Barry Briefs - Archive 26

Black Country stage stars set to glam it up in glitzy Barry Manilow musical - CRADLEY Heath's Tab Operatic Society is getting set to stage Barry Manilow's glitzy musical Copacabana in Brierley Hill next week. Featuring sing-a-long Manilow hits Lola and Copacabana and a host of others - the show will run nightly at Brierley Hill Civic Hall from Tuesday April 8 to Saturday April 11 from 7.15pm; there's also a matinee on Saturday April 11 starting at 2pm. Society newcomer Mitchell Bastable stars as struggling songwriter Stephen who dreams up alter ego Tony, Forte an aspiring songwriter/bartender at the famousCopacabana nightclub, while seasoned Black Country stage star Fleur Petford is set to appear as showgirl Lola Lamar who gets her big break when she auditions for a spot at the Copa in 1947. But it's not all plain sailing as after catching the eye of villainous gangster Rico Castelli (played by newcomer John Nicholas) Lola is kidnapped and taken to Rico's club - the Tropicana in Havana, Cuba. Society regular Louise Griffin is also set to appear as Gladys Murphy, the girlfriend of the Copa's hard-headed manager Sam Silver (played by Grant Chapman), and Sarah Field stars as Cuban singer and Rico's moll - Conchita Alvarez. Tickets for the show range from £10 to £13.50 and they are available from the Tab ticket hotline - 07722 417962. (Halesowen News, 31 March 2014) http://www.halesowennews.co.uk/news/local/11114288.Black_Country_ stage_stars_set_to_glam_it_up_in_glitzy_Barry_Manilow_musical/ Celebrity 'Rebels' raise money for cancer research - The event: Rebels With a Cause at Paramount Pictures Studios in Hollywood on Thursday honored Oracle Corp. co-founder and Chief Executive Larry Ellison, raising $9 million to benefit the medical research of Dr. David Agus, director of the USC Westside Cancer Center and the USC Center for Applied Molecular Medicine. The news: Paramount CEO Brad Grey announced plans to build a new cancer institute in Los Angeles. He said it's envisioned to be "a life-changing and life-saving facility, dedicated to providing the most cutting edge and groundbreaking medicine available." The show: Pharrell Williams bounded from onstage into the audience, singing his Oscar-nominated tune "Happy" as guests rose up to dance along, some of them, such as January Jones, snapping close-ups. Jonah Hill and Anna Kendrick read grateful letters from patients treated by Agus, and as a finale, Barry Manilow sang three numbers, ending with "One Voice," as, one by one, the 62 voices of the USC Choir joined in. The crowd: Honorary event co-chairs Grey, his wife, Cassandra Grey, and Dr. Carmen Puliafito, dean of USC's Keck School of Medicine, drew from the entertainment, business and medical communities for the guest list. It included actors Sacha Baron Cohen and Isla Fisher, Molly Shannon, B.J. Novak, Bob Saget, John Stamos, Alice Eve; model Helen Lasichanh; Japanese recording star Yoshiki; songwriter Carole Bayer Sager and Robert Daly; writer-director Christopher Nolan; producer Jerry Bruckheimer and philanthropist-financier Michael Milken. Lynne Benioff and Marc Benioff, chief executive of salesforce.com, served as co-presenting sponsors, with David Foster as musical director and Don Mischer as event producer. The honoree: In remarks, the 16-time Grammy-winning Foster praised Ellison for, among other qualities, his complexity, comprehensive knowledge, world-changing technology, love for life, good manners, America’s Cup win, "superb and overlooked Oscar-worthy acting performance in ‘Iron Man 2’" and his generosity, which the honoree later proved by announcing that he would match the gala’s up-to-then $4.5 million in proceeds, doubling the night’s total haul. (L.A. Times, March 21, 2014) http://touch.latimes.com/#section/-1/article/p2p-79689993/ Paramount's Star-Studded Gala Raises $9 Million for USC Cancer Researcher - In a town that understands how stars are made, Dr. David B. Agus is a medical supernova, which is why a glittering constellation of Hollywood notables turned out Thursday night to raise a stunning $9 million to support his pioneering cancer research. The Paramount Pictures fundraiser -- labeled "Rebels with a Cause" -- was put together by the studio’s chief, Brad Grey, who amassed $4.5 million in contributions from the entertainment industry. When high-tech multi-billionaire and Oracle founder Larry Ellison, who was being honored for his longtime support of Agus’ cutting-edge research into cancer’s genetic roots, was informed of that total, he promptly offered to match it with a personal donation. That brought the night’s total to $9 million. Though Agus is perhaps best known for treating Steve Jobs in the final years of his advanced illness, it was the physician’s treatment of Viacom chairman Sumner Redstone that prompted entertainment industry philanthropists to take notice of his work. Redstone credits Agus with saving his life after he was diagnosed with an aggressive form of prostate cancer. The USC medical researcher's patient roster also includes Neil Young, Ted Kennedy, Lance Armstrong and Robin Quivers ... Apart from Grey and Ellison, those attending the Paramount fundraiser included, among many others, Haim Saban, Barry Manilow and Pharrell Williams (who performed), Jonah Hill, Anna Kendrick, Sacha Baron Cohen, Isla Fisher, Jimmy Kimmel (who emceed), Alice Eve, January Jones, Chris Pine, Molly Shannon, Christopher Nolan, John Stamos, Carole Bayer Sager, B.J. Novak, Michael Milken and Jerry Bruckheimer. "You have all heard about the breakthroughs in cancer treatments in the media, but I am here to tell you that the time is now for major change," Agus told the crowd. "We are at a tipping point where technology will allow us to make quantum leaps in treating this horrible disease." (Hollywood Reporter, 3/21/2014) http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/paramounts-star-studded-gala-raises-690239 Larry Ellison Donates $4.5 Million at Rebels With a Cause Cancer Research Gala - The second annual Rebels With a Cause gala Thursday raised more than $9 million thanks to honoree Larry Ellison, Oracle CEO and co-founder, as he matched donations with $4.5 million of his own. Hosted at Paramount Pictures Studios, the event supported the cancer research done by Dr. David Agus and the USC Center for Applied Medicine. "How much did we raise here this evening?" asked Ellison while accepting the Rebels With a Cause Award, "$4.5? OK, I’d like to match that." CEO of Paramount Pictures and co-chair of the event Brad Grey has been working with Agus for the past three years and said, "We call out our friends (and) we asked them to come support this. We hope to raise a great deal of money and we hope to make that money exponential in years to come." Sporting his famous hat, Pharrell Williams kicked off the night with his Oscar-nominated song "Happy," as the crowd danced and sang along. Late-night host and comedian Jimmy Kimmel emceed the gala and brought his usual humor. "Dr. Agus is doing incredible things in the fight against cancer, and he needs our help and by our help I mean your help because I’m not usually much help with anything," Kimmel said ... Barry Manilow closed out the night by performing his hit songs "I Made It Through the Rain" and "Copacabana." It was a star-studded evening with guests including Grey’s wife and co-chair, Cassandra Grey, David Foster, Jerry Bruckheimer, Carole Bayer Sager and Bob Daly, Chris Pine, January