ELLY GRIMM
• Leader & Times
Those looking for a great show that honors a musical icon will soon have just that chance.
The Tony Award-winning show 'The Cher Show' will be making its way to Wichita's Century II the week of Sept. 19. Performances will be Friday, April 25 at 7:30 p.m., Saturday, April 26 at 2 p.m. and 7:30 p.m., and Sunday, April 27 at 7:30 p.m. "The Cher Show" is a jukebox musical that tells the story of the life and career of music legend Cher featuring songs she has performed throughout her career. The part of Cher is played by three actresses: one portraying her in the 1950s and 60s (nicknamed "Babe"), one for the 1970s (nicknamed "Lady"), and one for the 1980s and 90s (nicknamed "Star"). Throughout the show, the three interact and help each other out.
Cast member Morgan Scott, who portrays “Star,” said there is a lot of excitement in taking the show to Wichita.
“It's such an incredible show, and we're so excited and happy to be traveling the country with it since 2023. We were in 57 cities last year, and we're going to 35 cities this year, which is absolutely amazing because we get to see all parts of the U.S.,” Scott said. “I've never actually been to Wichita, so I'm really excited to take the show there and get to know the city a little bit for the three days we'll be there.”
Scott has been with the show since 2023, and she said she has enjoyed every moment.
“The show itself opened on Broadway in 2019, and this is the show's first tour, so we're all really excited. This show does have some differences from the Broadway show since we have a new director and other personnel, and there have been some aspects that have undergone some changes,” Scott said. “However, one thing that didn't get changed is the costumes, all the costumes are the original Tony Award-winning Bob Mackie costumes, which are incredible. I got cast in the show in 2023 after a rather lengthy audition process, it was about four or five months before I was officially cast in the part, and I've loved every minute.”
Scott added it took very little convincing for her to audition for a part in the show.
“It's 'The Cher Show,' and Cher herself is such an icon, and I knew it was something I wanted to be part of. It was absolutely not hard to decide whether or not I wanted to be part of it, it was more of a question of whether or not I would even be considered for the part since she's such a legend and has been for multiple decades now,” Scott said. “To have the chance to play her in any capacity is just incredible and every night is almost a 'Pinch me!' moment because it just doesn't feel real. It's absolutely amazing to be able to bring such an icon to life onstage, and like I said, I have a moment basically every night where I think 'Oh my gosh, I'm playing CHER!' And you want to portray such a role with the appropriate honor and respect since she's so incredible as an artist and as a human being since she's gone through a lot in her life and has managed to conquer everything that's come her way while unapologetically staying true to herself. She's just so iconic and I feel privileged to be able to present that onstage.”
Scott added the entire tour has been a great experience.
“Doing the show and bringing it to so many different people and audiences and spreading the show's message is a great honor in itself. Then, being able to visit so many places I've never visited before is amazing, and experiencing the U.S. that way is so much fun and just so cool because everywhere we go is so different,” Scott said. “The cast and crew are also amazing to work with, they're all incredible people and work so hard every night to bring this show to life, and sometimes for one night only, which takes so much work in terms of all the logistics that would make some people's minds explode if they knew even a fraction of what that work entailed. It takes an army to do a show like this, and we've all been able to bond really well as we've all worked together, and that's something I'll definitely cherish. For the audience, watching the show should be just an absolute spectacle. I have to again praise the costumes because it is unbelievable how they all look and how they're cared for and all of that. When these costumes were being built in New York, there was actually a shortage of sequins and crystals because of how much of that stuff was needed for this show. There's no way anyone will be able to forget these costumes, and I love all my costumes. I also love just being in the show and working hard every night to be better and honor Cher's story and do her justice.”
Scott’s journey to portraying such a musical icon began at a young age.
“I believe I was 10 years old when I came home from school one day and told my mom I'd auditioned for the school musical. At this point in my life, I was super shy and hadn't sang even one note in front of my mom,” Scott recalled with a laugh. “I think she was more prepared to comfort me from being disappointed because she asked 'Well ... how'd it go?' in that way only parents do, and then then I told her I'd gotten the lead role, and she was surprised yet happy for me at the same time, and that rather set me on my path. I'm originally from Tennessee, but I moved to New York about 20 years ago and I'd auditioned for some shows, but there was a bit of a doubt that was where I REALLY wanted to be. So I took a break from auditioning and doing theatre because I needed to figure out who I was coming into the audition room with and who I was. Once I figured that out, things went more smoothly and I knew exactly what I was presenting to the people behind the casting table. For me, it's about performing for people, and especially if it's a project I really care about, that just makes it better.”
The show should be a great time for everyone who comes to see it, Scott said, and the rest of the tour should also be exciting.
“You don't have to be a Cher superfan to come to the show, though you might be by the end of the show. No matter what, you'll get a visual and aural spectacle with the costumes and several of her hit songs,” Scott said. “It's just such a good and joyous time, and it's also an empowering show, and everyone will be able to relate to Cher's story on a human level, so I would encourage anyone and everyone to come if they want to have a good time. We don't have too many shows left, the tour ends May 5, so we're almost in the home stretch and we're approaching that nostalgia point where we're remembering where we've been and how those shows went. We're all really excited to see what will happen next for all of us, but we're also all really looking forward to getting home and seeing our families more. It's happy and bittersweet at the same time, and these remaining stops are going to be really, really special for everyone. If you're looking for a great show, 'The Cher Show' will be for you. Like I said earlier, you absolutely do not need to be a superfan, just come and be ready to celebrate this absolute music icon.”
