The Cher Show

The Cher Show

Neil Simon Theatre

April 20, 2019

Photo courtesy of The Cher Show

The Cher Show is a glitzy and flamboyant celebration of personal empowerment.  The chronological narrative tells the story of Cher’s rise to fame, her highs and lows, and her unwavering endurance.  She faces her fears and rises above every obstacle and challenge she faces.  With costumes by the great Bob Mackie, the production is a superb and deserving fashion show.  The cast, led by Stephanie J. Block, is outstanding.  The show is fast paced, high energy, nostalgic, and full of laughs. 

Teal Wicks, Stephanie J. Block, & Micaela Diamond
Photo courtesy of The Cher Show

Cher is portrayed as three different personalities: the Star (played by Stephanie J. Block), the Lady (played by Teal Wicks), and the Babe (played by Micaela Diamond).  Although they represent Cher at three different stages in her life, they come and go throughout the show as certain personality traits are needed in order to face different situations.  Also spread throughout the show are numerous Cher hits that encapsulate her emotional point of view at various moments.

Stephanie J. Block commands the stage and keeps the narrative flowing.  She is truly spectacular, and creates genuine moments in Act II.  Jarrod Spector’s portrayal of Sonny Bono is charismatic, funny, and spirited.  When he and Micaela Diamond sing “I Got You Babe” in the first act, everything is suddenly right with the world.  It is topped in Act II with a short, heartfelt reprise by Ms. Block and Mr. Spector after Sonny’s death.

Jarrod Spector & Micaela Diamond
Photo courtesy of The Cher Show

One highlight in the book by Rick Elice is the montage of Cher’s acting career on Broadway and in the movies.  This section of Act II is concise and excellently staged.  Another high point in Act II is the “Dark Lady” dance scene.  The choreography by Christopher Gattelli is hot and meticulous.  The story telling elements in this sequence are clear, revealing, and propel the story forward. 

The Cher Show is playing at the Neil Simon Theatre.  If you are a Cher fan, a Bob Mackie enthusiast, a Sonny and Cher aficionado, or are just looking for a flamboyant good time in the theatre, this show is for you.  

Domenick Danza

Falsettos

Falsettos

Lincoln Center Theater

Walter Kerr Theatre

October 15, 2016

Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

Lincoln Center Theater is celebrating William Finn’s Falsettos with a poignant revival at the Walter Kerr Theatre.  Under the directions of James Lapine, this powerhouse cast delivers breathtaking performances.  The production offers a chance to stop and think of not only how far we have come in just a few short decades, but what took place that propelled us forward and how important it is to not fall back.

Act I takes place in 1979.  Marvin (played by Christian Borle) has left his wife, Trina (played by Stephanie J. Block), and son, Jason (played by Anthony Rosenthal), for his lover, Whizzer (played by Andrew Rannells).  In an attempt to maintain a sense of connection, Trina and Jason see Marvin’s psychologist, Mendel (played by Brandon Uranowitz).  The entanglement intensifies when Mendel falls in love with Trina and they get married.  The emotional upheaval that comes with the breakdown of the traditional family is tenderly illustrated in this act.  Uncertainty is felt by all the characters.  Stephani J. Block keeps the humor high in her rendition of the song “I’m Breaking Down.”  She and the men in the cast comically illustrate her point of view about this tough transition in the song “March of the Falsettos.”

The cast of Falsettos
Photo courtesy of Lincoln Center Theater

Act II takes place in 1981.  Marvin has split with Whizzer and befriended his neighbors, Dr. Charlotte (played by Tracie Thoms) and her girlfriend, Cordelia (played by Betsy Wolfe).  When Jason invites Whizzer to his baseball game, Marvin and he start up again.  While plans for Jason’s Bar Mitzvah are underway, Whizzer is diagnosed with AIDS.  Tracie Thoms succinctly expresses the helplessness and confusion that was felt at the beginning of the AIDS crisis.  Christian Borle creates a number of sincere and honest moments that connect to what he tells his son in Act I, that love is most important.  It is the chemistry of this amazing ensemble that allows the message of Falsettos to ring true and come full circle.

This production lacks the groundbreaking effect that it had when it was originally produced at Playwrights Horizon in 1981.  It does, however, allow us to reminisce on decades past and reflect on what is important to carry forward in the decades to come.

Domenick Danza