Jones, Molly Shannon, B.J. Novak, Jennifer Missoni, Bob Saget, John Stamos, Robert Evans, Alice Eve, Dr. Carmen A. Puliafito, Linda Ramone and Rob Moore. (Variety, 3/21/2014) http://variety.com/2014/scene/news/larry-ellison-donates-4-5-million-at-rebels-with-a-cause-cancer-research-gala-1201141412/ Brad Grey announces new cancer institute at star-studded gala - Paramount boss Brad Grey and his wife Cassandra hosted the star-studded Rebels With a Cause gala Wednesday night to honor Oracle CEO Larry Ellison and cancer specialist Dr. David Agus. Jimmy Kimmel emceed and guests included Barbra Streisand, Jerry Bruckheimer and Jonah Hill. Barry Manilow and Pharrell Williams performed at the celebration of Ellison’s philanthropy and Agus’ work as director of the USC Westside Cancer Center and USC Center for Applied Molecular Medicine. Grey announced a new LA cancer institute for "personalized medicine and care." Also there: Anna Kendrick, Rosie Huntington-Whiteley and Jason Statham and Sumner Redstone. (PageSix, 3/20/2014) http://pagesix.com/2014/03/20/brad-grey-announces-new-cancer-institute-at-star-studded-gala/ Pharrell Williams And Barry Manilow To Perform At Rebels With A Cause Gala - Stars of movies, music, medicine and technology will join at Paramount Pictures Studios in Hollywood on March 20 for the second annual Rebels With a Cause gala honoring titan of technology and powerhouse philanthropist, Larry J. Ellison, co-founder and CEO of Oracle Corporation. Last year’s event raised $3.6 million for the revolutionary and life-saving research of David B. Agus, M.D., director of the USC Westside Cancer Center and the USC Center for Applied Molecular Medicine (CAMM). Honorary co-chairs are Cassandra and Brad Grey, chairman and CEO of Paramount Pictures, and Carmen A. Puliafito, M.D., M.B.A., dean of the Keck School of Medicine. Co-presenting sponsors are Lynne and Marc Benioff, founder, chairman and CEO of salesforce.com. The gala will feature special performances by music superstar Barry Manilow and Grammy Award-winning singer-songwriter-record producer Pharrell Williams with Grammy Award-winner David Foster serving as musical director. Internationally acclaimed director and producer Don Mischer will produce and Jimmy Kimmel will host... (Look To The Stars, 3/12/2014) https://www.looktothestars.org/news/11662-pharrell-williams- and-barry-manilow-to-perform-at-rebels-with-a-cause-gala Dave Koz To Support Barry Manilow On UK Tour - Smooth jazz star Dave Koz has been confirmed as the support act for Barry Manilow’s forthcoming UK tour. Manilow is set to arrive on these shores in May, with three London dates - two at Wembley Arena (May 13-14) and one at The O2 (May 26) - complemented by shows in Ipswich (May 16), Manchester (May 18), Glasgow (May 19), Cardiff (May 22) and Southampton (May 24). (Stereoboard.com, 11 March 2014) http://m.stereoboard.com/index.php?news_id=184521&page=5&# Larry Ellison to Be Honored at Rebels With a Cause Gala - Jimmy Kimmel will host the event set to feature guest performances by Barry Manilow and Pharrell Williams: Tech mogul and philanthropist Larry Ellison, co-founder and CEO of Oracle Corporation, has been named the honoree of the 2nd annual Rebels With a Cause gala, which will take place later this month. The event will benefit the cancer research efforts of David B. Agus, M.D., director of the USC Center for Applied Molecular Medicine and the USC Westside Cancer Center. "Larry has been a champion of our Center's work from day one when his Ellison Medical Foundation announced funding for the initiation of our cancer research at the USC Center for Applied Molecular Medicine," Agus said in a statement. "His generous support through the years is allowing us to explore unique approaches to medical oncology that will help us better control a disease which impacts millions worldwide." Music veteran Barry Manilow and Oscar-nominated singer-songwriter and producer Pharrell Williams are set to showcase special guest performances at the gala, where David Foster, 16-time Grammy Award winner, will serve as the night's musical director. Late night talk show host Jimmy Kimmel is set to host the event as the master of ceremonies ... The Rebels With a Cause gala will be held at the Paramount Pictures Studio on March 20. (Hollywood Reporter, 3/10/2014) http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/larry-ellison-be-honored-at-687374 Rebels With a Cause gala - Oracle co-founder and chief executive Larry Ellison will be the guest of honor at this year's "Rebels With a Cause" gala, an event to benefit cancer research at USC. The second annual gala, being held March 20 at Paramount Pictures Studios, will be emceed by Jimmy Kimmel and feature guest performances by Barry Manilow and Pharrell Williams. Paramount chairman and CEO Brad Grey and wife Cassandra, along with Keck School of Medicine dean Carmen Puliafito, are honorary co-chairs of the event. Proceeds benefit the research of David Agus, director of the USC Westside Cancer Center and the USC Center for Applied Molecular Medicine. Sixteen-time Grammy winner David Foster will serve as musical director, while Don Mischer will produce. (Yahoo! Celebrity, 3/7/2014) http://za.celebrity.yahoo.com/news/paramount-honor-oracle-co-founder-larry-ellison-gala-235200963.html TCTC thinks outside the box with Vaudeville production - Tyler Civic Theatre Center’s musical production of W.H. Smith’s "The Drunkard" is, if nothing else, an interesting slice of theatrical history. The original version of the play (also known as "The Fallen Saved") first debuted in 1844 and was essentially a piece of agitprop for the rising Temperance Movement. It soared in popularity and was soon picked up by P.T. Barnum, who took the production to New York City and soon began preaching the benefits of temperance in between acts. Although, successful as the run was, Barnum eventually ended the production as men in the audience would, in addition to sneaking out back for a nip, would cheer on the villain and would shout at the protagonist to drink more. There were revivals here and there, but it wasn’t until the 1960s that "The Drunkard" was reinvented. TCTC’s production follows that reinvention as the musical version adapted by Bro Herrod and Barry Manilow (yes, that Barry Manilow). You’ll hear the cast singing about giving up "demon rum." You’ll watch as Jarratt Calvert (appropriately) devours the scenery, relishing every twirl of the handlebar mustache glued beneath the prosthetic nose. He’s Snidely Whiplash, if Whiplash’s main goal was to get Dudley Do-Right on the sauce and ruin his life and marriage. I’m not really exaggerating, either. The nefarious lawyer Mr. Cribbs (Calvert) wants to sell the cottage inhabited by Mary (Victoria Dickson) and her mother, Mrs. Wilson (Laura Foster). However, when the charming and handsome Edward (Jonathan Davidson) is smitten of Mary, he’s determined to wed her and thusly save the cottage from sale. Cribbs, though, won’t be thwarted so easily and discovers Jonathan’s one weakness: Alcohol! It’s actually a pretty fun little production, and not just for the cast who is clearly enjoying going big and broad and slathering on the drama that surely caused thousands of pearls to be breathlessly clutched. No, this goes the whole Vaudeville route, complete with crew members holding up signs to prompt cheers and jeers, bags of popcorn to toss at the villain, and live piano accompaniment. It’s fun stuff, makes for a lively