Cher Returns: Cher at the Colosseum - Caesars Palace, Las Vegas

True, it was probably the worst kept secret in the entertainment business but the question always remained: when and where would the original Diva, Cher, return to the concert stage. Another truth, Cher did retire after her phenomenal "Farewell Tour," in 2002. However for those detractors who really didn't pay attention to what she said in her announcement; she was retiring from concert touring - not show business, not performing, TOURING. Though the 'Farewell Tour' did go on for a couple of years mostly due to the fact that every show was sold out and dates and countries kept getting added, Cher proved she's never been a 'one trick pony.' Singer, actress, director, author, she has done it all in every aspect of the entertainment industry, and been successful at all of the above. So what better place than to return to the concert stage than Caesars Palace in Las Vegas? She joins old friends and fellow A-List Diva's, Bette Midler and Elton John in a rotating schedule throughout the next 3 years. Cher's first run of performances are slated for Tuesday, Wednesday, Saturday and Sunday nights beginning May 6 through August 31. Over those three years Cher will perform approximately 200 shows according to her performance agreement with AEG Live.

"I started in Vegas at Caesars, so I've come full circle," Cher said. "I'm back and I plan to give my fans the best experience yet. I think everybody knows I only do things in a big way." Her career which now spans more than 40 years in show business includes Oscar, Emmy, Golden Globe, and Grammy accolades, more than 25 albums released, she has sold more than 100 million records worldwide and her smash CD "Believe," hit the number one spot in over 18 countries worldwide. There are only a handful of artists that are known by just one name, Elvis, Madonna, but it is clear the return of Cher to the concert stage is without a doubt the biggest news to hit Vegas' booming entertainment capitol in years. Though New York City may have the claim as "The city that never sleeps," Las Vegas is clearly breathing down its neck. I will be at the May 20 Cher show (Cher's birthday - did I plan that, you betcha) within a four day period that are no less than 140 different shows going on in Vegas. Hold on to your hats, some are actually free. You can check out all the happenings in Vegas at www.lasvegas.com .

The Colosseum at Caesars is the perfect intimate setting to see Cher. The arena originally built for Celine Dion seats 4300 and ticket sales have been unprecedented. Not even AEG was ready for the exposure, demand, and high powered spotlight this show would bring. The resort casino itself is an amazing work of art. Built on 85 acres Caesars Palace celebrates the grandeur that was Rome and glory that was Greece. It is quite breathtaking. It looms highly above the Vegas skyline.

The show 'Cher At The Colosseum,' is sure to be a 90 minute hit extravaganza filled with Bob Mackie costumes, choreography by Doriana Sanchez, and state-of-the-art special effects and lighting. On her 'Farewell Tour,' Cher changed costumes 9 times during that show. One can only imagine what Vegas has in store. I have acquired a copy of the set list, bless the internet, but since I can't swear this is the actual song line up you and I are just going to have to wait until the shows begin. Besides, artists change their sets often so who knows what our ears will be treated to. Obviously I'm banking on the no-brainer hits, "If I Could Turn Back Time," "Believe," most of her 1970's hits, and a rumored little tune "I Got You Babe," technologically performed with the late Sonny Bono. For those old enough to remember Sonny And Cher and grew up with them in the 60's and 70's on the "Sonny And Cher Show," Cher's medley of tunes with Bono and her 70's hits were a huge crowd pleaser on concert tours past. Regardless of what the show is like, Cher fans will unite on the Vegas strip in all their glitz and glamour, myself included thank you very much.

The old analogy seems to be true: Cher herself commented once she saw a cartoon which read, "After the nuclear holocaust there will be cockroaches and Cher." Is she that indestructible, that timeless? Knowing the ups and downs of her career, the fact that she has been on the 'in & out' lists in Hollywood so many times that even I've lost count, the resounding answer would have to be a huge YES. At the tender age of 61, she turns 62 in May (remember, the show I'm going to) the original queen Diva shows no signs of slowing down or stopping for that matter. One thing I'm hoping for is a reunion of Elton, Bette and Cher onstage at my show. If you're old enough to remember the "Cher Show," which debuted on CBS in 1975, that was the line-up of her first show. It also starred comedian Flip Wilson. Now that would be one heck of a birthday present for all in attendance. There's only one true Diva now missing from the Vegas nightlife: someone ring up Tina Turner and get her back on the stage. Now that would be a Party with a capital P. Oh, by the way, Cher, if you're reading this, my birthday is today, April 15 - so give Elton and Bette a ring. Call in a couple of favors. I'll see you with bells on (not really bells) May 20. Happy birthday.

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Not only for Cher information, tickets, accommodations but also the latest news at Caesars - including Bette Midler and Elton John dates and other happenings at Caesars.

Concert review to follow...keep you posted.