The Musical Stage Company’s Uncovered series returned to Toronto stages, this time tackling the iconic songbooks of Madonna and Cher. The concert-style show featured a talented cast of singers, including Jeigh Madjus, Jackie Richardson, and Steven Page, performing reimagined versions of the duo’s biggest hits.
The evening had its transcendent moments, showcasing the cast’s diverse skill sets and styles. Steven Page’s stripped-down, acoustic rendition of Cher’s “If I Could Turn Back Time” was a highlight, bringing a new level of sincerity to the iconic song. The show’s centerpiece, a rousing group arrangement of Madonna’s “Like a Prayer,” showcased the cast’s vocal prowess and was a thrilling highlight.
However, the show felt somewhat strained at times, relying too heavily on slowing down dance tracks and adding orchestral flourishes to create depth. This approach worked well in isolated moments, such as Jeigh Madjus’ beautiful rendition of “Crazy for You,” but grew repetitive throughout the evening.
The show’s biggest misstep was Jackie Richardson’s melodramatic take on “Papa Don’t Preach,” which felt overly dramatic and out of place in an otherwise lighthearted evening. The transitions between songs could have been smoother, and more attention could have been paid to exploring the thematic connections between Madonna and Cher’s songbooks.
Despite these flaws, the Uncovered series remains a beloved Toronto tradition, and this installment had plenty of moments to cherish. The cast’s energy was infectious, and the reimagined songs were often delightful. For fans of Madonna and Cher, it was a treat to hear their favorite songs reimagined in new and exciting ways.