presentation and helps to assuage the fact that it’s slightly too long for its own good. Mostly though it’s fun getting a little bit of a history lesson that also goes to some lengths to poke fun at the Very Serious Business of warning the masses about the evils and dangers of Satan’s nectar. It’s almost hard to believe that people ever took material like this (well, the base material, at least) seriously. That’s beside the point, however. The point being this was a fun show. I’m always happy to see organizations like TCTC think outside the box when it comes to their season and having a Vaudeville-esque production that’s also enlightening is certainly the way to go. "The Drunkard" opens tonight at Tyler Civic Theatre Center. Descriptive theatre services for the visually impaired will also be made available beginning with this production, though reservations are required. For more information or for tickets, call 903-592-0561 or visit www.tylercivictheatre.com. (Tyler Morning Telegraph, 06 March 2014) http://www.tylerpaper.com/TP-Arts+Entertainment/195922/the-drunkard- tctc-thinks-outside-the-box-with-vaudeville-production

Copacabana really gets in your head - Only an iron-willed individual could come away from Derby Dinner Playhouse’s pulsating theatrical treatment of Barry Manilow’s "Copacabana" without that song’s infectious melody pounding through the brain. Director/associate producer Lee Buckholz, who works wonders with musicals, and producer Bekki Jo Schneider lavish skill and affection on the oft-used tale of a small-town girl with show-biz dreams who snags song-and-dance stardom, this time at New York’s famed Copacabana club in 1947. Kayla Peabody is the entrancing girl ("her name was Lola, she was a showgirl") who hits the Big Apple from Tulsa and quickly gets taken under the wing of wise-cracking ex-Copa, now cigarette, girl Gladys Murphy (Cami Glauser). Songwriter/dancer Tony Forte (Jordan Cyphert) is immediately smitten, and tough-talking softie club owner Sam Silver (John Vessels) hires her as a Copa girl. The show morphs into a kind of technicolor noir travelogue when Mafia gangster Rico Castelli (virile singer Nick Fitzer) and Conchita Alvarez (the smashing Jillian Prefach), his longtime lover and star of his Tropicana nightclub in Havana, catch Lola’s act in New York. Rico kidnaps Lola and shanghais her to Cuba to make her his new star. Visually the show is a knockout with top honors going to Sharon Murray Harrah’s fabulous costumes, starting with white-gowned showgirls sporting feathered headdresses and looking as if they’d stepped from Stephen Sondheim’s "Follies." Partnered with elegant dancing men in white tuxes, they later appear in glittering red costumes exposing bare midriffs. Outstanding, too, is Heather Paige Folsom’s dynamic choreography. Manilow’s other catchy melodies besides the title tune include "Sweet Heaven (I’m in Love Again" for Tony, who is spectacular in his "Dancin’ Fool" routine with the men, Conchita’s "Welcome to Havana" a la Carmen Miranda, and sexy, evil Rico’s "Bolero D’Amore" with ensemble. Sam and Gladys, show stealers par excellence in Vessels and Glauser, nail the big comic number "Who Am I Kidding?" about ineffectual Sam’s plan to play hero to help Tony rescue Lola. Musical director Scott Bradley, on piano, and his musicians - Darryel Cotten, drums; Mark McCulloch, bass; Timothy Whalen, woodwinds, and Stacy Simpson, trumpet - provide exemplary accompaniment. Bruce Sussman and Jack Feldman, Manilow’s longtime collaborators, are his lyricists while all three wrote the book for the show, which ran two years in London but has never been on Broadway. It started life as a 1985 TV movie. "Copacabana" runs through March 30. For tickets and information: 812-288-8281; toll free 877-898-8577, or [visit] derbydinner.com. (News and Tribune, 2/21/2014) http://www.newsandtribune.com/features/x2039930856/ -Copacabana-really-gets-in-your-head Steve Lawrence brings lifetime of experience to new album - Ron Dante, who produced Lawrence's new album, "When You Come Back to Me Again," which Curb Records released this month exclusively on Amazon, said Lawrence "sounds like a young man. When we would turn on the microphone I became a fan again." The album is dedicated to Lawrence's late wife and singing partner, Eydie Gorme, who died in August in Las Vegas, at the age of 84. The couple, who were often referred to as the Lunts of Las Vegas, had been married for more than 55 years. The album, which features songs by such composers as Garth Brooks (When You Come Back To Me), Billy Joel (Tell Her About It), Barry Manilow (I Was A Fool To Let You Go) and Neil Sedaka (The Hungry Years), as well as such standards as "Dream a Little Dream of Me" and "That Sunday, That Summer," was completed before Gorme's death. "Eydie heard that album and she thought it was terrific," Lawrence said softly. When Gorme died, the release date was put on hold. When Lawrence was approached recently about the release, he told them, "Let's put it out for Valentine's Day." Lawrence couldn't recall the last time he recorded a new studio album. Then Dante called out of the blue a few years ago. The producer and his girlfriend had seen Lawrence and Gorme perform at the Stardust in Las Vegas right before the hotel closed in 2006. "He just stunned me with his voice, so a little time later, I finally got his number and called him and said what are you doing?" said Dante. "I would love to produce you." Lawrence and Dante picked out songs for the album. "What a joyous experience it was," said Dante. "I could see his mind working as he sang the songs. I could see him digesting what does [this lyric] really mean. He is a legendary talent." (Los Angeles Times, 2/21/2014) http://www.latimes.com/entertainment/movies/moviesnow/ la-et-mn-steve-lawrence-20140221,0,7645759,full.story#axzz2u5RhWP1E Finding fame in Derby Dinner's Copacabana - Her name is Lola, and she will be part of the Derby Dinner Playhouse presentation Copacabana, which opens Tuesday. Copacabana will take place each day except Mondays from Feb. 18-Mar. 30. Evening shows will take place at 7:45 p.m. with doors and buffet opening at 6 p.m. Sunday matinees start at 1:30 p.m. with an 11:45 a.m. door and buffet opening. Finally, Wednesday matinees will start at 1 p.m. with doors and buffet opening also at 11:45 a.m. All performances are to go on at Derby Dinner Playhouse, located at 525 Marriott Drive in Clarksville, IN. Tickets for each dinner and show range from $36-$45, depending on day of the show. All tickets can be purchased at the door, the Derby Dinner website, or by calling the Derby Dinner box office at 812-288-8281. More information on the show can also be found at the Derby Dinner website. Copacabana takes a writer and audiences back to the 1940s and the New York nightclub that bares the same name as Barry Mainlow's song. Imagine, like the writer named Stephen, the lights, the sounds, and the soon-to-be-starlets, including Lola. She and the nightclub worker Tony hit it off and begin their tale of love, music, and danger. Manilow crated the musical Copacabana along with Bruce Sussman and Jack Feldman. Lee Buckholz directed the production, which features Jordan Cyphert as Stephen and Tony and Kayla Peabody as Lola and Samantha. (Louisville.com, 2/17/2014) http://www.derbydinner.com http://www.louisville.com/content/finding-fame-derby-dinners-copacabana

