- Bristol's own Robin Cousins presents a tropical tribute to Barry Manilow - It was a Copacabana of a night in Cardiff as Olympic champion Robin Cousins unveiled his latest ice extravaganza. Despite freezing temperatures outside, the atmosphere inside the Motorpoint Arena was sizzling on Tuesday night with everyone from young children to grandparents eagerly awaiting the start of Tropicana – the Passion Tour, the latest installment from the Holiday on Ice shows. And MBE Robin Cousins didn’t disappoint, appearing on the specially-laid ice rink himself to introduce this two-and-a-half-hour tribute to his personal friend and legendary songwriter Barry Manilow. Performances came thick and fast from some of the world’s most exciting new ice skaters, with a pulsating mix of individual, couples and company numbers. The first half provided two show-stopping couples' performances; a 1950s-inspired routine complete with a jaw-dropping array of lifts and throws which perfectly complimented the jiving music, and a dreamy Valentines’ themed dance, so sublime it made us all want to get on the ice and float away. Just before the interval came one of Barry Manilow’s greatest hits, "Copacabana," interpreted for the ice with a magnificent and colourful array of fruit-laden costumes sure to get the party started. The 34-strong cast immediately quickened the pace with a Rat Pack-style montage, an ode to Christmas including dancing teddy bears and gingerbread men and then a moving rendition of "Mandy." With 220 costume changes including several breathtaking ice Queens and some cumbersome revolving stars on the backs of some dancers, and a giant LED screen, Tropicana was a spectacle to behold from start to finish. And with not one mistake, the skaters certainly deserve high praise indeed. Tropicana is on at the Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff until Sunday, February 12. Call 02920 22 44 88 for tickets. (Gazette Series, 9 February 2012)
http://www.gazetteseries.co.uk/leisure/9522765.Bristol_s_own_ Robin_Cousins_presents_a_tropical_tribute_to_Barry_Manilow/
- Review: Holiday On Ice – Tropicana, Cardiff Motorpoint Arena - A lecturer once told me that it was bad journalism to use too many adjectives. But, when it comes to reviewing the latest Holiday On Ice extravaganza, I could easily list any number of descriptions for the show, which was choreographed by former Olympic star Robin Cousins. Tropicana, which featured music from the one and only Barry Manilow, was bright, bold, energetic and breath-taking. It was daring but graceful, and the performances by the skaters were quite fantastic. It showcased their brilliance in style, with colourful scenes such as city streets, a beach paradise and an enchanted toy shop. For the first time in the show’s history, the 2012 tour featured a giant LED screen next to the ice-rink, providing a backdrop of scenes while the skaters performed their routines ... Overall, a thoroughly entertaining family show, and after a stunning performance by Cardiff’s Lowri Jones, aged 12, (who won the chance to dance in the show as part of a national Ice Factor competition) I’ve no doubt the children in the audience will be begging for a trip to the ice-rink soon. Tropicana runs until Sunday. Tickets from the box office on 029 2022 4488. (Wales Online, 9 February 2012)
http://www.walesonline.co.uk/showbiz-and-lifestyle/showbiz/2012/02/09/ review-holiday-on-ice-tropicana-cardiff-motorpoint-arena-91466-30293536/
- Holiday on Ice raises the temperature with Tropicana: The Passion Tour - It may be winter outside, but inside Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena, Holiday on Ice offers a taste of the tropics in its latest show, Tropicana: the Passion Tour. Introduced by the one and only Robin Cousins, Tropicana departs in one significant way from other Holiday on Ice shows in featuring the work of a single songwriter, Barry Manilow, for a considerable section of the show, and it’s the part that proves most effective. Though all the spectacle, razzamatazz and glitz is heavily featured in the ensemble pieces, the real strength of Tropicana lies in the dazzling performances of the principal skaters in a series of solos and duets. "Weekend in New England" and "Mandy," solo skates by two of the company’s male principals, were standouts - a moving interpretation of "Weekend in New England" that perfectly captured the melancholic yearning of the song, and "Mandy" an inspired 'duet' with a chair. The highlight though has to have been Darya Perminova and Evgeny Belyanin, a couple who have been skating together for 17 years, with the exquisitely choreographed "Where You Go," featuring a breathtaking repertoire of daring, gravity defying lifts. Adding constant visual interest, the state-of-the-art LED screen provided a great backdrop to the stunning skating, allowing rapid scene changes - from city skyline to toy shop, from Manilow’s trademark piano to gently falling leaves in autumn. Tropicana: The Passion Show is at Cardiff’s Motorpoint Arena until Sunday, February 12. To book, call the ticket hotline on 02920 224488 or go to holidayonice.co.uk. (Hereford Times, 8 February 2012)
