The Cher Show dazzles Syracuse

What makes a star? If The Cher Show is to be believed, versatility, courage and a good set of vocal chords are all it takes. The production, playing at the Landmark Theatre until April 12, is a glitzy romp through the life of the pop singer and actress.

Though Cher once said “I’m only one women,” The Cher Show features three different actresses portraying the “Believe” performer: Babe (Cher in the ‘50s and ‘60s), Lady (Cher in the ‘70s) and Star (Cher in the ‘80s and ‘90s).  Instead of being portrayed separately in their respective time periods, the three versions interact on stage. With this dynamic, Cher can revisit the past and see the future simultaneously, consulting her other selves for advice and support. Sure, it’s a little corny, but it’s a fresh take on the bio-musical and allows all three actresses to strut their stuff.

That being said, the flow of the show feels choppy (as is often the case with bio-musicals). It is incredibly difficult to portray the decades-long story of someone’s life and career in a way that feels even-keeled. The book of The Cher Show tries its best but ends up being just okay. At its strongest, the book leans into the ridiculousness of its concept, referencing Cher’s iconic and bizarre tweets (does saying “tweets” make The Cher Show a period piece more than the actual period of the narrative?). Outside of this, the actual storytelling done in The Cher Show is so-so.

From a technical perspective, the costumes featured are a feast for the eyes. Bob Mackie, the designer of many of Cher’s iconic looks, designed the costumes for the production, winning a Tony Award for his work in 2019. Mackie is himself a character in the show, with an entire number dedicated to modeling his work. On the other hand, the lighting and sound design suffered a few mishaps at the April 8 show. With a brief hold taking place during act one due to sound problems and actors not being properly lit multiple times, the tech crew seemed in need of more adjustment to their new venue.

Courtesy of Meredith Mashburn

Catherine Ariale (left), Morgan Scott (center) and Ella Perez (right) all portray their own spins on their Cher character.

The biggest hurdle this show had to overcome, however, was winning my affection. In my opinion, bio-musicals are often disjointed two-and-a-half-hour-long impressions; the stars of The Cher Show made the evening feel deeper than that. All three actresses showed off their abilities while mimicking Cher’s iconic contralto voice, bringing their own flair to their individual Chers. Morgan Scott as Star shepherds the action with ease, and Catherine Ariale as Lady leads Cher through the dark days of her separation from Sonny Bono. But it is Ella Perez as Babe who is impossible to look away from. Perez is magnetic in her act two number, “The Beat Goes On/It Don’t Come Easy,” narrating Cher’s turn from singer to Academy Award-winning actress.

What really makes a ticket to this show worthwhile is hearing all three Chers sing together. There is palpable joy present when the women get to sing together, with tight harmonies in tow. Scott, Ariale and Perez’s chemistry is undeniable, with the trio leaving the stage after bows arm in arm. Leaving the theater, it felt as if Cher healed her past selves on the stage in front of a live audience (despite not being present). If you’re lonely, take a trip to the Landmark — Cher has a perfect song for you.