- Copacabana, Dolman Theatre - The Dolman Theatre was transformed into that hottest nightspot, when The New Venture Players burst onto stage in their latest production, Copacabana. Colourful, vibrant and energetic, the Barry Manilow classic was tailor made for this talented company. In the capable hands of director, Gordon Collins, musical director Brian Weir and choreographer Abbie Gregory, a by-gone era of music, nightlife and glamour was effortlessy re-created. Aspiring songwriter Stephen, Ben Hurley, is penning his next big hit when he is carried back to the world famous Copacabana nightclub, where he launches hopeful showgirl Lola, Megan Fitzpatrick, on the road to stardom. Ben commands every scene, his confidence and experience drawing an equally memorable performance from 17 year old Megan in her debut performance for the company. Debbie Postle, who just grows with every production, gave her character Gladys, humour, warmth and verve, and along with Conchita, Joanne Symonds, Sam, James Stanford and Rico, Michael Lowe, provided the platform from which the lead couple could bounce. Well-disciplined, yet racy and up-beat, this is not to be missed. It runs until Saturday... (South Wales Argus, 9/30/2010)
http://www.southwalesargus.co.uk/leisure/entertainments/8422447.Copacabana__Dolman_Theatre/
- 'Copacabana' opens in Colne - Tonight sounds like an exciting evening when the show "Copacabana" is launched at the Pendle Hippodrome Theatre, Colne. It is based on the music of Barry Manilow, including beloved songs like "Her Name is Lola, She was a Showgirl". It has a talented young cast and leading the way are Sam Crabtree as Tony and Sophie Lord as Lola. It is directed by Angela Boult. It runs from tonight until Saturday at the Pendle Hippodrome Theatre in New Market Street, starting at 7-30 p.m. with a matinee on Saturday at 2 p.m. (Pendle Today, 9/28/2010)
http://www.pendletoday.co.uk/colnenews/39Copacabana39-opens-in-Colne.6553782.jp
- Celebrities STOMP Out Bullying With Love Our Children USA - Love Our Children USA announced that NYC Mayor Michael Bloomberg, San Diego Mayor Jerry Sanders and South Carolina Governor Mark Sanford is proclaiming October 4th BLUE SHIRT DAY – DAY OF BULLYING PREVENTION to signify the importance of National Bullying Prevention Awareness Week, October 3rd–9th with bullying prevention activities taking place throughout the month. Love Our Children USA launched the STOMP Out Bullying program in 2005 which focuses on reducing and preventing bullying, cyberbullying, and other digital abuse, educating against homophobia, racism and hatred, decreasing school absenteeism and truancy, and deterring violence in schools, online and in communities across the country. In order to raise funds for bullying and cyberbullying prevention, education and peer mentoring in our country’s schools, Love Our Children USA is holding its Third Annual Celebrity STOMP Out Bullying Auction on charitybuzz from October 1st-20th. This year’s celebrity contributors include: Paul McCartney, Elton John, Ellen Degeneres, Celine Dion, Barry Manilow, Sugarland, Bryan Adams, and more. Contact Info: Love Our Children USA; Phone: 1-888-347-KIDS; E-mail: Click Here to Send; Web site: http://www.loveourchildrenusa.org. (The Open Press, 9/28/2010)
http://www.charitybuzz.com/auctions/loveourchildrenusa
http://www.theopenpress.com/index.php?a=press&id=84605
- The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra of Punta Gorda has landed a big gig: The 60-piece orchestra will back Barry Manilow on five Florida concerts, including Jan. 21 at Tampa's St. Pete Times Forum. The orchestra will perform with Manilow's band and cast in a touring version of his Paris Las Vegas residency shows. Tickets ($9.99-$129.99.) go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday at the St. Pete Times Forum box office and all Ticketmaster Outlets. (800) 745-3000; www.sptimesforum.com. (Herald Tribune, 9/23/2010)
http://www.heraldtribune.com/article/20100923/ARTICLE/9231027/2058/NEWS
