Desperately looking for the bootleg of Stephanie J Block’s version of Anything Goes 🙏🏻 I swear it used to be on YouTube but it’s gone now. I have a few shows to trade (including her version of Sunset Boulevard, Pirate Queen & Edwin Drood)
this took ages lmao also I love how well this fits??? ugh my mind #falsettos #fourjewsinaroombitching #Broadway #deh #hamilton #theatre #meme #andrewrannells #christianborle #stephaniejblock #newsies #heathers
If I Could Turn Back Time Live - Final Show 8/18/2019
I have Act I audio if someone is interested in trading. I didn’t record Act II because I wanted to have my phone ready incase Cher made an apperance, alas she didnt.
Of course a bio-musical of the one and only Cher would require three actresses to truly capture the diva essence of this icon. However, a fun romp such as this jukebox musical certainly needs a balance of drama along with bouncy, feel-good tunes audiences are expecting. Rick Elice’s book, a valiant effort in stringing together Cher’s life in a concise two-and-a-half-hour outing, makes swell use of Stephanie J. Block, who won a Tony award for her performance, Teal Wicks, and Micaela Diamond, all who play Cher at different stages of her life. Mr. Elice’s book fast forwards through the more somber areas in Cher’s journey to stardom in a fashion that seems to get through the scene in order to get to the next song or costume reveal. However, by the time Ms. Block and Jarrod Spector, playing Sonny Bono, reach their “95% ownership of the company” argument, Mr. Elice’s book finally breathes, allowing Ms. Block’s culminating torch song and delivery of Cher’s lifelong perseverance to take emotional hold.
Simply put, Ms. Block (specifically billed as Star), Ms. Wicks as Lady, and Ms. Diamond as Babe are a stunning trio, delivering pinpoint harmonies, glorious belts, acting nuances which match their Cher counterparts, and a Cher timbre which precisely matches the famed singer. With plenty of trio songs to feed one’s hunger for Cher song obsession, these three ladies rock their turn at “Ain’t Nobody’s Business if I Do,” and in a passionately inflected “Song for the Lonely.” Their voices gel like a well-oiled and stellar-sounding machine, worth every penny of your ticket money (and immediacy in attendance, since it’s closing August 18th). Ms. Diamond teams up with Mr. Spector for an absolutely fabulous “I Got You Babe,” an unsuspecting show stopping duet. Not to be outdone, Ms. Wicks turns on the fire with Mr. Spector in their beautiful “All I Ever Need is You.” Ms. Block delivers an absolute tour-de-force in the starring role, roping in the audience from the start and never relinquishing the power. From her strut to her asides to her pauses to her focus, Ms. Block delivers a Cher that is a tribute and honest performance, fleeing from any fall into impersonation. “Gypsies, Tramps, and Thieves” is a stunner of a tune in Ms. Block’s range, but it’s when she brings the Neil Simon Theatre house down in “The Way of Love” that audiences are reminded of what an 11 0’clock number looks and sounds like. And no discount to Ms. Block’s dance and movement talents, for she is just as active in movement as she is in dialogue and song; it’s no wonder she took home the coveted prize.
Mr. Spector’s performance as Sonny, Cher’s most famous partner, is excellent, filled with impeccable detail, cadence, and attention given to the goal of each scene and Sonny’s long game: make sure he makes as much money as possible and enjoy the rewards of his, but mainly his wife’s, fame. Angel Reda went on in the role of Georgia Holt, Cher’s mother, and rocked every line and bit given her, as well as shined in her turn at “Heart of Stone” alongside Ms. Block. Michael Berresse gives an incredible featured performance as Cher’s costumer, Bob Mackie. His few but phenomenal dance turns are on par with the superb ensemble in “The Beat Goes On,” and he impresses with his comedic timing and delivery. Matthew Hydzik is a highlight as Greg Allman, another one of Cher’s noteworthy partners. His relaxed, rocker, demeanor in the well-sung “Midnight Rider/Ramblin’ Man” serves as great juxtaposition to his fall-into-love-with-narcotics departure. His duet with Mr. Spector in the competitive “Dark Lady,” a moment of tug-and-war between Sonny and Greg for Cher’s heart, is given the right timbre and inflection for the angst to be palpable.
Christopher Gattelli’s choreography is energetic, athletic, and completely in tune with the eras of Cher’s legacy, encompassing everything from disco to pop. Mr. Gattelli’s choreography triumphs, though, are in full form in a lift-tastic and sensually stimulating “Dark Lady,” and especially in the ovation-worthy mega mix “Finale.” The execution of every dance step, background moment, and vocals are delivered by one of the hardest working, most committed ensembles I have ever seen. Jason Moore’s direction creates an always-party ambiance to The Cher Show, one that is equal parts concert and jukebox. Now, thanks in large part to Bob Mackie’s Tony-winning costume design and Kevin Adams’ fantastic lighting is this show so successful in its aesthetic appeal, but that is to be expected when Cher is the titular character, right? And just to bring it full-circle, if Cher is a big enough star to warrant three actresses to deliver her magnitude and impact, then certainly the book simply writes itself. However, to Mr. Elice’s credit, he follows Cher’s life in a manner that highlights what audiences are wanting to see and hear, while adding plenty of humor and heart which suit the strengths of the leading players’ acting chops. The Cher Show is a production you’re going to wanna shoop-shoop on over to and check out. So go, go believe in love and believe in how much you will absolutely enjoy seeing this show!