Things you need to know, happening in Florida on Friday, January 31 ... Barry Manilow in concert! Superstar Barry Manilow will perform in concert at the Tampa Bay Times Forum on Friday night. Manilow, with than 50 Top 40 hits, is considered by many the #1 Adult Contemporary Artist of all time. He has thrilled millions for decades with such hit songs as Mandy, Can't Smile Without You, and Copacabana (at The Copa). Besides performing his own compositions, Manilow has written and produced songs for many stars including Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, and Dionne Warwick. The 70-year-old singer-songwriter has won two Emmy Awards, a Grammy Award and a Tony Award. He has also received an Oscar nomination. Tonight's concert begins at 7:30 p.m. To learn more information about Barry Manilow, visit his official website at www.manilow.com. (ABC Action News, 1/31/2014) http://www.abcactionnews.com/dpp/news/local_news/5-things-you-need- to-know-happening-in-florida-on-friday-january-31 Barry Manilow performing tonight - Barry Manilow will perform at the Pensacola Bay Center. WEAR teamed up with Manilow and the Manilow Music Project. One local music teacher won your hearts and votes for a VIP Barry Manilow concert experience. Heidi Graves teaches music and chorus at Bagdad Elementary School. [She] has been out of the classroom since doctors discovered a brain tumor earlier this month. Graves received multiple nominations from her principal, her co-workers and parents of her students. "It gives me a want to go and do it more." "keep going" "keep going." "I want to get back so bad." After dinner at Jackson's Steakhouse, Heidi and her husband will meet Barry Manilow. Then watch the concert from the front row. (WEAR-TV, 1/30/2014) http://www.weartv.com/news/features/top-stories/stories/ barry-manilow-performing-tonight-40989.shtml Things to do in Baton Rouge this weekend ... International pop star Barry Manilow was scheduled to perform at the Baton Rouge River Center on Wednesday, Jan. 29, but Tuesday's ice storm delayed the show until Monday, Feb. 3. Since his breakout hit, "Mandy," was released in 1974, Manilow has released numerous hits and nearly 20 albums. That work has garnered him a number of awards, including Emmys, American Music Awards, Emmys, a Special Tony and a Grammy. Tickets start at $18 and are available through the River Center or Ticketmaster. (The Times-Picayune, 1/29/2014) http://www.nola.com/entertainment/baton-rouge/index.ssf/2014/01/ barry_manilow_local_cocktails.html Barry Manilow at Germain Arena - Barry Manilow performed live at Germain Arena on Friday, Jan. 24. Manilow is a Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee and has produced, arranged, and released more than 40 albums during the course of his career. -- Photos (Southwest Florida News, 1/25/2014) http://www.news-press.com/article/20140125/ENT/140125003/1002/RSS01 IHOP manager treats employees to Barry Manilow concert - Parked outside the IHOP on 103rd in Jacksonville is a Mini Cooper with a sticker in the back windshield that says "Manilow University." The Florida license plate says "MANILOW." It belongs to Penny Johnson, the operator/manager of the IHOP, the self proclaimed biggest Manilow fan (Fanilow?) in Jacksonville. "It's just a major connection with the music," she said. "I've seen him more than 250 times." Johnson knows not everyone in her restaurant is a Manilow fan, so she takes the role educator very seriously. She shows off all her memorabilia in the restaurant, sure, but last time Manilow came to town she gave her employees a masters course. "It was 2011 and I told them next time Barry comes to town I'll take you, and I took 42 people," she said. It was a $7,000 gift to her employees, and she made sure none sat farther back than row 6. This time through, she's taking all the fellow managers and operators around Jacksonville. "Yeah, it's 10 in total," she said. "It's something I'm very passionate about." And next time, who knows, maybe more employees will get to experience Barry Manilow in person for themselves. "They've all heard me go on and on about him for so long, so when they finally see him they'll be like 'Fine, I may not be a fan, but I get it,'" she said. "Then they'll know I'm not crazy." (First Coast News, 1/23/2014) http://www.firstcoastnews.com/story/entertainment/events/2014/01/23/ ihop-manager-barry-manilow-concert/4805895/ Barry Manilow Performs in Concert at Amway Center in Orlando, Florida on Saturday, January 18, 2014: Photo Gallery. (Orlando Sentinel, 1/18/2014) http://www.orlandosentinel.com/os-pictures-barry-manilow- in-concert-at-amway-center-20140118,0,2129295.photogallery Barry Manilow concert at BB&T Center - Barry Manilow performed at the BB&T Center Friday night. Our (WPLG - Miami) Local 10 cameras were flashing. Check out the pictures. (Local 10 Miami, 1/17/2014) http://www.local10.com/entertainment/photos-barry-manilow-concert/ -/1716846/23991694/-/2e6g8c/-/index.html Kyle Dennis performs with Barry Manilow - Pop icon Barry Manilow will be performing in the Lowcountry this weekend. Back in 2005, our own Kyle Dennis joined Mr. Manilow onstage in Las Vegas for a duet, and the News 2 Today crew had some fun with the video Thursday morning. Check it out! (WCBD-TV Charleston, 1/16/2014) http://www.counton2.com/story/24468497/kyle-dennis-performs-with-barry-manilow La magia de Barry Manilow llega al BB&T Center en Sunrise - ¿Qué tiene Barry Manilow que sigue siendo uno de los artistas clásicos contemporáneos más admirados? Con un rostro increíblemente infantil a pesar de sus 70 años y una voz siempre joven, llena de energía, ritmo y romance, este nativo de Brooklyn, Nueva York, sigue haciendo sonreír y cantar al unísono a sus seguidores. Como lo hará el 17 de enero, a las 8 p.m., en el BB&T Center de Sunrise. (Sun-Sentinel, 1/15/2014) http://articles.sun-sentinel.com/2014-01-15/elsentinel/ fl-es-barry-manilow-sunrise-20140115_1_bbt-center-la-magia-enero This Week In Billboard Chart History ... Jan. 18, 1975: The hit that inspired Barry-oke: Barry Manilow's debut Billboard Hot 100 entry "Mandy" became his first No. 1, rising to the top of the chart 39 years ago today. (Billboard, 1/13/2014) http://www.billboard.com/articles/columns/chart-beat/5869567/ this-week-in-billboard-chart-history-lady-gaga-lands-her-first

"I'd never have survived breast cancer if it wasn't for my best friend Barry Manilow (and sister Liza)": Judy Garland's daughter Lorna Luft on ten months of tears and pain - Lorna Luft sinks into the sofa in her manager’s office in Los Angeles. "Welcome to the first day of the rest of my life," she says, and smiles that face-splitting smile. She has more reason than most for her genuine good cheer. Yesterday, she completed a six-week course of radiotherapy, marking what she hopes will be the last treatment she undergoes for breast cancer. Now she is en route to New York and two benefit concerts at a club called Birdland in which she will perform with her elder sister, Liza Minnelli. The pair are the daughters of screen legend Judy Garland. The past 12 months have been a testing time for Lorna. On December 17, 2012, she was relaxing in front of the television after giving a concert in New York. "My hand brushed across my right breast and touched what seemed to be a lump," she recalls. "I asked my husband Colin what he thought it was. He didn’t know but he confirmed that yes, there was a hard lump in my breast." When she got home to Palm Springs, California, Lorna, 59, told a girlfriend what she had discovered. "She said I ought