http://www.herefordtimes.com/leisure/9518922.Holiday_on_Ice_ raises_the_temperature_with_Tropicana__The_Passion_Tour/
- Holiday on Ice (Tropicana: The Passion Tour) at Exec Peterborough - Although it was an ice skating extravaganza, there was nothing cold about Holiday on Ice’s new show, Tropicana: The Passion Tour. Directed and choreographed by Olympic gold medalist and Dancing on Ice judge Robin Cousins, the show showcased the incredible talent of some of the world’s best professional ice skaters who glided, twisted, and turned across the rink as if they owned it. The audience was taken on an international rollercoaster journey as the skaters danced on ice to a series of colourful and emotional scenes such as city streets, a beach paradise, 1940s dance hall and an enchanted toy shop. All of the main skaters and supporting cast have to be applauded for their creative skill on the ice. Holiday on Ice bring Tropicana to Peterborough from February 2-5. A number of well known songs and musical numbers were played throughout including a selection of hits by singer Barry Manilow such as "Mandy" and "Copacabana." All in all an enjoyable, stunning show which more than achieved its goal of wowing the audience with its catchy tunes, mesmerising moves and breathtaking costumes. Holiday On Ice’s Tropicana – The Passion Tour runs at the Exec Peterborough, at the East of England Showground, until Sunday February 5. Tickets can be booked from the box office on 0844 581 1315, online at www.theticketfactory.com/holidayonice or from the Peterborough Visitor Destination Centre in Bridge Street. For more information visit www.holidayonice.co.uk. (Cambs Times, 03 February 2012)
http://www.cambstimes.co.uk/what-s-on/review_holiday_on_ice_tropicana_ the_passion_tour_at_exec_peterborough_1_1197596
- Holiday on Ice plays all weekend at Exec at East of England Showground - Holiday on Ice’s Tropicana – the Passion Tour will continue at the Exec at the East of England Showground in Peterborough all weekend. The show features the music of Barry Manilow and the skating routines have been choreographed by Robin Cousins, an Olympic ice skating winner and a judge on popular ITV show Dancing on Ice. The show launched with a charity gala night last night in aid of Stamford-based children’s charity Anna’s Hope. Anna’s Hope offers support to children and young people who have brain tumours and some of the children the charity supports were in the audience at the gala night. Holiday on Ice is one of the best known brands in the world of ice entertainment. The event is being held at the Exec Peterborough until Sunday, February 5. For more information or to book tickets, call the box office on 0844 581 1315 or visit www.holidayonice.co.uk. (Stamford Mercury, 3 February 2012)
http://www.stamfordmercury.co.uk/lifestyle/arts-leisure/holiday_ on_ice_plays_all_weekend_at_exec_at_east_of_england_showground_1_3484326
- Young skaters put in a whirl by Holiday On Ice stars - Two talented young figure skaters from a Peterborough ice rink have cut rings around stiff competition to star in a national show. Evie Martin-Cuthbertson (7), from Bourne, and Eleanor Waldock, (9), from Thurlby, won an Ice Factor contest to find the region’s next up-and-coming skaters in November. And the pair performed their winning two-minute ice dance during the interval of Holiday On Ice’s Tropicana - the Passion Tour, last night, cheered on by their family and friends. The national touring show will run at the Exec at the East of England Showground, in Peterborough, until February 5. Thousands of ice dance fans are expected to see Holiday on Ice’s Tropicana - the Passion Tour, which runs at the Exec at the East of England Showground until Sunday. British figure skating legend and a judge from ITV’s Dancing on Ice Robin Cousins has created and choreographed routines for more than 40 professional ice dancers, set to a soundtrack featuring the hits of Barry Manilow. Tickets range from £25 to £36, with senior citizens and children charged £12. A family ticket for £70 is also available, as are discounts for groups of more than 10. To book call 0844 581 1315 or visit www.holidayonice.co.uk. (Peterborough Today, 3 February 2012)
http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/lifestyle/the-guide/arts-culture/ young_skaters_put_in_a_whirl_by_holiday_on_ice_stars_1_3483782
