The Cher Show- Page 19

[ChgoTheatreGuy]

Posted: 7/8/18 at 7:46pm

She will definitely be nominated, the audience loves her.  They really need to work more on the book and make the ending better.  Micaela Diamond, Emily Skinner and Jerrod Spector will also be nominated!

[Elegance101]

Posted: 7/8/18 at 8:33pm

ChgoTheatreGuy said: "She will definitely be nominated, the audience loves her. They really need to work more on the book and make the ending better. Micaela Diamond, Emily Skinner and Jerrod Spector will also be nominated!"

Do you think both Diamond and Skinner could get in? I feel like most reviews for Diamond were fair, but nothing about her being a standout.

[ChgoTheatreGuy]

Posted: 7/9/18 at 8:31am

In the second act, when Stephanie hands the show over to Michaela to do the number about her film career to "And The Beat Goes On", is complete Tony-bait.  If that doesn't guarantee her a nomination, I don't know what will!..

 

[Valentina3]

Posted: 7/9/18 at 2:20pm

Thanks so much for your replies, bwaybrent and RevolutionaryCostume - I ended up with Loge row D seats because those orchestra seats were gone by the time I got around to actually buying them. :| :)

Happy with my choice though, looking forward to the show. Hope Specter keeps his shirt off until then.

[greensgreens]

Posted: 7/9/18 at 2:41pm

I simply can't express what a let down this was. Everything is set for success - great costumes, sets, some book scenes, performances, looks, some arrangements (but why is B'way ok with making every synth virtual but heaven forbid they use a damn 909 or an 808 or something to provide some authenticity and give the music the beat it needs to be successful - Cher is now an electronic artist and that needs to be incorporated when appropriate on songs like Believe). But it just never came together and they focused WAAAY too much on Sonny and Gregg. Skinner needs more to do, but the Ball character is an absolute mess. Why the hell are Sonny and Gregg singing Dark Lady with Cher nowhere in sight (not a one of the three appears). It just doesn't make sense. The songs are a verse and chorus. We all clapped heavily for everything the first fifteen minutes because there were so many prompts. Then, we all stopped except for the one or two actual song buttons that do happen and the audience enthusiasm plummeted and never recovered. People were talking about production numbers? Where were these? Beat Goes On was ok, Bang Bang was nothing, and the costume parade was interesting, but it was not a production number, just a fashion show. Cute and Bob deserves two Tonys for his work on this, but it's not a Broadway show. This would be great in Vegas, but even then, who wants to hear only a line or two from the big songs sung in an arrangement that makes it hardly recognizable unless you know all the lyrics to the songs. And Believe needs to be sung twice and that's it. The show is thin and needs meat. Sing the whole song for a few more numbers, especially ones that could be production numbers. If it's so obsessed with Sonny, it needs to be the Sonny & Cher show and that's it. He was a big part of her life, but it's the CHER show. I liked the Cinderella thing, but even that only exists for a few minutes and is dropped. The projections don't work at all if you're close with decent eyes. There is too much latency and they are distorted to an extreme that doesn't work. If you're gonna do it, it's gotta be as good as the projections used in a Cher show, and I have never seen latency issues like this. It was more than a few seconds off. And, there are so many opportunities for amazing ballad-to-uptempo/dance arrangement opportunities that are tragically not present. Just imagine if there was the Believe ballad, then a coda with underscoring about overcoming tragedy and moving on, and then - BOOM! - we get the dance version! That's the kind of creativity and drama I expect from this. Everyone involved has a VERY busy summer before B'way if this is going to fly. They can do it, but they're gonna have a ton of work too.

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 7/9/18 at 3:33pm

The majority of the feedback for this show is so disheartening. I was rooting for this but it just sounds so convoluted and generally all over the place. Is a fashion show really all that necessary? In what context are Sonny and Gregg singing "Dark Lady"? Are they singing about Cher? If that's the case it doesn't make any sense. Last I checked "Dark Lady" is about a gypsy woman who betrays one of her clients by sleeping with her man leading said client to kill both the gypsy and the unfaithful partner. I mean really? WTF. 

[Trish2]

Posted: 7/9/18 at 3:37pm

I'm sorry to be hearing all of these well -written negative reviews. I was hoping for something special as well. One only has to look as far as the ticket sales for this final week in Chicago--with the exception of two matinee's, there's plenty of available seating for the remaining performances.

Does anyone know if there is any big advance for the NY run?

Updated On: 7/9/18 at 03:37 PM

[EllieRose2]

Posted: 7/9/18 at 3:40pm

I am sure they'll be making a ton of changes when they come to New York.   Based off many things, including fan reviews.  

[greensgreens]

Posted: 7/9/18 at 4:03pm

It almost doesn't matter what we think. Kinky Boots didn't change much at all and look how that went. Then again, it wasn't the mess this production is. The problem here is that you can see a wonderful show coming from all of this and it just isn't happening yet.

