‘The Cher Story’ illuminates doubt, reinvention in superstar’s journey
“The Cher Show” will play at the Landmark Theatre from April 8 to 12. The show tells the story of the singer’s evolution from a young teenager to a world superstar. Courtesy of Meredith Mashburn
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When Blaise Rossmann accepted the swing position in a musical centered around a female pop culture legend, he was unaware of the lessons of growth he would soon learn.
“The gender roles of the show are so apparent,” Rossmann said. “Every single man, no matter if they were in lower positions, would talk down to Cher.”
“The Cher Show” will play at the Landmark Theatre from April 8-12 and tells the story of Cher’s evolution from a young teenager with endless dreams to a world superstar. The show examines Cher’s legacy and career through three different versions of herself: Babe (Cher from ages 6-18), Lady (her 20s and 30s) and Star (her 40s and beyond).
Together, these versions of Cher converse, reflect and challenge one another, Kristin Rose Kelleher said. Kelleher leaned into deep research to portray the women who shaped Cher’s life, like Georgia Holt and Lucille Ball, by reading memoirs and watching old interviews. Kelleher, who also understudies Star, said the show is like communicating with a younger self.
“You’re able to get those perspectives, and they help guide each other along the way,” Kelleher said. “Whether it’s the younger Cher reminding the older Cher of the love, optimism, hope and dreams that she had.”
From some of Cher’s most popular songs like “If I Could Turn Back Time” to songs that defined eras, the show brings the artist’s extensive music history to life alongside Bob Mackie’s original costume designs. Mackie was Cher’s primary costume designer.
Rossmann, a swing and understudy of Mackie and Frank (a version of Sonny Bono), said the show is about a woman who continuously reinvented herself amid doubt, heartbreak and social pressures, especially as a famous woman in the public eye.
The musical carries a spirit of defiance in the production’s visuals, mainly through Bob Mackie’s iconic designs. Behind the scenes, the fast-paced ensemble and a swing cast juggle multiple roles. Courtesy of Meredith Mashburn
Despite using upbeat songs and flashy elements, the musical doesn’t ignore her struggles. From being dismissed as a woman during her early career to being patronized by men despite her success, Rossmann said Cher’s journey offers a commentary on gender roles, both then and now.
“She wasn’t allowed to just be Cher,” Rossmann said. “It’s a feminist story; growing up a star in the 60s and 70s, she was pushing boundaries that were still being pushed when I was a kid.”
That spirit of defiance carries into the production’s visuals, mainly through Mackie’s iconic designs. Cher is known for breaking fashion norms, such as showing midriffs and cleavage, long before it became customary.
“I think the costumes still stay true to the time of things that we would look at now and consider beautiful,” Rossmann said.
Mike Intaglietta, the Landmark Theatre’s Executive Director, said the venue provides a fitting backdrop for a show of this magnitude. The venue is built for Broadway, with a dedicated crew and a house designed to enhance every theatrical moment, he said.
“Having a show that is centered around such a recognizable figure is always exciting,” Intaglietta said. “I think people will be very interested to see that she has had an influence on American culture for a lot longer than just her peak popular appeal.”
The production is just as ambitious behind the scenes. With a fast-paced ensemble and a swing cast juggling multiple roles, including Mackie, Bono and several ensemble members, the show demands physicality, precision and adaptability. But even in its most demanding moments, the cast is still expected to excel, Rossmann said.
One of the show’s most touching scenes features Georgia Holt, Cher’s mother, handing her daughter a microphone and telling her to “sing what you know,” a simple yet important piece of advice. Rossmann said this moment captured the heart of the musical: trusting your voice and finding strength.
For its cast, The Cher Show is more than just a jukebox musical. It celebrates perseverance, facing your fears and not letting anyone stop you from doing what you’re meant to do, the cast said.
“At the end of the day, the love you have for yourself is truly what you need to go to bed at night,” Rossmann said.