- Elaine Paige, who began performing professionally in 1964, became a household name in the United Kingdom after her breakout role in "Evita" in London's West End in 1978 ... Several years later, Paige introduced the part of Grisabella in "Cats" and was the first actress to sing the show's signature song, "Memory." Paige made her Broadway debut in 1995 as Norma Desmond in "Sunset Boulevard." Paige will bring [to Borgata] a streamlined version of a 40th-anniversary concert she's hoping to bring to Broadway after her album is released in the U.K. in November and in the United States in February. The album features Paige singing with artists including Barry Manilow, Paul Anka, Neil Sedaka, Olivia Newton-John, Dionne Warwick and Michael Bolton. (Courier-Post, 9/24/2010)
http://www.courierpostonline.com/article/20100924/LIFE07/9240325/First-Lady-of-British-theater-steps-out-of-character
- Two autistic students perform Magik - The play is being performed as a tribute to parents and families of children with autism. "Ooooogy Green and Other Fables," is a play about a young caterpillar coming to realize "the things that make us different are the things that make us special." The play is from 6:30 p.m.-7:50 p.m. Saturday at the Magik Theatre, 420 S. Alamo St. on the western edge of HemisFair Park. Speech-language pathologist Celeste Mullen said the play is being put on as "a tribute to parents and families of children with autism." Mullen is one of the many people volunteering time to put on the play. Along with the six cast members and crew from Los Angeles, two performers are students from this college who have high-functioning forms of autism called Asperger's syndrome. Theater freshman Garrett Tatum will serve as the master of ceremonies, and music freshman Dewayne Griggs II is a soloist. Griggs, originally from New Orleans, came to San Antonio after Hurricane Katrina. He will perform the song "I Am Your Child" by Barry Manilow. A corporation, which wishes to remain anonymous, and Gordon Hartman, builder of Morgan's Wonderland, are sponsoring the event. Admission and parking are free at the San Antonio Independent School District lot on the southeast corner of Durango and Alamo streets. To reserve tickets, call Mullen at 210-408-7435 or Whited at 210-497-6807. (The Ranger Premiere, 9/23/2010)
http://www.theranger.org/premiere/two-autistic-students-perform-magik-1.2340701
- British theater superstar makes her A.C. debut Saturday at Borgata - Singer-actress Elaine Paige is aiming for a different kind of crossover success. Paige is one of the biggest names in British musical theater, where she has played lead roles in "Evita," "Cats," "Anything Goes," "The King and I" and "Piaf" on London's West End. But here across the pond, Paige is known mostly among theater aficionados for her sole Broadway appearance as the final Norma Desmond in "Sunset Boulevard" and for her role in the New York City Opera's version of "Sweeney Todd." Paige, who makes her Atlantic City debut Saturday, Sept. 25, at Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, is aiming to change that. She's been in the U.S. since July working with producer Phil Ramone on a new album of duets featuring an eclectic roster of guests, including Barry Manilow, Olivia Newton-John, Michael Bolton and Sinead O'Connor. Her new album, "Elaine and Friends," is to be released by Warner Bros. Nov. 1 in the U.K. and possibly next spring in the U.S. Elaine Paige. WHEN: 9 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 25. WHERE: The Music Box, Borgata Hotel Casino & Spa, Atlantic City. HOW MUCH: Tickets, priced at $55 and $65, are available at the Borgata box office or www.pressofatlanticcity.com/tickets. WEBSITE: www.elainepaige.com (Press of Atlantic City, 9/23/2010)
http://www.pressofatlanticcity.com/life/breaking/article_4209e82a-c6fe-11df-a475-001cc4c03286.html
- World Alzheimer’s Day was yesterday and marked downtown at Cleveland Clinic Lou Ruvo Center for Brain Health with the great news that its annual Keep Memory Alive gala was just ranked No. 2 in a nationwide grading of philanthropic fundraising events by the Vivanista Community for philanthropic living and giving. KMA’s Power of Love gala with entertainer Barry Manilow placed just behind the Robin Hood benefit in New York City. (Las Vegas Weekly, 9/22/2010)
