UnCovered: Madonna & Cher, is a jubilant, high-octane tribute to two of pop’s most enduring icons. Running November 11–13, 2025 at Koerner Hall, this year’s 19th edition delivers pure joy and big-feeling entertainment, with chart-toppers like “Like a Prayer,” “Vogue,” “Believe,” and “If I Could Turn Back Time.” Each tune is reimagined through daring new arrangements and performed by a knock-out Canadian ensemble including, the incomparable Jackie Richardson, along with Sara Farb, Elm Reyes, Nathan Carroll, Jeigh Madjus, Annika Tupper, and Juno Award winners and powerhouse vocalists Steven Page and Divine Brown.

Dubbed the “Queen” and “Goddess” of pop respectively, Madonna and Cher have reigned over the charts across the 20th and 21st centuries, making waves, setting trends, and defying expectations every step of the way. Their music is more than chart-topping — it’s culture-shaping.

With epic vocals, daring arrangements, and unexpected emotional twists, UNCOVERED reimagines these iconic hits through a theatrical lens. Kevin Wong returns for his third year as creative visionary, following his acclaimed interpretations of FLEETWOOD MAC & THE EAGLES, and last year’s U2 & THE ROLLING STONES. As always, the show features a powerhouse lineup of award-winning Canadian artists who know how to bring the house down.

SNAPSHOT REVIEW

Uncovered is a wonderful annual event held within a gorgeous and acoustically perfect venue. This is not a concert, nor a theatre production, but a grand combination of both. This year it’s all about the gays, who were out in full swagger for opening night. Each of these performers, both emergining and established, had their turn to shine in the spotlight, either vocally or instrumentally (or both), and when they took centre stage the audience was in awe…over and over again.

The two-hour + show goes by quickly with the fast paced production that’s a combination of historical anecdotes on each artist, personal context from the performers, and of course the exceptional renditions of many classic pop tunes from both Madonna and Cher. Two women, one name each.

There were times when it took a few verses to figure out which song was being performed, as they are as far from the original as one could imagine. What made each one even more impressive was the powerhouse vocals of these performers, especially the Uncovered Queen of Jazz, Blues and Gospel, Jackie Richardson, who continues to take the stage year after year with her commanding performance and storytelling. The addition of Steven Paige this year added some Canadian celeb flair, however as Ms. Richardson remarked, the older folks maybe considered wise, but they still have lots to learn from the youth of today.

Ending the show with Madonna’s “Express Yourself” seemed fittingly perfect, given the rags to riches struggles both Cher and Madonna shared, along with the hope and inspiration they gave to the millions of outsiders who felt they didn’t fit in with mainstream society, yet were uplifted enough by these two divas to push forward and achieve their dreams as well. Yet another great rendition of Uncovered. Here’s looking forward to what 2026 will bring to the stage.

“For nearly twenty years, we have brought together Canada’s finest musical talents to reinterpret and celebrate the songs of iconic artists. UnCovered: Madonna & Cher promises to be a vibrant, electrifying tribute—honouring two of pop music’s most influential figures with songs that have defined decades and soundtracked the most unforgettable moments of our lives.” – Michael Rubinoff, Artistic Director, Musical Stage

“UnCovered: Madonna & Cher is designed for celebration,” says Kevin Wong (Arranger, Orchestrator & Music Supervisor). “We’re leaning into the anthems, the glamour, and the emotional punch, honouring these legends while revealing fresh theatrical colours in the songs audiences love.” 

  • Performance Dates: November 11–13, 2025, 8:00 PM each evening. Tickets
  • Venue: TELUS Centre for Performance and Learning – Koerner Hall, 273 Bloor St W, Toronto, ON M5S 1V6
  • Ticketing questions: TELUS Centre Box Office, 416-408-0208, or tickets@rcmusic.ca.

Presented by The Musical Stage Company. RUN TIME: 120 minutes with one 20 minute intermission.

Creative Team
Arranger, Orchestrator & Music Supervisor: Kevin Wong
Associate Musical Director: Jonah Nung
Co-Arrangers, Co-Orchestrators & Music Co-Supervisors: Jonathan Corkal-Astorga & Suzy Wilde
Staging & Dramaturgy: Kaylee Harwood
Script Curation: Jason Spetter

 

About the Author

Bryen Dunn is a freelance journalist with a focus on travel, lifestyle, entertainment and hospitality. He has an extensive portfolio of celebrity interviews with musicians, actors and other public personalities. He enjoys discovering delicious eats, tasting spirited treats, and being mesmerized by musical beats.