May 20, 2022
The Weekly Sentinel 11
~ Arts & Entertainment ~ “The Cher Show” a Splashy Start to Ogunquit Playhouse’s 90th Season By Nancye Tuttle, Staff Writer OGUNQUIT Her one-word name – instantly recognized by fans worldwide of the pop goddess, fashion icon, and Oscar-winning actress – shines brightly in that rarefied world of multitalented showbiz superstars. For six decades she has dominated pop culture, and her rags-to-riches life story is on stage now in “The Cher Show” at the Ogunquit Playhouse. The jukebox musical opens the venerable theater’s 90th season with a fabulous, costume-filled splash – a big, bold, brassy show that brings audiences back inside the historic space for the first time since October 2019. It is written by Rick Elice, who also penned the showstopping “Jersey Boys.” In “The Cher Show,” we meet the multitalented, multifaceted legend called Cher in the guise of three talented, big-voiced actresses – Star, Lady, and Babe – who take on the diva in three stages of her life and career: the newcomer, the pop star, and the film icon. And we soon learn that behind the glitter, cheekiness, gorgeous over-the-top gowns, dynamic contralto voice, and comedic chops is a complex, vulnerable Cher. She’s beset with insecurities and a bad case of nerves, the result of dyslexia and a lessthan-happy childhood. But Cher’s determination to rise to the top and become a star – a burning desire that started when she was the kid Cherilyn Sarkisian – along with her talent, overcomes the vulnerabilities and helps her gain diva status in pop music, on stage and TV, and in film. The show opens with Star – the talented Sara Gettelfinger
instinctively cloning Cher – and the entire company setting the scene with a glamorous “If I Could Turn Back Time.” It’s our first glimpse at the energetic, fast-paced show that’s filled with over 20 hit tunes, including Sonny and Cher’s classic “I Got You Babe” and Cher’s beloved “Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves.” The iconic tunes are enhanced with an array of dynamic dance numbers and hundreds – I said hundreds – of fabulous costumes that are big, bold, and designed by Bob Mackie for the Broadway production, plus an array of wigs by Roxanne DeLuna. Kudos to the cast and the backstage dressers for orchestrating myriad rapid costume changes with not a dropped headdress or misplaced wig in the mix. The
costumes and wigs are a showstopping draw to “The Cher Show.” The talented cast, under Gerry McIntyre’s lively direction, is up to the show’s energetic demands. Besides Gettelfinger’s distinct Star, the magical Cher is depicted by Charissa Hogeland as the thoughtful Lady, the conscience of the triumvirate; and an appealing Madeline Hudelson as innocent Babe. The three play off of each other well and are convincing as the multifaceted diva. Dino Nicandros is terrific as Sonny Bono, Cher’s lover-husband-partner-comedic foil. He was the brains behind Sonny and Cher – until she told him where to go and made a name for herself on her own, not unlike Lucille Ball or Tina
Turner. David Engel is a standout as Bob Mackie, and Playhouse veteran Angie Schworer is excellent as Georgia Holt (Cher’s mom) and Lucille Ball. Sat urday’s crowd gave “The Cher Show” a well-deserved standing ovation. It’s a
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fabulous night of theater, filled with energy, music, and memorable performances that bring an iconic personality to life at an equally iconic venue. It’s not to be missed. “The Cher Show” runs through June 25. Visit www. ogunquitplayhouse.org for tickets and details.
Left to right: Louis Williams Jr. of the Ensemble, Madeline Hudelson as Babe, and David Engel as Bob Mackie. Photo by Nile Scott Studios.
Yard Sale & Flea Market
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Open June 2 - December 17
Saturday, June 11 • 9am - 2pm Outside Space $10 • Inside with Table $25 FMI: 207-468-2588
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Thursday - Sunday 10am - 4pm All Local ~ Art ~ Crafts ~ Gifts FMI CALL/TEXT 207-468-9747
Attention Town of York Residents Now more than ever it’s important to make sure your assets are protected.
Kathryn Bedell Attorney at Law
Estate Planning
Recycle Coach is a free easy-to-use app that provides information about our residential trash and recycling services. It provides a personalized weekly collection schedule for a user’s address, and a user can create custom reminders for their regular collection days as well as for holidays and special collections. It can be used as a mobile app or from a desktop computer. The “What Goes Where?” search tool notifies users if an item is recyclable in York, and how to dispose of it safely and responsibly.
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