And yes, Dark Lady is about Cher supposedly after she ditches Gregg. Not sure why Sonny is there at all, as they are supposedly friends at this point chronologically. And that may be another problem. The chronology is there, but not always adhered to. A redheaded dancer plays the Dark Lady, and it's one of the few fully choreographed numbers in its' entirety. Beautifully danced and staged, but it makes no sense. Truthfully, the show should be a two part event to do it right, but this ain't Angels In America, so I don't know what they're going to do.

[EllieRose2]

Posted: 7/9/18 at 4:07pm

Well, perhaps it just needs time and a lot of changes.  I do think that opinions of theater goers do make a difference.  Even a slight one.

[South Florida]

Posted: 7/9/18 at 4:15pm

Maybe Cher's story is boring or filled with bad music, they better get it right.  I hate it when talent is wasted, good luck Cher.

 

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 7/9/18 at 4:39pm

The fact that even after opening the show is still be tinkered with is proof the show will be going thru a LONG haul between Chicago and Broadway.  I expect Cher herself will be a constant presence during this period.  Chicago got it off the ground; Broadway is the end goal so the work really has yet begun on THE CHER SHOW.  

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 7/9/18 at 4:48pm

greensgreens said:


And yes, Dark Lady is about Cher supposedly after she ditches Gregg. Not sure why Sonny is there at all, as they are supposedly friends at this point chronologically. And that may be another problem. The chronology is there, but not always adhered to. A redheaded dancer plays the Dark Lady, and it's one of the few fully choreographed numbers in its' entirety. Beautifully danced and staged, but it makes no sense.

That sounds so incredibly wrong-headed. Again. WTF?!?!?

If they don't do a massive overhaul the critics are gonna roast this turkey come November. How appropriate. Gobble, gobble.

 

[FanofGreen]

Posted: 7/9/18 at 4:54pm

Have to chime in.  Saw the show twice.  Enjoyed it both times, more the second time around than the first.  There is a LOT going on on stage, so the second viewing allowed me to focus on what I missed first time around.  I agree that there is still work to be done.  Some of the scenes simply had no spark.  I have to blame that on the writing or directing.  There is a huge amount of talent in this show - every, single one of the actors/ensemble members did a brilliant job.  And as has been said before, the set decoration, costumes and lighting are wonderful.  All the pieces are there. 

I actually loved the 3-Cher concept.  I found it uniquely and smartly done.  I think it adds greatly to make this show more interesting.  Micaela, Teal and Stephanie interacted with one-another beautifully.  Teal's and Stephanie's voices blended especially well in their duets.  If you closed your eyes, it was hard to tell who was singing.

As much as I hate to say it, I agree with the need to trim or cut the Dark Lady scene.   It is beautifully danced and I loved it, but it adds nothing to the narrative of the story.  Replace it with full songs instead. 

I did not find the ending to be a downer at all.  For me, it was dramatically empowering and musically fun.  I also loved Emily Skinner.  I thought her character provided grounding.  I even enjoyed the Lucille Ball bit.  I thought her exit was one of the better lines in the show!  Maybe it's because I'm older and actually watched her shows growing up?

I spent a few days in Chicago and "polled" folks I happened to see with a Playbill in hand.  (I wasn't stalking, just out walking or out to dinner.)  Every, single one of them absolutely loved the show.  That could be a good sign.  Chicago is known to be one of the great theater cities in the US.

Updated On: 7/9/18 at 04:54 PM

[schmoe]

Posted: 7/10/18 at 10:54am

  Saw the show on Sunday and came away with mixed feelings.  Much of what others have said is good, really is, including all three Chers, costumes, production, but then there are some kind of clunky parts.  The whole concept of it being a variety show just seems to slow down the action and then is somewhat abandoned in the second act.  The three Chers all interact well with each other, so isn't that enough of a way to get the story told?  Also, it feels like a whole hour is spent on Sonny and about 10 minutes each on the other two, Greg and Rob.  Another thing that stood out to me is that many of her well known songs are high energy, dance music songs and too many are slowed down to a ballad.  Song for the Lonely and Believe are two that come to mind.  Lastly, it did not seem to ring true when the last guy leaves and she complains to someone about "Why does everyone leave?"  They make it clear that she left the first two.

  Overall, some good things, but needs to be cleaned up, whittled down and pick up the tempo, IMHO.

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 7/10/18 at 11:07am

I am sure they'll be making a ton of changes when they come to New York.

What makes you so sure?  The Last Ship?  Amazing Grace?  The Pirate Queen?  Spongebob?  Sweet Smell of Success?  Generally speaking, if it premieres in Chicago and sets a Broadway opening shortly thereafter, you can pretty much rely on history to show that if it didn't change drastically during the tryout, it probably won't change much on Broadway. 

[BrodyFosse123]

Posted: 7/10/18 at 11:41am

What makes you so sure?  The Last Ship?  Amazing Grace?  The Pirate Queen?  Spongebob?  Sweet Smell of Success?  Generally speaking, if it premieres in Chicago and sets a Broadway opening shortly thereafter, you can pretty much rely on history to show that if it didn't change drastically during the tryout, it probably won't change much on Broadway. 

