’s Cher. Since they gave her some of Teal’s old scenes, does SJB now wear the high pony with the blue chaps? Super curious to hear any more changes since it left Chicago!!

[robskynyc]

Posted: 11/12/18 at 3:48pm

bwaybrent said: "I’ve noticed they changed SJB’s wig to look more like 80’s Cher. Since they gave her some of Teal’s old scenes, does SJB now wear the high pony with the blue chaps? Super curious to hear any more changes since it left Chicago!!"

no high pony. she keeps that 80s hair for the majority if not entirety of act 1.

and changed into some long straight hair a-la believe era

[inception]

Posted: 11/12/18 at 5:05pm

Thanks, even though there are cheaper tickets for other shows during my upcoming trip, I think sheer entertainment is what I prefer to some of the more serious plays.

Sho-Tunes-R-Us said: "I thought The Cher Show had the most entertainment value and would rate it #1.

Although The Prom was a tad preachy, the cast was stellar and the show was just overall fun. That's #2.

Pretty Woman was basically the movie on stage, but Vivian has more power now. Women in the audience (of whom there were many) were eating it up ... and wanted to eat Andy Karl up as well! This comes in at #3 because of lack of chemistry between the leads.

"

 

[lifeisinyou]

Posted: 11/15/18 at 6:56pm

The NY Times has a really interesting interview with Stephanie, Teal, and Micaela. This photo is amazing, I'm guessing these are the farewell tour outfits? They look amazing!

[Synecdoche2]

Posted: 11/15/18 at 11:44pm

Sadly a dud. Sure, the book is sloppy, the dialogue embarrassing, and the cast seemingly on Ambien, but the show really has two fatal flaws

1. For some reason, it's unendingly heterosexual. Why is it so difficult to make a Cher musical gay?

2. The show has no perspective on Cher as legend. The show seemingly wants the audience to feel a sense of connection with the legend, but Cher's mythos has always been effective because of how ephemeral and unreachable it has remained for the public consciousness.

Cher's life could have made for a fabulous musical. It's such a shame this is what we got.

[Lil Crazy]

Posted: 11/16/18 at 12:36am

I guess all shows have likes and dislikes in every book. I’ve never seen 100% acceptance and like ability for any show.
This show is fun, entertaining and one leaves with a smile on their face. For me, our world needs more light heartedness. I’m truly sorry that The Cher Show did not exceed or come close to expectations. I really enjoyed this show. ( I do respect your opinion)

[florida theatre kid]

Posted: 11/16/18 at 12:53am

I won the lotto tonight. Row S, technically partial view. However, the whole rear orchestra was empty. I know this has been selling well so I'm wondering if a big group wasn't able to make it because of the weather? Either way, I was able to move down to Row M right before the show started.

The audience eats it up, and the more I thought about it on the train home, the more I loved it. It's problematic - yes. The structure is a bit all over the place. Some moments too long. Some too rushed. I found the whole Camilletti bit forced. I didn't even realize it was Michael Campayno, I thought it was featured ensemble, that's how fast it all was. It took me a bit to warm up to having 3 Chers. Eventually, it felt natural to me. Although there were times all 3 would be onstage and it seemed as though they were all there just for the sake of being there. 

However, there are many GREAT things. First: the leading ladies. SJB and Micaela Diamond are doing tremendous work. SJB has never looked or sounded better. She rocks it in those costumes. Micaela is a STAR. Those legs in "The Beat Goes On"! A real triple threat. I know some people have said they feel a bit of a disconnect from Teal Wick's Cher. I find her to be good, just very different from the other 2. Besides Jarrod Spector as Sonny (who is great and scores a lot of laughs) I couldn't really comment on many other of the male performances.

The other GREAT: the production value. This show is not cheap. As people have said, the fashion show deserves a standing ovation on its own. The design is wonderful and works for the show.

The BEST: in my opinion, is the ensemble. They are dancing their (very fit) asses off. "Dark Lady" had my jaw dropped, and dare I say, got the biggest response of the night. I thought for a second there was going to be a standing ovation. Can we give Ashley Blair Fitzgerald a Tony nomination this year? Other highlights were "Bang Bang", a sexy Broadway Bares style number, and the Finale megamix, which gives any finale I've seen a run for it's money.

Even with its issues, I'd be lying if I said I didn't leave with as big a smile on my face as many of the other amazing shows of the last couple seasons. I very much look forward to another visit and hope The Cher Show has a long and healthy run. 

Updated On: 11/16/18 at 12:53 AM

[Wick3]

Posted: 11/16/18 at 9:08am

WhizzerMarvin said: "This will be a big fat hit. Perfect for the ladies and the gays. The ensemble has the zero percent body fat rule like American Psycho had a few seasons ago. With all the skin shown, some numbers are ready made for Broadway Bares. "

I got to see this show last night since a friend's friend couldn't make it (flight got cancelled) and I agree with you whizzer. 

