It’s not a surprise that the Bob Mackie costumes in “The Cher Show”— notably, the skimpy beaded ensemble and huge headdress the actress wore to the 1986 Oscars — earned a Tony Award for the designer and evoked big applause at Wednesday’s performance in San Francisco.
Heck, the crazy outfits even have their own flashy number in the touring show (Tyler Pirrung plays Mackie) now onstage in a brief run at the Curran Theater through June 23.
But what’s a pleasant surprise is that this jukebox musical is more inspired, entertaining and educational than many in the genre, telling the story of a shy girl who became a pop icon with humor, insight and heart.
It also might be called “The Three Faces of Cher.” Despite a few corny jokes, the solid book by Rick Elice has a trio of appealing performers playing her various incarnations. Morgan Scott is the mature Star, Catherine Ariale is the mid-era Lady, and Ella Perez is the young Babe. Cleverly, they provoke, tease and support each other, sometimes breaking the fourth wall.
The conceit works. And the songs and their placement really support the story, from the opener “If I Could Turn Back Time” (though its accompanying dance is on the cheesy side, as are a few others reminiscent of Richard Simmons workouts) to “Half Breed,” when Cher’s mom Georgia (Lucy Werner) tells her child to be proud of her dark complexion; and when all three Chers ultimately celebrate survival and success with “You Haven’t Seen the Last of Me” and “Believe.”
Of course, the early hits, as Sonny (Lorenzo Pugliese) and Cher get their start, are indelible. On Wednesday night, one audience member’s strain of “I Got You Babe” filled the theater during a quiet moment, to comic effect.
“The Cher Show” moves chronologically, hitting major points: Mom offers Cher love and advice; teen Cher meets and falls for songwriter Sonny; the duo has hits, then loses money; then comes back bigger with Las Vegas, comedy and TV. After their child is born, burnt-out Cher wants to reduce work, and finds herself at the financial mercy of Sonny, before leaving him. Her marriage to rocker Gregg Allman (Mike Bindeman) ends in divorce; her relationship with “bagel boy” Rob Camilletti (Gary Paul Bowman) ends after a violent encounter with paparazzi. Still, whether coupled or single, Cher finds success, even as a serious actor, winning an Academy Award, then reinvigorating her musical career as a solo artist.
While “The Cher Show” plot isn’t necessarily deep or nuanced, it nonetheless tells a satisfying, empathetic story of a woman with vulnerabilities who became not just a famous performer, but an icon of feminism and independence with, yes, a never-ending wardrobe that stuns and sparkles.
“The Cher Show” runs through June 23 at the Curran Theater, 445 Geary St., San Francisco. Tickets are $46-$144 at broadwaysf.com or (888) 746-1799.
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