http://www.lasvegasweekly.com/blogs/luxe-life/2010/sep/22/strip-scribbles-worlds-largest-super-bowl-party-ai/
- Barry Manilow and orchestra coming to Amway Center in January - The man who writes the songs, Barry Manilow, will be playing at 8 p.m. Jan. 20 at Amway Center. It’s part of his first-ever series of Florida symphony concerts backed by The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra of Punta Gorda. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday, Sept. 24 at Ticketmaster and the Amway box office. Prices: $9.99, $39.99, $69.99, $99.99 & $129.99. (VIP and BMIFC advance tickets are presently on sale at Manilow.com). The Florida concert series features the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra plus Manilow’s Band and Cast from his Las Vegas Show. The concerts mark the first time Manilow has performed with an orchestral accompaniment in Florida. (Orlando Sentinel, 9/22/2010)
http://blogs.orlandosentinel.com/entertainment_music_blog/tag/barry-manilow-tour-2010/
- Veterans Memorial Arena announces Barry Manilow concert - Barry Manilow will take the stage at Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena Wednesday, Jan. 26 backed by The Charlotte Symphony Orchestra, SMG - the arena's management company - announced today. Tickets, ranging from $8.99 to $128.99 plus service charges, will go on sale at 10 a.m. Friday (Sept. 24) through Ticketmaster outlets and at the arena box office. The Jacksonville stop will be the third of five symphony-backed performances by Manilow in Florida in January. The concert will also feature Manilow's band and cast of his Paris Las Vegas. (Jacksonville.com, 9/22/2010)
http://www.jacksonville.com/opinion/blog/403251/gary-mills/2010-09-22/ticket-tracker-veterans-memorial-arena-announces-barry
- Manilow adds a touch of Vegas to new year - Barry Manilow visits the BankAtlantic Center on Jan. 28. Barry Manilow will bring a touch of his Vegas show to South Florida in the new year. Coming off a residency at Paris Las Vegas, the legendary hitmaker will play a five-date Florida tour, including a stop at Sunrise’s BankAtlantic Center on Jan. 28. Manilow will bring along the Charlotte Symphony Orchestra along with his band and cast from his Paris residency. Tickets for this show go on sale Saturday. (Palm Beach Post, 9/22/2010)
http://www.pbpulse.com/music/concert-reviews/live-shows/2010/09/22/manilow-adds-a-touch-of-vegas-to-new-year/
- Elaine Paige, Britain's queen of musical theater, will perform her one-woman show 'Celebrating 40 Years on Stage' in Atlantic City. Paige has reigned as the queen of the British musical theater for 40 years, originating the roles of Eva Peron in "Evita," Grizabella in "Cats," Florence in "Chess" and Edith Piaf in "Piaf." Saturday, September 25th, she travels from New York to make her Atlantic City debut at the Borgata with her one-woman show "Celebrating 40 Years on Stage." This is no mere concert. It is an extraordinary portrayal of some of the most powerful characters in musical theater history, mindful perhaps in style and purpose of Lena Horne's 1981 retrospective "The Lady and Her Music." She's [currently] working on an album of duets with the "heroes of my youth, like Neil Sedaka, Dionne Warwick, Johnny Mathis, Paul Anka, Barry Manilow, Michael Bolton, Air Supply and Chicago." (New York Daily News, 9/18/2010)
http://www.nydailynews.com/entertainment/music/2010/09/18/2010-09-18_elaine_paige_britains_queen_of_musical_theater_comes_to_atlantic_city_for_her_on.html
- West End leading lady Elaine Paige, who has been seen on the New York stage in Sunset Boulevard and Sweeney Todd, will play The Borgata Sept. 25 at 9 PM. For those who can't make the Atlantic City trip, fear not: London's original Eva Peron and Grizabella is currently in the recording studio laying down vocals for her new CD, which will feature duets with Sinead O'Connor, Barry Manilow, Olivia Newton-John, Johnny Mathis, John Barrowman, Paul Anka, Michael Bolton, Kenny G, Billy Ocean, LeAnn Rimes, Jon Secada, Neil Sedaka and Dionne Warwick. (Playbill.com, 9/17/2010)
http://www.playbill.com/celebritybuzz/article/143109-DIVA-TALK-A-Fall-Early-Winter-Diva-Season-Preview