- What’s on in Wirral at Sands Theatre - Arts School is performing Barry Manilow’s Copacabana from February 2 to 4 at Westbourne Hall, West Kirby. Set in 1940s New York, the musical follows the blossoming relationship of wannabe songwriter Tony Forte and country girl turned showgirl Lola La Mar. Tickets are £6 and £7. Call 625 1847. (Wirral News, 01 Feb 2012)
http://www.wirralnews.co.uk/entertainment-wirral/news-reviews/2012/02/01/ what-s-on-in-wirral-from-wednesday-february-1-80491-30235283/
- Show promises to be a skate night of entertainment - Skaters will take to the ice on Thursday for a spectacular new show. Holiday on Ice’s Tropicana - the Passion Tour visits the Exec at the East of England Showground in Peterborough and runs for four nights, starting on Thursday (2 Feb). This year’s show features the music of Barry Manilow and the skating routines have been choreographed by Robin Cousins, an Olympic ice skating winner and a judge on popular ITV show Dancing on Ice. The show kicks-off with a charity gala night, which is being held in aid of Stamford-based children’s charity Anna’s Hope. A portion of the proceeds from the gala night will be donated to the charity and bucket collections will also be held. Anna’s Hope offers support to children and young people who have brain tumours and some of the children the charity supports will be in the audience at the gala night. Charity founder Carole Hughes said: “We are proud to be associated with Holiday On Ice who will generously donate a proportion of ticket sales on the gala evening and we have a bucket collection over the four days. "What’s really special is that the show supports our children and their families by providing them with a very memorable night out and a break from their treatment. It’s a fantastic show." Holiday on Ice is one of the best known brands in the world of ice entertainment. The event is being held at the Exec Peterborough from February 2 to 5. For more information or to book tickets, call the box office on 0844 581 1315 or visit www.holidayonice.co.uk. (Rutland and Stamford Mercury, 29 January 2012)
http://www.stamfordmercury.co.uk/lifestyle/arts-leisure/ show_promises_to_be_a_skate_night_of_entertainment_1_3464394
- Due here on April 21: Barry Manilow - Barry Manilow, who has scored a string of hit singles and albums since the 1970s, will perform at 7:30 p.m. April 21 in Value City Arena. Tickets, $19.99 to $129.99, will go on sale at 10 a.m. Feb. 3 at the box office and Ticketmaster outlets (1-800-745-3000; ticketmaster.com). (The Columbus Dispatch, 1/26/2012)
http://www.dispatch.com/content/stories/life_and_entertainment/ 2012/01/26/1a-showtell26-art-gtofp924-1.html
- Holiday on Ice brings new show Tropicana to Cardiff - The world’s most visited ice show returns with Tropicana – The Passion Tour. Created and choreographed by Olympic champion Robin Cousins, the latest Holiday On Ice show celebrates love, life, music and dance, from the high octane rock 'n' roll of '50s America to a smouldering bolero and the steamy Latin rhythms of a tropical night club, all brought to life by more than 40 world class skaters. Tropicana also features interpretations of some of the bestloved songs from songwriter Barry Manilow, including "Can’t Smile Without You," the iconic "Mandy" and the one and only "Copacabana." "Barry Manilow’s music works just as great skating should," says Robin. "It flows beautifully and soars in all the right places. There’s passion and power in the songs and that’s what I’ve always tried to convey in the shows I create." Tropicana is at the Motorpoint Arena, Cardiff from February 7 to 12. To book, call the box office on 02920 224488. Prices range from £23 to £36. (Hereford Times, 22 Jan 2012)
http://www.herefordtimes.com/leisure/9478973.Holiday_on_Ice_ gets_passionate_with_Tropicana/
- Velvet Exclusively Airs 'The Royal Variety Performance' - Get a dose of royal entertainment through the Philippine premiere of "The Royal Variety Performance" tonight, January 21, at 10 p.m. exclusive on Velvet (originally taped Dec. 5, 2011). The "Royal Variety Performance" is an annual event attended by the senior members of the Royal family of United Kingdom (UK). The event showcases different astounding performances from comedians, singers, magicians and acrobats who made their mark in their respective fields ... Two of the world’s best music icons Tony Bennett and Barry Manilow [appear in this] one night only performance. The Royal Variety Performance has been presented to the British Royal Family for nearly 100 years and the proceeds of the event go to the Entertainment Artiste’s Benevolent Fund. Velvet (SkyCable Channel 53) is available on SkyCable Platinum, SkyCable Gold, SkyCable Silver and other quality cable operators nationwide. For updates, log-on to http://www.facebook.com/VelvetChannel. (Showbiz Nest, 21 Jan 2012)
http://showbiznest.blogspot.com/2012/01/velvet-exclusively-airs-royal-variety.html