to go and see a doctor right away. I said I couldn’t, that I was due to perform cabaret in London. I was in total denial. But when I got back to America, I did make an appointment to see a doctor, who sent me immediately to have a mammogram. The radiologist told me the lump didn’t look great because it didn’t have liquid around it, which it would if it were a cyst." Lorna was informed she must have a biopsy. "But I was off to New York to work. I wasn’t dealing with what was happening. Finally, three weeks after I first discovered the lump, I agreed to the procedure." Two days later, Lorna was having a pedicure when she got a call from the radiographer. "He told me, 'Lorna, you have Grade-3 breast cancer.' I stood and, barefoot, walked out of the salon. I was saying, 'Oh my God!' over and over. I didn’t know what a 'grade' was as opposed to a 'stage'." Only later did Lorna learn that the grade relates to the size of the tumour, and the stage is how far it has advanced. She was at Stage 2A – and there are four stages. Reeling from the news, Lorna called her husband and then her manager. "I felt like I’d been pushed out of a helicopter into the ocean and been told to swim home," she says. "I didn’t know where I was going or what I was doing. Next I called my best friend, Barry Manilow. I have known him since 1972. He’s like my brother." It was Barry who would set Lorna on the best possible path to recovery. The first surgeon she saw was "totally lacking" in bedside manner, she says. "The doctor said, 'OK, you’re going to have one month of chemotherapy, your hair will fall out and you’ll feel like s***.' That’s when I started crying." She stepped out of the consulting room determined to seek a second opinion. "And that’s when my phone rang. It was Barry. I told him what had just occurred. 'I will not allow this to happen to you,' he said, and fixed an appointment for me to see David Agus, one of the top cancer specialists in the world who had taken care of cyclist Lance Armstrong [who survived advanced testicular cancer]." In due course, Lorna underwent a number of tests and scans, which were sent to Agus. Once all the results were in, "he called and said, 'I’m looking at your biopsy and I can tell you right now, Lorna, you’re going to be OK'." It was then that Lorna started taking her condition seriously. "I’d been pushing it to one side," she admits. She told her son, Jesse, 29, and daughter, Vanessa, 22, about her diagnosis. "Jesse was stoic, Vanessa was very upset. My husband is British so he’s not given to great displays of emotion, but from the start he’s been there for me." Before Lorna’s first face-to-face appointment with Agus, there was a strange occurrence. "There’s a tiny little cafe called the Lazy Daisy right in the middle of Wilshire Boulevard in Los Angeles where my friend Kim and I stopped to buy some coffee before my consultation," she says. "I stepped up to the counter to pay and happened to glance up at the wall behind the cash register. There was just one poster pinned there. It was of my mother in A Star Is Born. I saw her eyes looking straight back at me over the coffee cans. It was a sign." Agus told Lorna about the team he’d put together for her, giving her the names of her surgeon, oncologist and nurse practitioner. Dr Jerrold Steiner, the surgeon, presented her with two options: either a lumpectomy possibly followed by chemo and radiation, or a mastectomy and no after-care. "I opted for the first because I wanted to save my breast," says Lorna. Two days later, she was admitted to Cedars-Sinai Medical Center in Beverly Hills. "I had surgery and was back home again within the day," she reveals. Scans showed the cancer hadn’t spread. After another appointment with Dr Steiner 48 hours later, Lorna went to see Philomena McAndrew, her oncologist. "She told me that because there was a small possibility that some cancer cells could have broken off from the tumour and remained in my body following surgery, she wanted to be on the safe side. She strongly recommended chemotherapy. I started sobbing." It was explained to Lorna that a "port" would be inserted underneath her arm and that, during batches of six separate sessions held three weeks apart, drugs called Taxotere and Cytoxan would be injected via the port into her system. "Chemo wasn’t something I wanted," Lorna admits. "But the alternative – that is, the cancer returning – was something I wanted even less. So I told my children and Barry what was happening and then rang my sister Liza. From the first moment I’d told her after the original diagnosis, she was asking, 'OK, what do we do? Where do we go?' It was 'we' from the start. She was my big sister. Liza was just extraordinary. Throughout it all, she would phone Colin every other day for news." The port was duly inserted. "It was the most painful bit of the whole process," Lorna recalls. "A week later – it was the middle of March by now – I went for the first lengthy session. It took six hours. They gave me steroids, then fluids followed by anti-nausea medication, which turn off the nausea receptors in your brain and which meant I never felt sick. Finally, they wrapped my feet and my hands in ice because one of the chemo drugs can cause nerve problems. With the use of ice, the chemo doesn’t reach those nerve endings." Before this first session, Lorna was introduced to a woman who makes wigs. "She told me not to cut my hair before we met. She then put a dark brown wig on me and cut it to exactly the length and shape of my current hairstyle before taking it home and colouring it to precisely the same shade as my real hair." Lorna started losing her hair 17 days after the first session of chemo. "I’d just had a shower and, as I started drying my hair, it began coming away in my hands. I ran to Colin who held me as I cried. Then a hairdresser friend and another friend came over. Colin opened a bottle of wine and then they shaved my head." Lorna wears the wig – which looks exactly like her original locks – for our pictures, but as her hair is now growing back, away from the camera she sports a trilby. After the second chemo session, she started complaining of an aching scalp. "It was as if my hair had been in a very tight ponytail and had then been released. My scalp was throbbing. So I did the unthinkable, the one thing I’d been told not to do – I began researching this side effect on the internet. "But, actually, I came up with the solution. One woman who had suffered what I was going through said she’d taken the sort of Velcro roller you use to get lint off garments and she’d rolled it over her head. It pulled out all the stubbly bits of hair that remained on her head. I tried it and it relieved all the tension in my scalp." After the fourth session of chemo, Lorna developed breathing difficulties – her oncologist diagnosed an allergic reaction to Cytoxan. "It was terrifying," she says. "Philomena suggested having the fifth session using just Taxotere and then we called it a day." That was June 28. She had a month’s break, during which she went to New York to see Liza. "Contrary to what you might have read, Liza and I get on great. Everyone seems to want to create drama around our relationship but we don’t have drama. We have love. And my brother Joey has just been great, too." Next came a course of radiation. "You lie on a table and they zap your breast for five minutes every weekday for six weeks," explains Lorna. "It doesn’t hurt but in time it makes the target