Tonight, thousands of fans will pour into Washington's MCI Center to behold the latest incarnation of Cher, as pop-rock's ageless chanteuse kicks off the first week of touring for her latest album, Living Proof. Many will carry with them - or perhaps snap up from vendors - something from among the huge variety of Cher-inspired ephemera: Cher Barbies, T-shirts, stuffed bears, watches, buttons, even Cher tarot cards.
But for at least a few others, merchandise isn't enough. They want to be Cher, emulating her, um, unique style.
"I go to concerts dressed like her," said Cher impersonator and longtime fan Amy Hohimer of Illinois. "Whether it's [Cher of the] '60s, '70s, '80s, '90s or millennium era, it's a lot of fun going out and putting together a Cher costume."
Hohimer has gone to many concerts dressed in Cher drag, including Thursday's tour-opening show at New York's Madison Square Garden. "For a Detroit concert, I wore a '70s replica of a Bob Mackie gown," said Hohimer. "People really respond to it. They'll come up [share memories] and we'll have some pretty interesting conversations. It's fun."
The hobby, however, isn't for everyone. Jody Cantwell of Michigan, a staff member for Cher Convention 2002, thinks diva duplication should be left to a select few.
"You'll see a few women dress like her. Some of the women just naturally look like Cher; I don't know through osmosis or what," said Cantwell. "At concerts, most people dress in jeans and T-shirts. Some impersonators will go to shows and that always attracts a lot of attention."
The Cher Convention, though, which will take place on July 12-13 at the Riviera Hotel in Las Vegas, welcomes Cher impersonators from around the country to perform and entertain its 500-plus attendees. "This year we hired eight to 10 impersonators," said Cantwell.
So what exactly would it take for a fan to mimic the Cher style? According to Ray Mitchner, fashion expert at Ruth Shaw, a designer boutique in Cross Keys, false eyelashes and polished makeup are essential.
"[Cher] is kind of like a female Elvis," said Mitchner. "You could go for the trashy look with fishnets, leather jacket and boots, or you could go more Bob Mackie glamour. Anything beady or sparkly would do. Try bridal salons."
"There are so many different looks you can go with," agreed Hohimer. "It's really important to get an authentic costume, something she would have. ... People tend to recognize the '80s look the most; I don't know what it is - maybe it's the big hair."
Having the appearance down however, isn't enough. To truly become Cher, attitude is paramount.
"You'd need to be very self-confident," said Mitchner. "Very aloof, kind of looking over everyone."
Cher
Where: MCI Center, Washington
When: 7:30 tonight
Admission: $34.50-$79.50
Call: 202-628-3200