- Singer Lorna Luft will join the New West Pops for "Broadway Meets Hollywood - In Concert" at 4 p.m. Sunday in the Fred Kavli Theatre at Thousand Oaks Civic Arts Plaza, 2100 E. Thousand Oaks Blvd. Tickets, $33-$63, can be purchased in person at the Civic Arts Plaza's box office or via Ticketmaster at 800-745-3000 or http://www.ticketmaster.com. For more information, call the Civic Arts Plaza at 449-2787 or visit http://www.civicartsplaza.com. Luft said she’ll be doing a 45-minute set with the orchestra. She views her part of the show as a tribute to the Broadway and Hollywood songs people know, as well as a tribute to her mother. Luft is the daughter of Judy Garland and producer Sid Luft, Garland’s third husband. "It took me a very long time to be comfortable with that legacy," Luft said. The pain and difficulty behind that was the reason Luft avoided approaching her mother’s songbook for so long. But early last decade, she did "Songs My Mother Taught Me - A Celebration of the Music of Judy Garland," a multimedia production. The stage show, she noted, was written and directed by Ken and Mitzie Welch, who’d done much work with Carol Burnett. The 2007 album based on it, Luft’s debut CD, came about in part, she said, because of an old friend - Barry Manilow. Manilow co-produced the album with her husband. "I felt so safe," Luft noted. Manilow, a friend for more than 40 years, understood she couldn’t do the album when she was younger. When she was finally ready, Luft recalled, "I called up Barry and I was expecting this long-winded discussion. And all I got out of him was, 'It's about time.'" (Ventura County Star, 9/17/2010)
http://www.vcstar.com/news/2010/sep/17/top-of-the-pops-lorna-luft-helps-new-west-kick/
- Straight No Chaser Wraps Up Its Holiday Gift Box - ATCO/Atlantic recording group Straight No Chaser has announced the upcoming release of their first-ever box set, entitled "ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS." The collection -- which includes the acclaimed a cappella group's best-selling holiday-themed albums, "HOLIDAY SPIRITS" and "CHRISTMAS CHEERS," as well as the full-length concert DVD never before available in stores, "LIVE IN NEW YORK: HOLIDAY EDITION" -- arrives on October 26th. Beginning Sept. 28, fans can pre-order the set through www.sncmusic.com, and for a limited time, those who take part in the pre-order will receive a 5-track bonus EP with two previously unreleased songs. Straight No Chaser will herald the release of "ALL I WANT FOR CHRISTMAS" with an extensive North American tour that will take them through to the holiday season. The new dates follow SNC's sold-out spring tour, as well as their recent residency at Harrah's in Atlantic City, NJ. Among the summer's many highlights was an opportunity to join the one-and-only Barry Manilow on stage for a very special performance of his classic "One Voice." SNC previously teamed with Manilow for a recorded rendition of the track, which was featured on the group's third and most recent album, "WITH A TWIST." (PR-USA.net, 9/15/2010)
http://www.pr-usa.net/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=488823&Itemid=30
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Straight-No-Chaser-Wraps-Up-Its-
Holiday-Gift-Box-Three-Disc-Set-Collects-A-Cappella-1319642.htm
- Funds for Love set for Sept. 22 - Now is the time to reserve your dinner ticket for the Fifth Annual Funds of Love fall fundraising event for St. Benedict's Foundation, set for 5 p.m. to 8 p.m. Sept. 22. This year's theme is "Harvest of Plenty," and the dinner, boutique and auctions will be decorated like a farmer's market and held mostly outdoors. The event takes place every year at Mount Benedict Monastery, 6000 S. 1075 East in South Ogden. The cost is $30 per dinner. To RSVP, call (801) 479-1800. A silent auction and a raffle are planned, along with live music. This year's raffle and silent auction will include such items as a week's stay in Las Vegas, tickets to see Barry Manilow in concert, a number of family portraits, two bicycles and permanent eye makeup. Money raised goes to support the organizations backed by St. Benedict's Foundation, a ministry of the Sisters of St. Benedict. (Standard-Examiner, 9/10/2010)
