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