Cyndi Lauper, at the age of 71, continues to captivate audiences with her unique artistry during her U.S. farewell tour, reminding us of her extraordinary presence in the music industry over the past four decades. When she first burst onto the scene, the notion of female musicians embracing various personas—kooky, flamboyant, sensitive, and intelligent—was groundbreaking. Lauper shattered those stereotypes and set a new benchmark by demonstrating that women in music could embody multiple facets of identity simultaneously. This evolution in the portrayal of women’s roles in music showcases her lasting impact, reinforcing the idea that women can indeed be complex and multi-dimensional, a sentiment that resonates even more powerfully today.

The “Ladies Simply Wanna Have Enjoyable Farewell Tour” features a dynamic setlist of 16 songs, significantly more than the 11 songs she typically performed during her last arena tour in 2014. However, the length of Lauper’s performances isn’t solely determined by the number of songs; her shows are enriched with engaging monologues that allow her to share personal stories and anecdotes. These storytelling moments, reminiscent of “VH1 Storytellers” or even her candid reflections from her Queens upbringing, create an intimate atmosphere even in large venues like L.A.’s Intuit Dome. Lauper artfully commands the audience’s attention, deftly balancing her musical performance with thoughtful dialogue, ensuring that her messages about her upbringing and women’s rights resonate deeply with the crowd.

Attending Lauper’s concert evokes the experience of a vintage Vegas show, where the performer engages in a relaxed and informal dialogue with the audience, but with a much stronger emphasis on feminism and women’s empowerment. Her ability to blend entertainment with significant social commentary transforms the concert into a celebration of female strength and autonomy, reflecting the ongoing struggles women face today. The atmosphere is charged with an appreciation for her advocacy, as she intertwines humor and heart, making her performances not only entertaining but also enlightening.

Lauper’s commitment to discussing women’s rights and autonomy was particularly poignant during the opening of her tour. Starting with her iconic song “She Bop,” a celebration of female self-pleasure, she seamlessly wove in a powerful commentary on societal norms. With the lyric “Ain’t no law against it yet…,” Lauper added, “But give it time,” illustrating her awareness of the ongoing battles women face for their rights. This moment encapsulated the spirit of her tour—one that embraces the complexities of womanhood and encourages women to embrace their power unapologetically.

While Lauper’s show is undoubtedly a feel-good experience, it is not entirely devoid of deeper messages. Following “She Bop,” she transitions to the light-hearted crowd favorite “The Goonies ‘R’ Good Enough.” This nostalgic number, coupled with visuals from the beloved 1985 film, exemplifies Lauper’s ability to blend playful entertainment with a sense of nostalgia. It also reflects her understanding of the importance of connecting with her audience through shared cultural references, demonstrating that even amidst serious themes, joy and fun remain integral to her performances.

A highlight of the evening was her cover of Prince’s “When You Were Mine,” which showcased Lauper’s vocal prowess and versatility. Her ability to infuse emotional depth into a fast-paced song was especially evident in her rendition of “I Drove All Night.” Although many might not initially perceive this late-’80s hit as an empowering anthem, Lauper reframed it by sharing her motivation for recording it, highlighting the absence of songs celebrating women’s independence and ambition. Her candid reflections on her upbringing and the societal expectations placed on women added layers of meaning to the performance, transforming it into an anthem of empowerment that resonated with both her and the audience.

Lauper’s creative vision was apparent in her staging of “I Drove All Night,” where she used her costume as a screen for projections of driving scenes. This innovative approach not only highlighted her artistic flair but also demonstrated her commitment to a visually engaging performance. Throughout the concert, she paid homage to her collaborators, acknowledging those responsible for her dynamic wardrobe and the imaginative production elements that complemented her music, further enhancing the overall experience for her fans.

One of the most moving performances of the night was “Sally’s Pigeons,” a poignant song inspired by a childhood friend who suffered due to unsafe medical practices. During this performance, Lauper chose to appear without her signature wig, allowing her natural hair to take center stage, symbolizing authenticity and vulnerability. This choice, combined with the haunting visuals created by artist Daniel Wurtzel, who choreographed a ballet of sheets dancing above the audience, added a layer of poetic beauty to the performance. It was a powerful moment that resonated deeply with those present, showcasing Lauper’s ability to blend art with activism.

