The Cher Show Musical: A Glittering Homage to a Timeless Icon

If there’s one thing you can say about the musical The Cher Show, it’s that it truly embodies the spirit of the lady it’s dedicated to — fierce, glittering, and unapologetically direct. The show isn’t just a chronological tour of Cher’s life; it’s a smorgasbord for the senses, transforming the stage into a kaleidoscope of everything Cher is to her fans — and so much more.

When it stopped by St. Louis’ Stifel Theater on April 10-11, 2024, Emily and I wanted to make sure we were there. And we are so glad we went. The musical’s sassy, unorthodox, and comedic approach created an homage as innovative and limitless as Cher herself.

My Connection

The Cher Show Musical covers the Sonny and Cher timeline.

So, I have to start by saying that Cher and I go a long way back. Cher’s name as a child was Cherilyn Sarkisian. My legal name is Cheryl Lynn, but I have always been called Cherie Lynn, or sometimes, just Cher (especially by my dad). As a child, I didn’t know any other Cherie Lynns. So, to see a STAR like Cher on TV in the early 70s, with her distinctive contralto voice, belting out songs like Half-Breed on The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour, well, I became a lifelong fan then and there. We shared a name, after all.

I was so obsessed that I even snagged Sonny and Cher dolls—think Barbies with a cooler wardrobe! Years have flown by, but my fan-girl status hasn’t budged. I’ve tracked every twist and turn of her career, falling head over heels for every new version of her—singer, actress, and overall boss lady.

When my daughter Emily was two, Cher’s Greatest Hits CD became a staple in our musical rotation. The moment “Dark Lady” or “Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves” blared from the speakers, Emily turned our living room into her personal dance floor. Absolutely adorable!

It’s mind-blowing how Cher’s tunes have wiggled their way into the hearts of so many. Her music has been a steadfast companion in my life, and it tickles me pink to see it enchanting new waves of fans across generations.

Back to the Cher Show Musical

But I digress. Let’s get back to my review of the Cher Show Musical! Like the Broadway Musical, Ain’t Too Proud, this is a jukebox musical. So all the songs are familiar. The dialogue was witty, sassy, and quintessentially Cher. The play gives you the Cher experience like no other, featuring not one or two but three Cher versions causing delightful chaos on stage. Each pops up when least expected, dishing out advice like only Cher could.

“Babe” Cher

Ella Perez shines in her role as “Babe” Cher, transporting audiences back to the groovy days alongside Sonny. Perez reenacted the duo’s meteoric rise to fame, highlighted by their iconic anthem “I Got You, Babe.” This performance captures the essence of their musical journey and pays homage to the timeless bond and charisma that catapulted them into the spotlight.

“Star” Cher

Morgan Scott embodies the spirit of the iconic “Star” Cher, captivating audiences with a comprehensive portrayal of her illustrious journey from a beloved TV screen queen to navigating the tumultuous waters of life after Sonny. The performance delves into her high-profile rock ‘n’ roll marriage with Greg Allman, highlighting the challenges and triumphs they faced together. Ultimately, it showcases her remarkable transition into a successful solo career, marking her grand escape into a world where she could shine on her own terms. Through this detailed exploration, we witness the resilience and versatility of a woman who has become a legend in her own right.

“Lady” Cher

Catherine Ariale delivered a stunning performance in the “Lady” Cher role, channeling an older, wiser, and incredibly tough persona that captured the essence of Cher’s indomitable spirit. She masterfully chronicled the various eras of Cher’s legendary career, from her triumphant return to the music scene with hits like “If I Could Turn Back Time” to the 1998 chart-topping anthem, “Believe,” that had fans around the world dancing. Ariale also delved into Cher’s glamorous and critically acclaimed film career, highlighting her Oscar-winning performance in “Moonstruck.” Through her portrayal, Ariale paid homage to Cher’s extraordinary journey, showcasing the singer’s evolution from a pop icon to a serious actress without losing the essence of the superstar’s unique charisma and style.

Each version of Cher sounded fantastic, exuding Cher’s vocal tenacity with stunning accuracy. You could close your eyes, forget the sequins, and still believe it was Cher on stage. The emotional rollercoaster of her life was narrated through all of her familiar hits, each song carrying additional weight and context as it wove into the story of a woman who refused to be pigeonholed, even when it meant walking away from her past.

Cher’s Timeline Unraveled

The Cher Show Musical dazzles not just with the tale it spins but also with the gutsy why behind it. It’s a no-holds-barred, eyes-wide-open journey through the rollercoaster life of this glittering superstar. In this musical, Cher is the ultimate comeback queen, crafting her fate with the precision of a diamond cutter.

Don’t buy into the idea that women aren’t strong enough to do anything they want on their own.
-CHER

We zigzag through Cher’s life, from the era of Sonny’s infamous mustache, navigating the choppy waters of chart-topping hits and personal hurricanes, to her ascent as a solo icon who doesn’t need to share the spotlight. The real showstoppers? Those quiet, sneak-peek moments reveal a woman who’s not just half of a famous duo but a full-on force of nature.

The finale

And the grand finale for the Cher Show Musical? It’s not a nod to the legend; it’s a full-blown, all-hands-on-deck announcement. Cher emerges in all her wild majesty, a dazzling reminder that this whole extravaganza started with a girl who thought she could bedazzle the world, one sequin at a time.

7 Fun Facts about Cher

As I sat and marveled at all things Cher during the Cher Show Musical, it dawned on me there were a few fun facts about Cher I didn’t really know. Here are some seven Cher facts I wanted to share.

At 16, Cher boldly packed her bags for Los Angeles with a friend. It was there she stumbled upon Sonny Bono, who was busy making music magic as a record producer for Phil Spector.
Before Cher hit the big time, Phil Spector had her warming up the mic in the background of “Be My Baby” by the Ronettes and giving that extra oomph to “You’ve Lost That Lovin’ Feelin'” by the Righteous Brothers.
In 1965, Sonny and Cher hit England to rock Top of the Pops. But the London Hilton wasn’t ready for their fashion-forward vibes and gave them the boot. No matter, London’s music aficionados went wild for their style, copying their outfits and rocketing “I Got You Babe” to chart-topping fame. Talk about fashion making a statement!
During the golden days of the Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour, it wasn’t just the catchy sketch comedy and toe-tapping tunes that had America glued to their TVs. Oh no, it was Cher’s dazzling wardrobe, courtesy of Bob Mackie, that stole the show. Every episode was like a fashion runway, with Cher as the queen, turning her into the style icon of the era. Who tuned in for laughs when you could gawk at the glamour?
Cher and Lucille Ball shared a unique bond and were friends. Both had been part of iconic comedy duos with their respective partners. Each duo not only had successful TV shows that captivated millions of viewers, but both relationships eventually led to divorces. Despite these personal challenges, Cher and Lucy left an indelible mark on the entertainment industry.
In 1987, Cher didn’t just turn back time; she stopped it, nabbing the Best Actress Oscar for her stellar performance in “Moonstruck” alongside Nicholas Cage. Now a classic, this film proved she’s much more than a music icon—she’s a bona fide Hollywood legend.
On October 22, 1998, Cher dropped “Believe” and casually revolutionized music with some Auto-Tune magic, giving her voice that iconic robo-vibe now known as the “Cher effect.” Music fans couldn’t get enough of this futuristic sound, skyrocketing the track up the charts and into pop legend. Not only did Cher prove she’s forever the queen of reinvention, but she also showed the music world how to turn tech into pure gold.