area feel as though it’s sunburnt." In the past ten months or so, many tears have been shed, but positivity has been the overriding name of the game. "I never spent one day in bed," she says defiantly. "I never spent one day without full make-up. They told me that 98 per cent of my recovery was going to be linked to my attitude. So I made up my mind: if I was going to have breast cancer, I was going to do it in stilettos." Lorna must take an anti-oestrogen pill once a day for five years and undergo six-monthly check-ups. "David Agus also recommended that I eat at the same time each day. I shouldn’t skip meals." Now Lorna is due in London for a two-week residency at The Crazy Coqs venue in Piccadilly. "It’ll just be me singing and Colin on piano," she says. "I can’t wait. I lived half my childhood in London because my mother spent so much time performing there. Coming back is also a way of thanking all those lovely Brits who wrote to me on Facebook when I was going through chemo." The previous evening, Colin had arranged a dinner party for his wife’s closest friends. Lorna says: "Barry was there. At one point, I turned to him and said, 'Thanks for saving my life.' Because he did." And the tears that Lorna has successfully kept at bay for over an hour finally fall unchecked. Lorna Luft will be at The Crazy Coqs, Brasserie Zédel, London, from December 3 to 7 and 10 to 14. For tickets, visit crazycoqs.com or call 020 7734 4888. To find out more about breast cancer symptoms, visit breakthrough.org.uk. (Daily Mail, 16 November 2013) http://www.dailymail.co.uk/health/article-2508355/ Judy-Garlands-daughter-Lorna-Luft-I-survived-breast-cancer- thanks-Barry-Manilow-Liza-Minelli.html Stars perform at Children in Need Rocks concert - Some of the biggest stars in music have taken to the stage for the first of two Children In Need Rocks concerts. Among the acts joining organiser Gary Barlow on stage was former Abba star Agnetha Faltskog, performing in front of a live audience for the first time in 25 years. It is the first time the pair have performed their duet, I Should've Followed You Home, together - as they originally recorded their parts of the song separately. Little Mix, Dizzee Rascal, Barry Manilow, Nicole Scherzinger, Kings of Leon and Barlow's former Take That band mate Robbie Williams were also among those who performed at London's Hammersmith Apollo. (BBC News, 13 Nov 2013) http://www.bbc.co.uk/news/entertainment-arts-24922899 Children in Need Rocks fundraising concert - Gary Barlow, who organised the Children in Need Rocks gig, was joined on stage by Robbie Williams and Barry Manilow. This was the first of two concerts in support of the charity, held at London's Hammersmith Eventim Apollo. (BBC Newsbeat, 13 Nov 2013) http://www.bbc.co.uk/newsbeat/24922760 Could it be magic: Barry Manilow joins Gary Barlow and Robbie Williams for Children In Need Rocks - Gary Barlow, Robbie Williams and Dizzee Rascal were among the stars who performed at the first of two Children in Need Rocks concerts at the Hammersmith Apollo last night. Other acts who turned out for the charity bash included former Abba star Agnetha Faltstog, who took to the stage for her first performance in 25 years. (London Evening Standard, 13 Nov 2013) http://www.standard.co.uk/showbiz/could-it-be-magic- barry-manilow-joins-gary-barlow-and-robbie-williams- for-children-in-need-rocks-8936482.html

Dream Foundation Hosts Annual Gala: Star-Studded Event Raises Cash, Recognizes Humanitarian Work - The Dream Foundation, a Santa Barbara-based organization that grants the wishes of adults suffering from life-threatening illnesses, hosted its 12th annual Celebration of Dreams Gala on Saturday. According to the nonprofit, the event put on at the Bacara Resort & Spa drew numerous celebrities, $200,000 in donations, and enough funds raised to cover one-third of the organization’s annual budget. The fundraiser’s famous faces included Barry Manilow, who received an award for his humanitarian work, Olivia Newton-John, and Richie Sambora, all of whom sung. "Glee" actress Jane Lynch and "Bachelor" alum Andrew Firestone also attended, auctioning off trips to the French Alps and Africa and Lakers tickets. Other attendees included Priscilla Presley, Alan Thicke, Nigel Lythgoe, "Glee" star Darren Criss, and Broadway star Teal Wicks. Thomas Rollerson, the foundation’s founder and president, thanked everyone for their work with the organization, saying "It is through bravery that we charge forward, it is through bravery that we fight every day, and it is through bravery that we continue to make dreams come true." (Santa Barbara Independent, 10/31/2013) http://www.independent.com/news/2013/oct/31/dream-foundation-hosts-annual-gala/ Henderson teen Malia Civetz, a 2012 Las Vegas Academy graduate, is well on her way to stardom. A sophomore at USC’s Thornton School of Music, Malia performed at the Dream Foundation Gala in Santa Barbara, Calif., honoring Barry Manilow with its Humanitarian Award. Malia joined Olivia Newton-John, Darren Criss, Richie Sambora, Jane Lynch and Nigel Lythgoe, among many others, in the Celebration of Dreams gala hosted by Priscilla Presley. Malia almost had no time to wait for the standing ovation and thunderous applause at [the] end. She rushed down to Staples Center in L.A. to belt out the Canadian and U.S. national anthems when the L.A. Kings took on the Edmonton Oilers. We remember Malia here on the Strip when she appeared onstage for Barry’s closing weekend at the Paris, when he selected her winner of his worldwide talent contest. (Las Vegas Sun, 10/29/2013) http://www.lasvegassun.com/vegasdeluxe/2013/oct/29/ strip-scribbles-carla-pellegrino-departs-miami-liv/ Cecilian Musical Society launch Copacabana - "At the Copa,Co,Copacabana"... The catchy 1970s classic tune is the theme of the Cecilian Musical Society’s latest production which will take to the stage on Nov 27 -30 at the Lime Tree Theatre. Based around the Barry Manilow song Copacabana, the musical is sure to bring a touch of the tropics to Limerick this autumn. "Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl"... so begins the saga of Lola and Tony. Their tale of love and romance on the way to stardom had comes to Limerick in a Broadway-style musical fantasy. The Cecilian’s new production features a number of Barry Manilow hits, dazzling costumes, spectacular sets and sensational choreography and a few surprises. Having won the Association of Irish Musical Societies award for Best Choreography in three of the last four years, under the tutelage of Barbara Meany, Copacabana is perfectly suited to the talented cast that make up The Cecilians. This production can thank its musical director Shane Farrell; its choreographer Barbara Meany and cast members Sadhbh McCoy, Michael O’Gorman, Jessica Bray, Brian Henry, Grainne Hartnett and Nigel Dugdale. Shows are 8pm on Nov 27 through Nov 30 and tickets are E74 for a family ticket, E23 standard, E21 students/OAPs/unwaged and can be purchased online from www.limetreetheatre.ie or by ringing 061-774774. (Limerick Leader, 24 Oct 2013) http://www.limerickleader.ie/what-s-on/arts-entertainment/picture- slideshow-cecilian-musical-society-launch-copacabana-1-5620684 Barry Manilow, The Wanted, The Lumineers for Children in Need Rocks - Gary Barlow has announced a second batch of acts to be performing at his Children In Need Rocks concert. The musical event is being organized by the Take That frontman to raise money for the