One Cherrific Night - This is our last goodbye, it's true. I'm telling you.

Yes, you guessed it. Jamie and I went with the gang to the MCI center Friday night for the Cher Farewell Tour 2003. I hadn't been to a major concert production like that since the Metallica tour in 1997. (How's that for a juxtaposition?) Unfortunately, there were no sweaty musclecubs with shaved heads moshing shirtless to "Gypsies, Tramps and Thieves." Rather there were many older straight couples reliving the heady days of their 1970's youth alongside the obligatory squealing throngs of "flamboyant gentlemen." We even got to give our own cheer when Cher acknowledged us, but I think she should have done more to thank all the fag hags present and -- shockingly enough -- the many lesbians in the crowd. (I guess they were there to support Chastity's mom.)

It was a big weekend for the homos in DC -- what with Cher, plus the HRC National Dinner (guest speaker Rep. John Lewis, ooh!), Madonnarama at Velvet and a day-off on Monday. Alas, Jamie and I were homebodies except for the big trip down memory lane with Jack McFarland's favorite star.

Unlike so many divas, it's hard not to like Cher -- she's very down to earth and personable and knows how to poke fun at herself. No wonder she's got whole new generations of twenty-something fans, like our very own Timmy, who reports that Living Proof was the best concert ever. It certainly was a spectacle. Easily as theatrical as any Broadway musical, this one-woman show provided a lot of entertainment (for a lot of money).

Even with very elaborate costuming and lights it all went off without a hitch. The long delays between sets were bearable given all the work done to reset the stage and re-outfit the performers. We were kept entertained by the videos and the erotic antics of her dancers. Unfortunately, opening act Cindy Lauper was replaced in DC with comedian Tommy Drake, who outlasted his welcome by at least 25 minutes.

The theme of the show was a greatest hits retrospective, with lots of old footage and a heartfelt homage to the late Sonny Bono. While there were almost no changes from the NBC TV edition of the show it was, all in all, a pleasant way to spend an evening, in the company of similarly appreciative friends. If you live in one of the cities remaining on this, Cher's final tour, check it out. Otherwise, buy the DVD -- you won't miss anything.