Throughout the concert, the B-stage appeared to be designed specifically for the enchanting performance of the dancing sheets, creating an ethereal atmosphere. However, Lauper did venture to the B-stage during the encore, harnessing innovative wind technology to hold onto a large rainbow ribbon while performing “True Colors.” This segment stood out for its simplicity, contrasting with the elaborate staging elements, allowing the heartfelt message of the song to shine through. The absence of gimmicks during this part of the show emphasized the sincerity of Lauper’s performance, making it even more impactful for the audience.

Lauper’s costume changes were another highlight, showcasing her playful spirit and flair for fashion. One notable moment included a dramatic reveal where she transitioned from her stage outfit into a glamorous black gown designed by Siriano, emphasizing the fun and theatrical aspects of her performance. She humorously remarked on her vibrant wigs and her green hair, further engaging the audience and allowing her personality to shine through. This lighthearted interaction not only entertained the crowd but also illustrated Lauper’s ability to blend humor with artistry, creating a memorable and enjoyable experience for everyone.

Lauper also showed her willingness to surprise fans with her setlist choices, opting not to include “All Through the Night,” one of her most well-known hits. Instead, she showcased unexpected covers that added depth to her concert. Her rendition of Wanda Jackson’s “Funnel of Love” allowed her to embody the spirit of rockabilly while donning a vibrant red dress, paying homage to the genre’s roots. Additionally, her heartfelt interpretation of Gene Pitney’s “I’m Gonna Be Strong” highlighted her signature balladic style, demonstrating her versatility and commitment to musical exploration throughout her career.

One of the most unexpected moments came when Lauper performed “Iko Iko,” dressed in a colorful Mardi Gras outfit complete with a washboard vest. This lively performance not only showcased her energetic stage presence but also allowed her to make a statement about women’s empowerment in music. By highlighting the female percussionist in her band, Lauper emphasized the importance of breaking gender norms within the music industry, reminding the audience of the ongoing challenges women face. This moment encapsulated her commitment to advocacy and her ability to inspire through her art.

The concert culminated with Lauper’s iconic anthem, “Ladies Simply Wish to Have Enjoyable.” Despite the extensive dialogue throughout the evening, it would have been intriguing to hear her thoughts on performing a song that reflects breaking free from traditional constraints, especially now that she is in her 70s. Whether this enduring anthem feels like a burden or a source of joy for her, the audience remains deeply connected to its empowering message. Lauper has ingeniously found ways to refresh this classic over the years, such as collaborating with the renowned artist Yayoi Kusama on the vibrant visual elements and polka-dot costumes that adorned her finale. This partnership not only enhances the performance visually but also underscores the celebration of womanhood at every age.

Additionally, this signature song serves a dual purpose for Lauper, as she uses her platform to promote the “Ladies Simply Wish to Have Elementary Rights Fund.” This initiative, established through the Tides Foundation, aims to support women’s rights and health initiatives. During the performance, she expressed her disbelief that she still needs to fight for autonomy, subtly referencing current political climates without naming specific adversaries. Lauper’s powerful message highlighted the ongoing struggles for women’s rights, reminding the audience that the fight for equality continues.

Looking ahead, Lauper expressed her desire to complete this tour before embarking on new projects, including her upcoming musical adaptation of “Working Girl,” set to premiere in La Jolla and potentially move to Broadway. Her farewell to the audience was not a final goodbye but rather an invitation for them to join her on this ongoing journey. “See ya next chapter,” she said, leaving the audience with a sense of anticipation for what’s to come, continuing to walk her path of empowerment and creativity.

Complete Setlist from Cyndi Lauper’s Intuit Dome Performance in Inglewood, California:

• “She Bop”
• “The Goonies ‘R’ Good Sufficient”
• “When You Had been Mine”
• “I Drove All Night”
• “Who Let within the Rain”
• “Iko Iko”
• “Funnel of Love”
• “Sally’s Pigeons”
• “I’m Gonna Be Sturdy”
• “Sisters of Avalon”
• “Change of Coronary heart”
• “Time After Time”
• “Cash Modifications Every little thing”
• “Shine”
• “True Colours”
• “Ladies Simply Wish to Have Enjoyable”