Cher and Cyndi Lauper turn back time

Cher's Dressed to Kill farewell tour, with Cyndi Lauper as the "special guest," sold out the Valley View Casino Center in the Midway District. But right before the event, "obstructed view" seating was released and I jumped to buy tickets. A HiDef quality video screen was set up in this area so the concertgoers could catch all the stage action. And there was a lot of that!

Cher is no slouch, despite her 68 years of age. After a wonderful opening set by the angelic-voiced Lauper, Cher ascended to the stage on a 24-foot-high pillar. She changed her costumes numerous times — usually after singing two songs. Those costumes were impressive, although several haters on the internet have called them "cheap-looking" because Bob Mackie didn't design them.

The ageless diva opened with "Woman's World," and she had the former Sports Arena (and herself) in tears as she sang "The Beat Goes On" and "I Got You Babe" with a big screen of Sonny Bono singing along behind her.

Cher wore a colorful Indian costume with head dress when she sang "Half Breed" and then donned black attire with diamonds to sit on a stool and warble the moving tribute to Elvis, "Walking in Memphis."

Between songs (and costume changes), the show's momentum did not flag due to a generous usage of dancers, Cirque du Soleil-like acrobatics and a solid backing band that jammed while Cher changed wigs. I enjoyed the auto-tuned "Believe" song and thought it fitting that Cher donned her sexy black bodysuit and thong with leather jacket to sing "Turn Back Time" toward the end. If anybody can do just that, it is most certainly the very entertaining Cher.

• Concert: Cher with special guest Cyndi Lauper
• Venue: Valley View Casino Center
• Date: July 11
• Seats: Section L10B, Row 9, Seat 9