- Suzanne Somers on Stem Cells and Her 'Sexy Forever Bible' - Suzanne Somers stopped by The Grove to talk about her internet series which chronicles her stem cell breast reconstruction and recovery. The home videos offer an inside look at the emotional journey Somers has endured since surviving breast cancer. An advocate for stem cell research, Somers is also involved in encouraging doctors and women to use stem cells to create new breasts after a mastectomy. She says after undergoing the stem cell surgery she feels her body looks "exactly the same and beautiful." The healthy lifestyle advocate has also written a new cookbook, "Sexy Forever Bible." Her recipes feature tasty and health-conscience dishes which her best friend Barry Manilow loves! Check out Suzannesomers.com to see her online series, and pick up the "Sexy Forever Bible," available now. (Extra TV, 1/18/2012)
http://extratv.warnerbros.com/2012/01/_extra_raw_ suzanne_somers_on_stem_cells_and_her_sexy_forever_bible.php
- Watch PSL For Your Chance To Win Barry Manilow Tickets - Watch Paula Sands Live all week (1/16 - 1/20) for your chance to win tickets to see Barry Manilow, live at the iWireless Center on Thursday March 8th, 2012. Watch for your cue to call, be the correct caller number and you'll win! (KWQC-TV6, 1/16/2012)
http://www.kwqc.com/story/16530858/watch-psl-for-your-chance- to-win-barry-manilow-tickets
- Dance spectacular heads for the city - If you happened to catch ITV’s This Morning programme earlier this month you may have caught a behind-the-scenes look at Tropicana. The show is the latest European ice dance sensation to make its way to Peterborough and is a combination of choreography from Robin Cousins MBE and the recordings of Barry Manilow. It certainly sent the This Morning team into a spin and looks set to do the same when it makes its home at the East of England Showground Exec arena at the start of next month (February 2 to 5) ... Manilow’s music features heavily. In fact this is the first time his songs "Where You Go" and "Stars in the Night" have been presented as part of a live theatrical performance. But how did the Manilow collaboration come about? Robin said: "A few years ago I was working with Barry on a TV special and I found his music works just as great skating should. It flows beautifully and soars in all the right places! There’s passion and power in the songs and that’s what I’ve always tried to convey in the shows I create. I hope this will add a new dimension to the audience’s enjoyment of these great songs." And that’s certainly true with "Mandy" which is stripped to his musical core striking a chord with the Dutch crowd ... You don’t have to be a huge lover of Barry Manilow’s song or an ice dance enthusiast to get a kick from Tropicana as the artistry of the show will appeal to all. (Peterborough Today, 14 Jan 2012)
http://www.peterboroughtoday.co.uk/lifestyle/the-guide/ dance_spectacular_heads_for_the_city_1_3420040
- Barry Manilow didn't think about money until it was gone - Barry Manilow "paid no attention" to his finances until he was declared bankrupt. The "Copacabana" hitmaker discovered in 1980 that mismanagement of his fortune had resulted in his millions being squandered away to the point where he had "absolutely no money", and while he was forced to start all over again, the legendary singer can now "smile" about the experience. He said: "There was a point in my career where I had absolutely no money. I was not prepared for all that cash that came at me, I paid no attention to it. I hired somebody and I trusted people, but I looked up one day after all those hits, after I wrote all those songs and I had just $11,000 in the bank. After all over those hits, I had to start all over again. I can smile about it now." Despite his previous money worries, the 68-year-old singer -- who has sold more than 80 million records worldwide -- is now using his fame to help schools improve their musical education. Barry added in an interview on UK TV show 'This Morning': "My biggest ambition in life is to get musical instruments into the hands of a lot of schools that can't afford them any more. It's just killing me that they're not being able to give music classes to kids in many schools in America so I'm trying to do all I can do to change that." (CTV, 1/5/2012)
http://www.ctv.ca/CTVNews/Entertainment/20120105/ Barry-Manilow-didnt-think-about-money-120105/
