Cher has never had a problem sharing her opinion, in emoji form or otherwise, so why would she hold back about the musical based on her life?
The legendary singer’s decades-long career has been turned into a Broadway-bound production, titled “The Cher Show,” complete with her chart-topping hits, costumes by designer Bob Mackie and what we’d imagine to be a very sizable wig budget.
The musical, now in previews in Chicago before it opens officially on Thursday, is set to land in New York City at the Neil Simon Theatre in November. Cher, who may be the show’s harshest critic, took in a performance over the weekend and wasn’t afraid to give mixed reviews.
“Some parts of it are really fabulous. We’re going to work on the other parts. In many parts, it was much, much better than I thought it would be,” she told the Chicago Tribune. “And there were no parts where I wanted to gouge my eyes out.”
She added: “It needs work. I’m not supposed to say that, but I don’t care.”
Cher performs during the 2017 Billboard Music Awards. (Photo: Ethan Miller via Getty Images)
Cher has been involved with the show’s development from the onset, working closely with writer Rick Elice (“Jersey Boys”) to ensure the veracity of her life story on stage. Jason Moore (“Avenue Q”) later came on board to direct, and choreography is by Christopher Gattelli (“Newsies”).
The singer did praise some details of the production, which delves heavily into the Oscar-winner’s former loves, including ex-husbands Sonny Bono and Greg Allman, whose stage alter-egos she described as “so on the mark [that] it’s creepy.”
She also applauded actress Emily Skinner, who plays her mother Georgia Holt in the production, calling her “great” and a “very important part” of the project.
“I think in some places it’s really good, and I am the most critical person who ever drew breath,” Cher added. “If they can impress me, they’re doing good.”
Stephanie J. Block plays Cher. (Photo: Santiago Felipe via Getty Images)
In the show, Cher is played by three actresses, Micaela Diamond, Teal Wicks and Stephanie J. Block, who embody the diva at various points in her career.
“I really love it when all the girls are together. In art you are talented or you’re not, so people are either talented or they’re not, and these people are all really talented,” she said. “And those songs are hard.”
While the team behind the show can’t exactly turn back time, the Broadway debut is months away, which means there’s time to incorporate tweaks, which Cher says she’s tracking for the director.
The “Believe” singer said she’s proud of the musical’s message, which she summed up as “a story of struggle.”
“There were no other options for me. There was nothing else for me to do,” she said. “I had to put my big-girl G-string on and go for it. From the time I was little, it was never easy for me.”
(Original Caption) Cher, of Sonny and Cher, sings a duet with Glen Campbell during a guest appearance on the Glen Campbell Goodtime Hour TV show.
(Original Caption) 7/1975-Glamorous portrait of singer Cher Bono. She is shown waist-up, with long hair.
Singer Cher Bono, modeling elegant gowns and outfits. Photo shows Cher modeling white gown with low neck line, both hands on her hips, her hair cut Cleopatra style. She is standing near a large potted plant.
(Original Caption) New York, New York: Recent photo of Sonny and Cher (Bono) with their daughter Chastity Bono.
(Original Caption) 11/1967-Cher Bono, of Sonny & Cher, performing during a TV guest appearance. She is shown full length, wearing a crocheted mini-dress.
(Original Caption) 1975-New York, NY: Head and shoulder shot of Cher Bono, in costume and jewelry from 'The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour.' Undated TV handout.
(Original Caption) 9/1966-Frankfurt, Germany- U.S. recording stars Sonny and Cher caused a stir in German fashion circles by sporting matching supermod suits (checker-board pattern), for both formal and informal wear. The husband and wife team, currently on a concert tour of Europe, continually face a problem of being refused admission to hotels and restaurants because of their unusual attire.
Singer Cher Bono, modeling elegant gowns and outfits. Photo shows Cher modeling a sleek black gown leaning on a white tin, with a long black boa.
(Original Caption) Sonny and Cher, top pop singing team, make their movie debut in Motion Pictures International National's Production of Bang Bang which rolls Monday March 28 at Paramount studios. For one sequence in the comedy, Sonny and Cher do a take off on Tarzan and Jane.
