Veruca la’Piranha
FAVORITE MOVIE “Mermaids”
FAVORITE SONG “After All”
FAVORITE LOOK Dark Lady
FAVORITE CHER ERA “Believe,” which is when I came out at age 14
FUN FACT I’ve “done” Cher twice: once for a going away party as a favor to a friend and for this shoot. But I do love Cher!
Vita Opulence
FAVORITE MOVIE “Moonstruck”
FAVORITE SONG “Woman’s World”
FAVORITE SONG TO PERFORM “Turn Back Time”
FAVORITE LOOK “I Found Someone” – raw Cher
FAVORITE CHER ERA the 70s because of all the Bob Mackie gowns and the good vibes from the Sonny & Cher Show. 80s & 90s because she shined on the big screen in every movie she made.
CHER ADVICE Artists should follow their hearts and do whatever it is that makes them truly happy. Don’t let anybody tell you you can’t do it, show them you can!
Blade Mathews
FAVORITE MOVIE “Burlesque”
FAVORITE SONG “The Shoop Shoop Song (It’s In His Kiss)”
FAVORITE SONG TO PERFORM See above
FAVORITE LOOK I have no favorite look as Cher has pulled off way too many great ones!
FAVORITE CHER ERA I have been a fan of her work dating all the way back to the beginning, which is why I chose the era I did.
FUN FACT Showing us that from start to finish you can do anything and everything you want…just as long as you “believe.”
CHER ADVICE Although she is known for her costumes and wigs, what makes Cher great is that she is an excellent performer and a genius at her craft. If you’re a new, up-and-coming performer, you might not have the hair and make-up or even those costumes just yet, but be true to who you are and never let the passion for why you perform die!
Anna Steezia
FAVORITE MOVIE “Witches of Eastwick” because it’s campy and fun
FAVORITE SONG “A Different Kind of Love Song”
FAVORITE SONG TO PERFORM “Woman’s World” because it’s so empowering
FAVORITE CHER ERA The late 90s/early 2000, which was my coming out period. Her music was being played in all of the gay bars!
FAVORITE LOOK The red sequin costume worn for “Take Me Home” in her farewell tour.
FUN FACT The “Dressed to Kill” concert will be my first time seeing Cher live, however I have watched the Farewell Tour DVD about 4,537 times!
CHER ADVICE Do what feels fierce and stand up for what you “believe” in!
Nicole St. George
FAVORITE MOVIE “Mermaids”
FAVORITE SONG “If I Could Turn Back Time”
FAVORITE SONG TO PERFORM “Strong Enough”
FAVORITE LOOK The black dress with feather headdress that she wore to the Oscars.
FAVORITE CHER ERA The “Believe” era. The look was more over the top and more drag friendly.
CHER ADVICE Be your best Cher every day. Be the glamorous, outspoken, honest, down-to-earth diva you know you can be! My best beauty tip to Cher is more is more!
Mahogany La PiranHa
FAVORITE MOVIE “Moonstruck” and “Witches of Eastwick”
FAVORITE SONG “Strong Enough”
FAVORITE SONG TO PERFORM I have never really performed one, but the one that stands out to me is “You Haven’t Seen The Last Of Me” from “Burlesque.”
FAVORITE LOOK I love her look from “Witches of Eastwick,” “Moonstruck,” and anything from the 70s with her ironed straight hair and a Bob Mackie gown!
FAVORITE CHER ERA I like the 80’s when she was with that young guy that was a mechanic and she kept showing up at award shows wearing hardly anything. That’s a diva!
CHER ADVICE I sure like that Cher has a trans child (being transgender myself). I think it shows a lot of strength and love and as we all know, the only thing left at the end of the world will be cockroaches and Cher. True story, and I simply think that is fierce!
The Shoot
Behind the Scenes
Thank you to our friends at Spotlight Costumes on the South Side who generously supplied us with over $2,000 worth of wardrobe, specialty headpieces, and accessories for our “Cher” shoot.
If you dream of “turning back time” to create an unforgettable ensemble to wear to the Cher concert, Spotlight Costumes suggests:
A Cher inspired wig (a must). Choose a straight retro look with bangs for an “I Got You Babe” look or go curly and wild if you want to “Turn Back Time.” Spotlight Costumes owner Kim Brown says “Cher has worn almost every color hair in so many incarnations throughout her vast career that almost anything works. But she’s most well known for her dark locks.”
Make Up. The transformative aspect of makeup can be very empowering and a few simple tips can help anyone pull off a Cher inspired look.
A fringe or fur vest with a head scarf can help channel the “gypsy” look.
Accessories. Think chain belt, hoop earrings, even a well-placed feather dangle can help add to your overall look.
Spotlight Costumes works with theater companies in Pittsburgh and all across the country to provide show-stopping costumes and award-winning designs for stage and screen. From custom designs to an extensive collection of theatrical makeup, wigs, and specialty props that are available for rent or purchase. We are grateful for their support and to all the queens who helped to “Cher” their talents with our community.
Spotlight Costumes is located at 1503 East Carson Street. For more info, visit spotlightcostumes.com or call 412-381-7733.
