If Aberdeen fans could turn back time, I’m certain many would choose to re-live last night’s The Cher Show – the fiercely fabulous musical which uses Cher’s songs to tell the story of the singer’s meteoric rise to fame.
Often referred to as the Goddess of Pop, Cher is known for adopting many different styles and appearances throughout her six-decade-long career. So it’s no wonder it takes three talented West End actors to portray the Queen of Re-Invention in this musical adaptation.
Bringing Cher to life at different stages in her career, Millie O’Connell played the younger Cher (Babe), Danielle Steers portrayed the middle-aged Cher (Lady), and Debbie Kurup turned into the ultimate diva (Star).
We first met young half-Armenian Cherilyn Sarkisian as she finds her feet despite being bullied because of her appearance. Millie O’Connell did a wonderful job portraying the young and slightly naïve star in the making, taking the audience through the singer’s turbulent upbringing to meeting her husband Sonny Bono.
The Cher Show thrills Aberdeen fans
Cher soon gained fame as one-half of the folk rock duo Sonny & Cher and the show’s rendition of their 1965 hit I Got You Babe was simply beautiful.
The jukebox musical is, of course, packed with many of the singer’s famous songs – 35 to be exact, including If I Could Turn Back Time, Strong Enough, Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves, The Shoop Shoop Song, and the one everyone was waiting on – Believe.
The songs aren’t necessarily featured in chronological order, and it often took all three Chers to belt out the pop icon’s most memorable tunes.
Cher’s songs are often laced with themes of heartbreak, inequality, prejudice and loneliness.
But despite the sad and difficult moments in her life, the three Chers constantly cheer each other on, reminding audiences that the pop star not only survived but later thrived in a male-dominated world of music and acting – winning Grammy, Oscar, Emmy and Golden Globe awards throughout her career.
Amazing vocals, stunning costumes and great choreography
Each of the show’s Chers had a commanding stage presence and adopted the singer’s iconic mannerisms in their own unique way. While Millie’s Cher was wide-eyed, innocent and ready to take over the world, Danielle Steers introduced strong-willed but also heartbroken Cher during her TV phase.
And the diva – as we all know her today – was excellently captured by Debbie Kurup. Her portrayal of the world-famous performer was not only emotional and energetic, but she also treated Aberdeen theatre-goers to some of the best vocals of the night.
The simple stage sets provided an amazing contrast to the many attention-grabbing costumes Cher is so well known for. Shiny, sparkly and oh-so-fabulous, they were created by Gabriella Slade who also dressed up pop princesses in the recent phenomenon that is Six The Musical – which is coming to Aberdeen next year.
And two-time Strictly champion Oti Mabuse’s choreography was brilliant too. It’s no easy feat to dance and sing so beautifully but all actors did a wonderful job and would make the real-life Goddess of Pop proud.
The Cher Show is more than just a jukebox musical. It doesn’t shy away from telling the singer’s story with all its ups and downs – a journey that not all of her fans may be familiar with.
But last night’s audience members certainly believed in ‘life after love’ after seeing The Cher Show at His Majesty’s. So don’t miss the glittering show while it’s still in town until Saturday October 8. Click here if you wish to purchase tickets.
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