(Original Caption) Cher Arrives In London, 1985. American singer/actress Cher has arrived in London to promote her latest film 'Mask' in which she plays a mother struggling against the problems of bringing up a deformed child. (Photo by � Hulton-Deutsch Collection/CORBIS/Corbis via Getty Images)
American actress and singer Cher and actor Nicolas Cage on the set of Moonstruck, directed and produced by Canadian Norman Jewison. (Photo by Sunset Boulevard/Corbis via Getty Images)
CIRCA 1966: Entertainer Cher poses for a portrait wearing a fur coat in circa 1966. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
CIRCA 1968: Entertainer Cher gets her makeup done in circa 1968. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Promotional portrait of American singer and actress Cher (born Cherilyn Sarkisian LaPiere) for the television variety show 'The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour,' 1972. (Photo by CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images)
CIRCA 1972: Entertainer Cher poses for a portrait in circa 1972. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
Sonny Bono And Cher (Photo by Ron Galella/WireImage)
LOS ANGELES - AUGUST 1972: Entertainers Sonny Bono & Cher attend an event in August 1972 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
UNITED KINGDOM - CIRCA 1960: Photo of SONNY & CHER (Photo by K & K Ulf Kruger OHG/Redferns)
OCTOBER 1964: Entertainers Sonny Bono & Cher pose for a portrait session in October 1964. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES - CIRCA 1963: Entertainer Cher poses for a portrait in circa 1963 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
LOVE, AMERICAN STYLE - 'Love and the Sack' - Airdate January 15, 1971. (Photo by ABC Photo Archives/ABC via Getty Images) CHER
circa 1965: Full-length image of married American singers Cher (left) and Sonny Bono (1935 - 1998) of the pop duo Sonny and Cher performing on 'The Carol Burnett Show'. Sonny and Cher are wearing costumes with matching print. (Photo by Hulton Archive/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES - AUGUST 1966: Entertainer Cher poses for a portrait session at home in August 1966 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
CIRCA 1972: Entertainer Cher poses for a portrait for Kapp Records in circa 1972. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
CIRCA 1972: Entertainer Cher performs onstage in circa 1972. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
American pop singer and actress Cher brushing her hair, circa 1968. (Photo by Silver Screen Collection/Getty Images)
American child actrss Tatum O'Neal and singer/actress Cher (born Cherilyn Sarkisian LaPiere) appear together in coordinated outfits on the television variety show 'The Sonny & Cher Comedy Hour,' 1972. (Photo by CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images)
Promtional portrait of American singer and actress Cher (born Cherilyn Sarkisian LaPiere) for the television variety show 'The Sonny and Cher Comedy Hour,' June 7, 1970. (Photo by CBS Photo Archive/Getty Images)
AUGUST 1972: Entertainer Cher performs in August 1972. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
1970: Sonny (1935-1998) and Cher Bono pose for a promotional photo for 'The Sonny and Cher Show' in 1970. (Photo by Martin Mills/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES - MARCH 1968: Entertainer Cher fixes her make up in a dressing room mirror in March 1968 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Michael Ochs Archives/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES - MARCH 9: Singer and actress Cher poses for a Fashion Session in a Bob Mackie Creation on April 9, 1978 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry Langdon/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES - MARCH 9: Singer and actress Cher poses for a Fashion Session in a Bob Mackie Creation on April 9, 1978 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry Langdon/Getty Images)
LOS ANGELES - MARCH 9: Singer and actress Cher poses for a Fashion Session in a Bob Mackie Creation on April 9, 1978 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by Harry Langdon/Getty Images)
Jason Fitz and Frank Schwab join forces to recap the draft in the best way they know how: letter grades! Fitz and Frank discuss all 32 teams division by division as they give a snapshot of how fans should be feeling heading into the 2024 season. The duo have key debates on the Dallas Cowboys, New York Giants, New Orleans Saints, Los Angeles Rams, New England Patriots, Las Vegas Raiders and more.
Atlanta Falcons first-round draft pick Michael Penix Jr. said quarterback Kirk Cousins called him after he was picked No. 8 overall in one of the 2024 NFL Draft's more puzzling selections.
This year, the Toyota Supra celebrates its 45th anniversary with a special edition, but otherwise remains a solid sports car with great looks and handling.