Many shows were heavily tweaked between Chicago and Broadway.  I know this one is a bad example but THE ADDAMS FAMILY changed quite a bit -- Broadway had a completely new and different opening number among other things.  Billy Joel's MOVIN' OUT started again from scratch for Broadway after it was heavily panned in Chicago.  

ON YOUR FEET! did extensive costume modifications for Broadway after its Chicago tryout.  

 

[Mister Matt]

Posted: 7/10/18 at 11:59am

Addams Family and Movin' Out were indeed exceptions, which only illustrates how rarely it happens.  I didn't see On Your Feet, but costume modifications are hardly comparable to book and score overhauls.  And it flopped on Broadway, anyway.

[FanofGreen]

Posted: 7/10/18 at 12:01pm

schmoe said: "Lastly, it did not seem to ring true when the last guy leaves and she complains to someone about "Why does everyone leave?" They make it clear that she left the first two."

LOL - my first thought, too.  I suppose her father left, as did (You Better Sit Down Kids) John? - Sorry, can't recall the character's name and don't have my Playbill handy...  And, she doesn't specify why does everybody always leave her, she just says why does everybody always leave - dad left, John left, she left, she left, Rob left.....

Updated On: 7/10/18 at 12:01 PM

[BalconyClub]

Posted: 7/11/18 at 3:44pm

After seeing the show 5 times from the main floor, my Tuesday, July 10 ticket was the top row in the balcony. Row U next to the spotlight booth.

It is always a thrill hearing Chicago-based trumpeter Tim Burke warming up his high licks before curtain.

The show felt really lackluster from far away. The story is very disjointed.

The numerous taped markings on the stage are not attractive from upstairs. Is there a more lovely way to identify where the costume racks, saloon doors, and an upright piano are to be placed?

Lighting by Kevin Adams is top drawer, especially from an upstairs view.

Three spotlights are often used when all 3 Chers are on stage.

Sonny jumbled the joke "Cher is so tall, that when she falls in Vegas ..." yet Spector stayed in character when boasting "I messed it up."

Run time 2:36.

Updated On: 7/11/18 at 03:44 PM

[CarlosAlberto]

Posted: 7/11/18 at 4:30pm

BalconyClub said: "After seeing the show 5 times from the main floor, my Tuesday, July 10 ticket was the the top row in the balcony. Row U next to the spotlight booth.

It is always a thrill hearing Chicago-based trumpeter Tim Burke warming up his high licks before curtain.

The show felt really lackluster from far away. The story is very disjointed.

The numerous taped markings on the stage are not attractive from upstairs. Is there a more lovely way to identify where the costume racks, saloon doors, and an upright piano are to be placed?

Lighting by Kevin Adams is top drawer, especially from an upstairs view.

Three spotlights are often used when all 3 Chers are on stage.

Sonny jumbled the joke "Cher is so tall, that when she falls in Vegas ..." yet Spector stayed in character when boasting "I messed it up."

Run time 2:36.
 

That's funny, but in reality Cher really wasn't that much taller than Sonny and her penchant for stilettos gave that illusion:

[Valentina3]

Posted: 7/11/18 at 5:49pm

CarlosAlberto said: "

 

That's a very homophobic picture of Cher

 

[ChgoTheatreGuy]

Posted: 7/11/18 at 8:50pm

I have been a major cheerleader for this show ever since it was announced.  I have been a Cher fan since I was a child and feel that I have seen her grow and I grew up myself.  Was more than ecstatic to have won lottery tickets for the very first preview performance (so excited I was on verge of nervous vomiting a few times!), and then saw it again with some of the changes at the press preview (I sat near Bob Mackie and Clinton Kelly from "The Chew".  The acting is incredibly good, there is not really a bad performance in the show, the costumes are great, the main problem is with the pacing,  There is sooo much story to tell and to pick and choose what the audience knows (or doesn't know) is difficult.  I agree that the ending needs some work and I would definitely ditch the "Dark Lady" number.(maybe mix it together with "Gypsys, Tramps and Thieves" in a quick "Cher" tv program medley and let Cher sing it.  I have nothing but high hopes and best wishes for the cast and the show!...

[justasmalltownboy13]

Posted: 7/12/18 at 1:11am

Saw the show again for the 5th time tonight (front and center - thanks lottery!) It gets better each time. While I don’t agree that Dark Lady should be cut completely, it could do with some tweaking - but it makes sense in the moment. The only other thing I would say needs to change is the clarity of Cher’s eulogy, unless you’ve seen the TV footage, it doesn’t click right away. It’s probably something simple like a voice over of a TV/Radio announcer stating Sonny died, a la Evita. Other than that, it’s very, very enjoyable.
I was chatting with some of the cast at the stage door who mentioned a few changes, mainly extending “Ain’t Nobody’s Business” and “The Beat Goes On”, to include more outfits and Cher’s later years moments. They said a lot will be cut and rewritten, but say any specifics moments as “they haven’t been given a new script yet”.
Fingers crossed for #6 before they pack it in here.

[CherBrasil]

Posted: 7/12/18 at 3:11pm

I couldn't find any info about the grosses for the shows in Chicago. can anyone help me?