This musical biopic seems by the numbers until three Chers materialize to infuse a clever and adventuresome twist.

Much like Cher herself, The Cher Show is a spotlight driven, bawdy, and spirited look at Cher’s upbringing and career and how Cherilyn Sarkisian overcame her shy demeanor to become what she proudly proclaims ‘a warrior goddess.’ 

Bathed in dazzling, spotlight-soaked flair and a marvelous rising and bejeweled spinning stage by Jack Mehler, Star, depicted with Cher’s absorbing dry humor and distinct husky contralto vocals by Sara Gettelfinger, emerges in sequined black donning signature high heels and risqué style, but she is definitely not alone.  Turning back time is a thrill when two other Chers share the spotlight and help navigate her life based on all she knows now.

With Kevin P. Hill’s vibrant direction and an array of slinky and dynamic choreography by Sara Andreas, North Shore Music Theatre presents The Cher Show live and in person through Sunday, November 2 at North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, Massachusetts.  The theatre-in-the-round production runs 2 hours and 45 minutes with one twenty minute intermission, the action is not limited to the stage and contains some adult themes.  Click here for more information and tickets.

Cherilyn was not always one to bathe in the limelight and at nearly 80 years old, she has quite the story to tell.  As chatty and anxious Babe, depicted with mellifluous vocals and fretful naiveté by Madeline Hudelson, Cherilyn often felt like an outsider due to her dyslexia, half-Armenian heritage and unconventional looks.  Hudelson’s confidence appears only in bursts as self consciousness takes over.  However, Angie Schworer, fabulous as Cher’s confident firecracker mother Georgia, is a constant source of strength, sage advice and beauty.  Georgia advises, ‘The song will make you strong.’  To anyone who loves music, no truer words were ever spoken.

In feathers and sequins, Schworer also makes a grand cameo as a legendary celebrity that will not be revealed here.  Andrew Tufano also delivers a memorable performance as Rob Camilleti.

Cher fulfills most people’s two fondest wishes in this musical.  Not only can Gettelfinger’s Star turn back time, but accompanied by Hudelson as Babe and Charissa Hogeland as Lady, Star can turn to her other selves to revisit her past.  A trio of Chers who interact, are aware of each other, and support each other do not just provide a wealth of comedic and heartfelt moments, but breaks the pesky rules of a classic biopic in an inspired and spectacular way.  Gettelfinger, Hogeland, and Hudelson share an admirable bond where anything can happen which comes in handy as Cher was required to grow up fast in this sink-or-swim industry.

Mehler’s glitzy and sequin-fringed set displays an immersive array of projections which includes 60s petal-inspired illustrations, Vegas pizzazz, an opulent mansion, Broadway theatre, and western flair enhanced by chandeliers and authentic Sonny and Cher logos.

Starting out with her own sewing machine, Cher always set her own bold and risqué fashion standard before later joining forces with the legendary visionary and controversially-daring fashion designer Bob Mackie, who originates the Broadway and tour costumes seen in this musical.  Dan Fenaughty, who depicts a trio of roles in this production, is memorable as Mackie complete with clever quips and a mischievous gleam, especially during Ain’t Nobody’s Business.  Magnets are used to accommodate the numerous fashion styles and quick changes throughout the production. The Cher Show’s costume coordinator Rebecca Glick and wig and hair designer Rachel Padula-Shuflet presents these ostentatious costumes in all of its nostalgic, feathered, and sparkling runway glory.   

Frankie Marasa 5^th is in on the joke as good humored Sonny Bono at first with self deprecating charm, a gradual magnetic charisma and a quirky sense of humor.  Fast talking with shrewd business sense, Marasa 5th shares endearing yet complicated chemistry and half of an impressive deadpan comedic duo with each Cher.  One of the best moments of the musical is with Hudelson’s Babe and their powerful rendition of I’ve Got You Babe which was met with a roar from the audience.  He also shines in Little Man and later for All I Ever Need is You. 

The Cher Show’s quick pace features a wide array of nostalgic hits over six decades including the catchy harmony of Da Doo Ron Ron, Be My Baby, and The Shoop Shoop Song as well as It’s All or Nothing, a poignant Bang Bang (He Shot Me Down), Believe and Heart of Stone.  Gettelfinger, Hogeland, and Hudelson form a powerhouse trio as they recall Song for the Lonely.  However, Gettelfinger truly shines with soaring vocals for The Way of Love.  The drum-infused and Fosse-inspired The Beat Goes On is also a sleek standout as well as the sultry and athletic chorography featuring Milena Comeau in The Dark Lady.

You don’t have to be a fan of Cher to appreciate her journey. The Cher Show lightheartedly celebrates her remarkable career and variety of hits, but is also an honest and frank depiction of her insecurities, challenges, and fears within her failures and triumphs.  Through it all, Cher’s strength relentlessly shines through as the beat goes on.

North Shore Music Theatre presents The Cher Show live and in person through Sunday, November 2 at North Shore Music Theatre in Beverly, Massachusetts.  Click here for more information and tickets.