Cher Celebrates Her 100th Show at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas - Dec. 2, 2009

Anyone who knows me or follows my reviews is keenly aware that I am a huge HUGE Cher fan. So when the opportunity arose for me to jet to Las Vegas for her 100th show at Caesars Palace on December 2, 2009, you all know I jumped at the chance. I've been fortunate to visit Vegas on two other occasions; and yes, both were Cher trips. Am I loyal or what? You betcha. There's not many entertainers I would fly across the country to see but, Cher, you lucky lady, you happen to be the one.

The Colosseum at the casino is an amazing place to see the show. The acoustics are second to none and there isn't a bad seat in the house. You have a great view from all corners. As per her previous performances she was fab. Descending from the ceiling, hovering above the crowd and back over the stage, belting out her version of U2's "I Still Haven't Found What I'm Looking For," was truly a treat and thrill. Of course the numerous costume changes were still present. A new outfit for every song, I lost count after 17. It is a woman's prerogative to change her clothes with every mood you know. Fellas take note, you'll thank me later when you're going out for the evening with your lady and she changes clothes twenty times before you leave the house - now you know why.

The show for the 100th Anniversary was a bit different than the last show I saw in May 2008. The song list had changed just a tad. A retro 1920's - 1930's gangster segment with Cher dressed as a man in a zootsuit with a mustache was added to the tunes "Fire Down Below," and "Old Time Rock And Roll." It was a lot of fun to watch and admittedly she looks good as a guy (she's donned men's garb before in her video for "Walking In Memphis," where she dressed as an Elvis impersonator - pompadour all).The only criticism I have for the show is: with Cher's catalog of songs I don't really find it necessary to do cover tunes. Sure, she does them well and the production is top notch but pull out some of your hits honey. There are tunes I'd love to hear you sing live. "Heart Of Stone," "Save Up All Your Tears," "We All Sleep Alone," selections from the "Believe," and "Living Proof" releases, etc; you get the idea. The 1960's - 1970's segment always seems to get the biggest response from the audience. Old footage of Sonny and Cher is always great to relive. Considering most of the people at her shows grew up watching the TV show and remember them fondly as a couple it's a really nice touch and tribute to Sonny Bono. Her 70's mega hits are also included in this segment. With full regalia, Bob Mackie costumes to the hilt, "Gypsies, Tramps, And Thieves," "Half Breed," and "Dark Lady," can't be beat. Of course along with the queen Diva there are the dancers. They fill in her 'changing' spots well and don't take away from the show. The acrobats, I'm not sure if they were actual performers from Cirque Du Soliel are amazing has they hang, twirl and swing above the stage. "Take Me Home," was given an added kick in the butt with the Bee Gees "You Should Be Dancing," and a hysterically clever version of the Village People's "Y.M.C.A." I won't let the cat out of the bag but the 'dancer' made that song work on every level.

Two of the most eloquent segments of the show are accompanied by the songs "Love Hurts," where Cher appears in a huge sphere dressed in a black sequined gown; and "After All." She glides effortlessly across the stage standing in a gondola wrapped in a white fur coat. The blonde Cher does briefly appear in jeans and white sequined shirt for "Walking In Memphis," then BAM! The infamous "If I Could Turn Back Time," fishnet little number struts across the stage with vim and vigor as she's always done. Sixty-three years young my eye, I can't move like that now and I'm seventeen years her junior. Let's face it folks, she looks damn good for any age. The encore of course is "Believe." Once again, the stage is ablaze with lights, strobes, dancers galore and CHER. Nuff' said.

Cher's run at Caesars goes through to the summer of 2010. If you're planning to hit Vegas and are a Cher fan you really need to check her out. If you're not a big fan you just might be if you find yourself at the show. She's charming, funny, entertaining, and as always, Cher.