children's charity. Barry Manilow, The Wanted, The Lumineers and Tom Odell are the latest names to have been added to the list of acts. They join Robbie Williams, Ellie Goulding and Rizzle Kicks for two concerts in November that will raise money to help change the lives of disadvantaged children and young people in the UK. Manilow said: "I have known Gary from early Take That days when they re-recorded my hit 'Could it be Magic' in 1992. We have remained friends and I am thrilled he asked me to be a part of this great BBC Children in Need Rocks night. I have been proud to support BBC Children in Need for many years as it's a truly wonderful cause that does great work for children and young people in the UK. See you there on the night." Barlow added: "We are in for a fantastic couple of nights with lots of amazing artists and some very exciting collaborations. I can't wait to get up on stage for a few numbers too, it's all for a great cause." Chris Evans and Fearne Cotton will host both evenings, which will be edited into one program to be broadcast on BBC One during Children in Need week. (Digital Spy, 10/17/2013) http://www.digitalspy.com/music/news/a524503/barry-manilow- the-wanted-the-lumineers-for-children-in-need-rocks.html Gary Barlow's charity line-up - Gary Barlow has added boy band The Wanted and veteran US singer Barry Manilow to the bill of his BBC Children In Need Rocks concerts. The Take That star is organising a pair of concerts next month to raise funds for the annual charity appeal, headlined by the likes of Robbie Williams and Rizzle Kicks. Also newly added to the line up of the shows, on November 12 and 13 at the Eventim Apollo in London, formerly the Hammersmith Apollo, are The Lumineers and Brit Award-winning songwriter Tom Odell. Barry said: "I have known Gary from early Take That days when they re-recorded my hit Could It Be Magic in 1992. We have remained friends and I am thrilled he asked me to be a part of this great BBC Children in Need Rocks night." Gary said: "We are in for a fantastic couple of nights with lots of amazing artists and some very exciting collaborations." (York Press and This is Lancashire, 18 October 2013) http://www.yorkpress.co.uk/uk_national_entertainment/10747353. Wanted_join_Gary_s_charity_line_up/?ref=rss http://www.thisislancashire.co.uk/leisure/showbiz/10747353. Wanted_join_Gary_s_charity_line_up/ Barry Manilow coming to Jacksonville in January - Fanilows rejoice! Singer-songwriter Barry Manilow is coming to town in the New Year. Manilow, who is behind such hits as "Copacabana (at the Copa)" and "Mandy," will be at the Jacksonville Veterans Memorial Arena on Thursday, Jan. 23 at 8 p.m. Tickets, which range from $9.99 to $179.99, are already on sale. They can be purchased on ticketmaster.com, manilow.com or over the phone at 1-800-745-3000. (First Coast News, 10/8/2013) http://www.firstcoastnews.com/life/entertainment/article/330862/19/ Manilow-coming-to-Jacksonville-in-January Barry Manilow is coming to the Pensacola Bay Center - See the Music Legend Live in Concert on Thursday, January 30 Tickets start at just $19.99. PensacolaBay Center announced today that multi-million selling artist, Barry Manilow is coming to Pensacola on Thursday, January 30, 2014. Manilow, the undisputed #1 Adult Contemporary Artist of all time, will bring his high-energy, hit-packed concert to cities across the nation and around the world. With more than 50 Top 40 hits like, "Mandy," "Can’t Smile Without You" and "Copacabana (at The Copa)," Manilow will perform for one night only at the Pensacola Bay Center. With worldwide record sales exceeding 80 million, Barry Manilow's unparalleled career encompasses virtually every arena of entertainment, including performing, writing, composing, arranging, and producing. A Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee, Manilow has produced, arranged, and released more than 40 albums during the course of his career. He has also written and produced songs for Barbra Streisand, Bette Midler, Dionne Warwick, and many more. He has been honored with a Grammy, two Emmys, a Tony Award, an Oscar nomination, and a top selling autobiography. BARRY MANILOW; THURSDAY, JANUARY 30th at 7:30pm; PENSACOLABAY CENTER; TICKETS: $19.99, $39.99, $69.99, $99.99, $129.99, $159.99, and $179.99. Purchase tickets at Pensacola Bay Center Box Office, manilow.com, pensacolabaycenter.com or by phone at 800-745-3000. (Santa Rosa's Press Gazette, 10/7/2013) http://m.srpressgazette.com/community/things-to-do/barry-manilow- is-coming-to-the-pensacola-bay-center-1.214339 Barry Manilow to make one-night stop at North Charleston Coliseum - "Copacabana (at The Copa)" singer Barry Manilow, "the undisputed No. 1 Adult Contemporary Artist of all time," will be making an appearance at the North Charleston Coliseum in January. With tickets starting at $19.99 (they go up to $139.99), the concert by the Songwriters Hall of Fame inductee is sure to feature a number of his more than 50 Top 40 hit. With songs like "Mandy" and "Can’t Smile Without You" to his credit, Manilow has released more than 40 albums and has a Grammy, two Emmys, a Tony Award and an Oscar nomination to his credit. The show will be at 7:30 p.m. Jan. 19. Tickets can be purchased at the North Charleston Coliseum Box Office, at manilow.com or ticketmaster.com, or by phone at 800-745-3000. Go to www.NorthCharlestonColiseumPAC.com for more information. (Charleston Scene, 10/7/2013) http://www.charlestonscene.com/article/20131007/CS/131009542/1387/ barry-manilow-to-make-one-night-stop-at-north-charleston-coliseum &source=RSS Barry Manilow to perform at Tampa Bay Times Forum - The Tampa Bay Times Forum announced Monday Barry Manilow is coming to Tampa Bay on Friday, Jan. 31, 2014 at 7:30 p.m. Manilow, the undisputed #1 Adult Contemporary Artist of all time, will bring his high-energy, hit-packed concert to cities across the nation and around the world. With more than 50 Top 40 hits like, "Mandy," "Can't Smile Without You" and "Copacabana (at The Copa)," Manilow will perform for one night only at the Tampa Bay Times Forum. Tickets: Tickets for the event are on sale now at the McDonald's(r) Ticket Office at the Tampa Bay Times Forum, Ticketmaster outlets and at Ticketmaster.com. To order tickets by phone call 800.745.3000. Ticket prices are $7.24, $37.24, $67.24, $97.24, $127.24 and $157.24. Prices do not include facility fee or service charges. (WTSP 10 News Tampa Bay, 10/7/2013) http://www.wtsp.com/news/article/339032/10/Barry-Manilow- to-perform-at-Tampa-Bay-Times-Forum Barry Manilow coming to Tampa for Jan. 31 show - Barry Manilow, who built a legendary pop music career off a run of 1970s singles such as "Copacabana," "Mandy" and "Can’t Smile Without You," will perform Jan. 31 at the Forum in downtown Tampa. The concert begins at 7:30 p.m. Tickets cost $7.24, $37.24, $67.24, $97.24, $127.24 and $157.24, and are available at the Forum ticket office or through Ticketmaster. Prices do not include a facility fee or service charges. Manilow, 70, a renowned performer, producer, arranger and composer, has more than 50 top-40 hits, including "Looks Like We Made It," "Weekend in New England," "Bandstand Boogie" and "Even Now." For information, go to www.manilow.com. (TBO/The Tampa Tribune, 10/7/2013) http://tbo.com/arts_music/barry-manilow-coming-to-tampa-for-jan-31-show-20131007/ Barry Manilow tickets on-sale - Barry Manilow has been named the number one adult contemporary artist of all time. Now, folks in