I'm a child of the 80s/90s but grew up listening to a lot of 70s music (thanks to my parents) so I'm quite familiar with Cher's work. I was in college when she had her Farewell Tour and I wish I had money back then to go but instead just listened to her CDs. One of my favorite songs is "Song for the Lonely" so when they sang it I'll admit I couldn't help but think of the music video. 

 

I'm familiar with Cher's music but I didn't know much about her life story so I still learned a lot from watching this show. Even though the show focused more on how Cher was a girl who simply dreamed of becoming famous, one thing that inspired me a lot about her is her resilience. In today's day and age I feel so many people simply complain/pout/give up if they don't get in their dont' get their way, don't get their dream job/gig, etc.  

One thing that made me feel uneasy was theater etiquette of when it's ok to stand up and dance to the music. There were so many moments my friend and I just wanted to stand up (we sat in orchestra center) but we chose not to. We did mouth some of the lyrics (didn't sing or hum) and looked at each other with pure excitement whenever a song we loved is about to be sung (this was our first time seeing the show and we didn't look at the song list) or if we saw one of the Chers wear an iconic over-the-top costume! Overall we tried our best to be respectful to our seat neighbors. 

[CT2NYC]

Posted: 11/16/18 at 9:39am

Synecdoche2 said: "Sadly a dud. Sure, the book is sloppy, the dialogue embarrassing, and the cast seemingly on Ambien, but the show really has two fatal flaws

1. For some reason, it's unendingly heterosexual. Why is it so difficult to make aChermusical gay?

2. The show has no perspective on Cher as legend. The show seemingly wants the audience to feel a sense of connection with the legend, but Cher's mythos has always been effective because of how ephemeral and unreachable it has remained for the public consciousness.

Cher's life could have made for a fabulous musical. It's such a shame this is what we got."

Not gay? Did we see the same show? Cher is straight, Sonny Bono was straight. For a show about two straight people, I thought it had a very gay sensibility, as I expected. How can you watch the fashion show during "Ain't Nobody's Business," with a half-naked man in Bob Mackie and heels, and say it's not gay enough? Not to mention that the ensemble reminded me of Showgirls, a camp classic, and the final medley is straight out of a dance club. I'm not sure what you were expecting, but it's SUPER gay.

[inception]

Posted: 11/16/18 at 9:41am

Edit: Sooo many typos, my apologies

florida theatre kid said: "I won the lotto tonight. Row S, technically partial view. However, the whole rear orchestra was empty. I know this has been selling well so I'm wondering if a big group wasn't able to make it because of the weather? Either way, I was able to move down to Row M right before the show started.
SNIP

I think it may have just been selling well in previews, to those hyper interested in the show, or for early dates when they offered discounts.  I'll be in NY at x-mas & some shows (like Mean Girls) I bought back in June & have been waiting to read reviews on here of new shows.  On dates I have looked at around x-mas both Mockingbird & Network are pretty much sold out - maybe 1 or 2 single seats in mezz or balcony.  Meanwhile on the same dates Cher Show still has  4-500 seats still empty - & no discounts offered that week so most of those seats they're asking 182.50 after service charges.  I'm holding off buying since it might end up on TKTS.  Even King Kong & Pretty Woman have fewer tickets available on same date/time.

 

Updated On: 11/16/18 at 09:41 AM

[HBBrock]

Posted: 11/16/18 at 11:04am

Saw the show last night...what a freaking blast! I agree with all the positive comments here.

Definitely want to go back.

[moorfx]

Posted: 11/16/18 at 3:44pm

Saw the evening show on 11/6, right orchestra seats with a packed and very enthusiastic audience.  The musical is entertaining but 90% of that comes from the fact that Cher has been an unstoppable force for six decades. Overall, I thought The Cher Show was an uneven look at what has been a very interesting career.  As presented on stage, The Cher persona had to compete with three versions of herself so she never seemed fully realized. Also, there was too much Sonny Bono and far too much exposition.  And believe it or not, there's a scene with Lucille Ball!  

Despite it's weak narrative, this show manages three standout numbers: The Bob Mackie costume extravaganza, The Dark Lady tango with breathless choreography, and The Beat Goes On, which features Micaela Diamond doing an impressive dance routine of her own.

Have a few drinks before you go and enjoy it for what it is.

 

[robskynyc]

Posted: 11/16/18 at 4:15pm

moorfx said: "Saw the evening show on 11/6, right orchestra seats with a packed and very enthusiastic audience. The musical is entertaining but 90% of that comes from the fact that Cher has been an unstoppable force for six decades.Overall, I thought The Cher Show was an uneven look at what has been a very interesting career. As presented on stage, The Cher persona had to compete with three versions of herself so she never seemed fully realized. Also, there was too much Sonny Bono and fartoo much exposition. And believe it or not, there's a scene with Lucille Ball!