http://www.standard.net/topics/religion/2010/09/10/funds-love-set-sept-22
- Manilow on the move with Lightswitch - When Barry Manilow moved his hit show from the Las Vegas Hilton to the Paris Las Vegas for a new two-year residency, the production team wanted to make a few changes to better reflect and adapt to their new home. To do so, they brought in lighting designer Chris Medvitz of Lightswitch to create an intimate yet powerful lighting design. Lightswitch then enlisted the assistance of PRG and 65 Vari*Lite luminaires from Philips Vari-Lite. "When the production was moved from the Las Vegas Hilton to the Paris Las Vegas, everyone wanted to create a new look and feel for the show so that they could really compete against the larger Vegas shows that were established on the strip," says Medvitz. "Barry had never done a theatrical-type show before, so they felt this was a great opportunity to capitalize on the intimate 1500-seat Paris Théâtre." Over the next several months the production team began to discuss, sketch and create the exact design concepts desired. It was then up to Medvitz to take those concepts and weave then into a complementary lighting design. "Barry wanted this show to have an abstract artistic theme, but they didn't want it to be cliché. They also wanted to use timeless art pieces that would connect throughout the show; therefore we knew video would play a big role in the production. But since we were now in a traditional theatrical setting, the lighting had to have a theatrical feel to it as opposed to a concert feel." (L&SI Online News, 9/9/2010)
http://www.lsionline.co.uk/news/story/Manilow-on-the-move-with-Lightswitch/2D5XXD
- MDA Telethon Exceeds Expectations - After 21-1/2 hours of great entertainment and powerful appeals, the final timpani rolled and confetti fell on the 2010 Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon which raised $58,919,838 in contributions and pledges to advance the research and service programs of the Muscular Dystrophy Association. "I’m heartened by the unique ability of Americans to help others in need, when they themselves are likely struggling financially," said Lewis. "People see the progress MDA is making for children and adults living with muscle diseases. I’m truly grateful for their caring enough to brighten the future for 'my kids'." The Telethon originated for the fifth year from the South Point Hotel in Las Vegas, reaching some 40 million viewers by way of MDA’s Telethon network of some 170 television stations, as well as cable throughout the United States and Canada. Millions more around the world saw the Telethon at www.mda.org courtesy of RealNetworks. "For the first time ever, the Telethon opened with the stage set for one child, MDA National Goodwill Ambassador Abbey Umali," said Gerald C. Weinberg, MDA president & CEO and Telethon executive producer. There was not a dry eye in the house as MDA National Goodwill Ambassador Abbey Umali sang "Ordinary Miracle." Umali, the first youngster to ever open the Jerry Lewis MDA Telethon, was unflappable as she warmed Telethon Co-host Jann Carl by making an immediate heartfelt appeal following her performance. Abbey encouraged America to give generously to help advance the Muscular Dystrophy Association’s lifesaving mission. After 11-year-old Umali said "now on with the show," the stage was immediately filled with tap dancers choreographed by Tyce Diorio – followed by a host of performers including Barry Manilow, David Archuleta, Enrique Iglesias, Michael Feinstein, Maureen McGovern, John Ondrasik of Five For Fighting, and Charo; groups Lynyrd Skynyrd, WAR, OneRepublic and The Oak Ridge Boys; Las Vegas productions "Viva Elvis by Cirque du Soleil," "Jersey Boys" and "Vegas! The Show"; Broadway segments from "Memphis," "Rock of Ages" and "Million Dollar Quartet"; and the cast of the television show "Glee," as well as a host of others. Telethon co-hosts included Alison Sweeney, Nancy O’Dell and Jann Carl – as well as special guest co-hosts Nigel Lythgoe, Richard Belzer, Ace Young, Brandon Barash, John Pinette and Billy Gilman. (MDA, 9/6/2010)
http://www.mda.org/news/100906MDATelethonExceedsExpectations.html
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