- Is your heart doing an A-fib? - Over the years there have been many popular romantic songs describing how your heart can go crazy with it beating faster than usual. However, popular singer Barry Manilow says he has experienced the real thing. The [68]-year-old recently revealed that he suffers from a heart condition called atrial fibrillation, which is also known as A-fib. The condition makes your heart beat abnormally and out of rhythm. In Manilow's words, "Atrial fibrillation is... my version of rap, that's what it feels like. Your heart is going crazy," Dr BK Goyal, chief cardiologist, says, "A-fib occurs when the upper chambers of the heart beat faster than the lower chambers, causing an irregular, racing heartbeat. If patients are not careful it can cause blood clots which can lead to a cardiac failure, paralysis or a stroke." There are different factors that can cause atrial fibrillation, according to cardiologist, Dr Hasmukh Ravat [including heart disease, excessive alcohol consumption, drug abuse and smoking, thyroid condition. Singer Barry Manilow was diagnosed with this condition 15 years ago. Since his diagnosis, Manilow uses one of his biggest hits "Copacabana" to tell him when his heart is beating to the right rhythm. Around 2.5 million Americans have A-fib. As you get older you are more prone to getting A-fib because your heart is not as strong as it used to be. (Times of India, 1/6/2012)
http://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/life-style/health-fitness/ health/Is-your-heart-doing-an-A-fib/articleshow/11375348.cms
- Dick Clark on 40 years of New Year's Rockin' Eve - December 31 is always celebratory for Dick Clark, who has become the father figure of New Year’s Eve. But this year, Clark is feeling particularly festive. His "Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve" will mark its 40th anniversary, expanding to 5-1/2 hours of music performances and reports from celebrations around the world on ABC. Clark, of course, will be counting down to midnight from Times Square in New York City. In recent years, the special has taken on a particular poignancy with Clark’s determination to mark the date on camera, despite a debilitating stroke in 2004 that impaired his speech. Since resuming his duties on the celebration in 2006, he has a far more limited role, leaving the main hosting responsibilities to Ryan Seacrest. Clark, 82, recently answered questions about this year’s milestone and recalled special moments from the past ... Since the show is longer this year, what can viewers expect? There will be highlights from 40 years, with clips representing every genre of music. Just some of the featured artists will be Three Dog Night, Barry Manilow, Rihanna, the Beach Boys, Pink, KC & the Sunshine Band, Taylor Swift, Lionel Richie, the Village People and Miley Cyrus. (L.A. Times, 12/30/2011)
http://latimesblogs.latimes.com/showtracker/2011/12/dick-clark-new-years.html
- Dick Clark: Rockin' it on New Year's since 1972 - Ask Dick Clark for his top memories of his iconic New Year's Rockin' Eve show and he ticks off a handful. There have been many memorable moments," says Clark, 82, whose annual televised celebration marks its 40th anniversary this year. "The year of the Iran hostage crisis, the ball almost didn't drop," he says; in 1980, the owner of One Times Square wanted to cancel to protest Iran's detention of 52 Americans. "Then, of course, there was the millennium," Clark says. "The most nerve-racking would have to be the first New Year's Eve after the 9/11 tragedy." Musical moment? "It would be difficult to pick my favorite. One of the most memorable has been Barry Manilow, who has performed his song It's Just Another New Year's Eve several times." (9News Denver, 12/28/2011)
http://www.9news.com/rss/story.aspx?storyid=238425
- Punks In Vegas Holiday Compilation To Benefit Music Schools - Punks in Vegas has released a special holiday compilation to benefit the Manilow Music Project. The audio originally appeared for the Punks In Vegas Holiday Stripped Down Sessions and was later remastered by Tyler Newton. The compilation is available for pay what you want, with all proceeds providing support to school music programs. The album includes contributions from Forever Came Calling, Brendan Scholz of Deadhand ("The Christmas Song" (Weezer cover)), The Sheds, Jesse Pino ("All I Want for Christmas is You" (Mariah Carey cover)), No Red Alice ("Winter Wonderland" (Irving Berlin cover)), Brock Frabbiele of TheCore, Last Call, Wear Your Heart, and Devon Kay and the Solutions... (PunkSite, 12/22/2011)
http://thepunksite.com/news/2011/12/22/punks-in-vegas- holiday-compilation-to-benefit-music-schools/
- Barry Manilow and More Set for Hollywood Bowl in 2012 - Initial details of the Hollywood Bowl's 2012 summer season have been announced. The upcoming season will kick off June 22, 2012, with the annual Hall of Fame concert and gala. Inductees into the Hall of Fame have yet to be announced. The annual Fireworks Spectacular will be offered July 2-4 at 7:30 PM. The evenings will feature special guest Barry Manilow, the Los Angeles Philharmonic, patriotic music and, of course, fireworks... (Playbill, 12/29/2011)
http://www.playbill.com/news/article/158069-Barry-Manilow- Grease-and-More-Set-for-Hollywood-Bowl-in-2012
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