Despite it's weak narrative,this show manages three standout numbers: The Bob Mackie costume extravaganza,The Dark Ladytango with breathless choreography, andThe Beat Goes On,which features Micaela Diamond doing an impressive dance routine of her own.

Have a few drinks before you go and enjoy it for what it is.

"

DONT SPOIL THE SURPRISE with that cameo!

you should throw a spoiler alert on there 

Updated On: 11/16/18 at 04:15 PM

[Kad]

Posted: 11/16/18 at 4:31pm

..I mean, it's not the actual Lucille Ball.

[lifeisinyou]

Posted: 11/16/18 at 4:32pm

People spoiling that little "cameo" bums me out I've seen it spoiled on several blogs too. The complete and utter JOY of that moment happening when you're not expecting it is SO fun - the whole audience gasping together. So bizarre, so silly, and it works perfectly!

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 11/16/18 at 4:34pm

I have a photo of this spoiler moment. I’ll post it if requested. Skinner looks amazing. Sadly, she doesn’t use the person’s trademark voice which ruins the illusion.

[robskynyc]

Posted: 11/16/18 at 7:48pm

BrodyFosse123 said: "Sadly, she doesn’t use the person’s trademark voice which ruins the illusion."

THIS! the blue eyeshadow is amazing and she LOOKS the part. but she lost me when she opened her mouth

[ChgoTheatreGuy]

Posted: 11/16/18 at 9:14pm

I agree with moorfx, the Mackie fashion made my jaw drop, and Micaela second act "And The Beat Goes On", is truly a star-making performance.  I certainly hope that not too much of the show has been changed from its Chicago run.  The pacing is a bit off, but it is never boring or draggy to me.  I LOVED it both times that I saw it!...

[Skip23]

Posted: 11/17/18 at 6:04pm

It's a fun show that succeeds on MANY levels.  Costumes!!!, set, video, music, choreography, songs, story, performances.  I mean....Stephanie J. Block and Micaela Diamond!!  Wow!!!  What's not to like?

 

Well..... Teal Wicks just doesn't make it as the middle Cher.  No attempt at Cher's speech pattern.  And just no STAR quality.   SPOILER  And if you're gonna have a Lucille Ball cameo, she has to attempt Lucy's speech pattern.  I mean - COME ON.  It's Emily Skinner doing it, for god's sake!  Also, that tsuris between Cher and Sonny gets tired.  Cut it down.  We get it.

 

Other than that, I really loved it. May even go back again.  Never thought I'd say that about this!

 

[robskynyc]

Posted: 11/17/18 at 6:36pm

going back tonight! lets see if anything has changed since i saw it last week :)

 

[robskynyc]

Posted: 11/17/18 at 10:57pm

Ok. Nothing changed. But seeing it for a second time really made me realize how horrible Teal Wicks is :/

Also, here’s the COMPLETE song list!

If I could turn back time
Half breed
A dream is a wish your heart makes
You better sit down kid
Da doo Ron Ron
Be my baby
The shoop shoop song
I like it like that
I got you babe
When the moneys gone
Vamp
Ain’t Nobody’s Business If I Do
Living in a house divided
Little Man
Bang Bang
Heart of stone
Strong Enough
Gypsies tramps thieves
Midnight rider
Just like Jesse James
Dark Lady
I found someone
The beat goes on
A song for the lonely
Different kind of love song
You haven’t seen the last of me
Believe
Strong Enough
A woman’s world
Farewell Tour Mash Up
Take me home

Songs I couldn’t remember the order of:
All I ever need is you
Baby don’t go
It don’t come easy
Rambling man
Save up all your tears
The way of love

[bwayphreak234]

Posted: 11/18/18 at 8:56am

I love Cher. I love Broadway. I love this cast. Maybe all this makes me a little biased, but I absolutely LOVED The Cher Show. Every single moment was pure bliss. I had a smile plastered across my face the entire show. 

The variety show concept that muddled the show in Chicago is completely gone. What we have now is a story of Cher’s life told through the eyes of Cher at three different stages in her life. All three Chers are out of this world fantastic. The talent these three women are exuding is insane. I can’t imagine a world in which Stephanie J. Block does not take home the Tony for her portrayal. Teal Wicks and Micaela Diamond were incredible as well.

This show is a feast for the eyes. Sequins and glitter galore. The Bob Mackie fashion show number is absolute heaven. The costumes are stunning. The set, while simple, serves the show and story perfectly. The lighting is gorgeous.

I literally do no have one bad thing to say about this show. I loved every second. THIS is what all jukebox musicals show aspire to be like. The audience was on their feet before the show even ended. I honestly do not remember the last time I had so much fun on Broadway.

Updated On: 11/18/18 at 08:56 AM