Southwest Florida have the chance to see him. On January 24th Barry Manilow will be performing in Estero at the Germain Arena. Tickets went on-sale at 10:00 a.m. Saturday. Prices for tickets to the concert range from $8 to $150. For more information about the concert or to purchase tickets, visit the Germain Arena website. (ABC-7 WZVN-HD, 10/5/2013) http://www.abc-7.com/story/23616250/barry-manilow-tickets-on-sale Copacabana comes to Dunmow - The Dunmow Players Musical Theatre Company is planning a production based on Barry Manilow’s iconic song Copacabana. They are promising a production full of glitz and glamour inspired by the 1979 Grammy Award winning tune. In 1985, Manilow and his collaborators Bruce Sussman and Jack Feldman expanded the song into a full length, made-for-television musical. This film version was then further expanded into a full-length, two-act stage musical. In his love letter to the technicolour musicals of the 1940s, Barry Manilow’s Copacabana tells the story of Lola from Tulsa who arrives in New York with showbiz aspirations. Rehearsals have just commenced and The Dunmow Players are looking for more people, especially men to join the cast for this production. You should be 16 or over with loads of enthusiasm and a love of singing. To find out more contact the production secretary, Decia Ranger, on 01371 874073 or 07981 585620 or email thedunmowplayers@gmail.com (Herts And Essex Observer, 04 October 2013) http://www.hertsandessexobserver.co.uk/Whats-On-Leisure/ Music/Copacabana-comes-to-Dunmow-20131004123146.htm Barry Manilow plays Germain Arena in January - He writes the songs that make the whole world sing. Now Barry Manilow will be singing them at Germain Arena. The pop superstar performs Jan. 24 at the Estero venue, organizers have just announced. Tickets go on sale at 10 a.m. Saturday. They range in cost from $7.99-147.99, not including fees and parking, according to Ticketmaster.com. Manilow’s many hits include "Mandy," "Can’t Smile Without You" and "Copacabana (at The Copa)." Tickets will be sold at all Ticketmaster outlets or online at Ticketmaster.com. (News-Press (Fort Myers), 10/2/2013) http://www.news-press.com/article/20131002/ENT/131002008/1013/RSS03 Masque Sound Celebrates the Memory of Six Extraordinary Young Men in Barry Manilow's "Harmony - A New Musical" - When Tony® award-winner John Shivers, along with David Patridge were personally selected by Barry Manilow and theater veteran Bruce Sussman to create the sound design for the legendary singer's highly anticipated new musical, Harmony - A New Musical, they turned to Masque Sound, a leading theatrical sound reinforcement, installation and design company, to provide a custom audio equipment package. Harmony, which officially opened at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta on September 15, recounts the true story of the Comedian Harmonists, six talented young men who in 1920s Germany took the world by storm with their signature blend of sophisticated close harmonies and uproarious stage antics. The Comedian Harmonists sold millions of records, starred in dozens of films and packed the most prestigious concert halls around the globe until the world they knew forever changed with the commencement of World War II. Working with Masque Sound for more than 20 years now, Shivers most recently collaborated with the company on the Broadway smash Kinky Boots, for which he won the Tony® award for Best Sound Design of a Musical. "When Barry Manilow was in essence auditioning sound designers for Harmony, he came to see Kinky Boots," says Shivers. "He liked the sound of the show, and the very next day I received a call from Mr. Manilow asking if I could design the sound for Harmony. Masque Sound did a great job in providing the equipment and technical support for Kinky Boots, so they were my obvious choice for Harmony. I have a great relationship with them; they are wonderful to work with and are always attentive to my needs." One of the biggest challenges in the sound design for Harmony was achieving full-scale production sound on a limited-engagement show's budget. "Whenever you have a very experienced pop star like Barry Manilow personally involved in a show, expectations are very high," adds Shivers. "Although the show is only scheduled to run for a month, we did not want to compromise the sound in any way because of financial constraints. Through our design, along with Masque Sound's extensive inventory, we were able to put together a package that ultimately ended up sounding great and made Barry very happy." Shivers and Patridge designed an audio equipment package that included a DiGiCo SD10 digital console. The SD10 offers a reasonably large number of inputs and outputs, along with signal routing flexibility. "DiGiCo continues to provide valuable software as an added package to their SD consoles which is designed specifically for the theatrical market," says Patridge. "The SD10 was provided as an "SD10T" console with this software which allows the desk to operate in a manner very consistent with the needs of musical theatre. Theatre is such a small piece of the audio market and it is great to have vendors like Masque Sound who are willing to make the effort for us." In addition, Masque Sound provided a large speaker array of Meyer M'elodies, which Shivers likes because they have excellent clarity and punch in a relatively compact package. Masque Sound also provided Meyer subwoofers and Sennheiser Wireless SK5212s along with frequency coordination. "Every job and every theater has its unique challenges from a sound design standpoint, whether it be microphone placement on the actors, time constraints, room acoustics, etc.," adds Shivers. "Masque Sound is not only an equipment provider; their on-site support and troubleshooting is second to none." Directed by Drama Desk Award-nominee Tony Speciale (Classic Stage Company's Unnatural Acts, A Midsummer Night's Dream), Harmony runs through October 6 at the Alliance Theatre and will move to Los Angeles in the spring of 2013. (IT Business Net, 10/3/2013) http://www.itbusinessnet.com/article/MASQUE-SOUND-CELEBRATES- THE-MEMORY-OF-SIX-EXTRAORDINARY--YOUNG-MEN-IN-BARRY-MANILOWS- HARMONY---A-NEW-MUSICAL-2845049 North Hills graduate adds musical to her acting resumé - During a community youth-theater class at Ross Elementary School in the late 1980s, 7-year-old Leigh Ann Wielgus climbed on stage and belted out a crowd-rousing rendition of "I am Stuck on Band-Aids," a commercial jingle written by pop-music superstar Barry Manilow. "She sang it with confidence covered with Band-aids!" said the class instructor, Annie Snyder of McCandless. "From the beginning, I could tell that there was something special about this little girl." Now, more than two decades later - and with principal roles in two major Broadway revivals, plus multiple TV appearances and other stage credits to her name - the 1998 North Hills Senior High School graduate has returned to Manilow for her latest theatrical success. "Harmony - A New Musical" opened at the Alliance Theatre in Atlanta on Sept. 6, and the run continues through Sunday, Oct. 6. The musical - written by Manilow and his longtime lyricist Bruce Sussman - took nearly 20 years to bring to the stage after exhaustive rewrites, soft starts and assorted business snafus. Its stint in Atlanta will be a proving ground for future plans, notably whether its creators can secure the millions of dollars needed to bump it up to Broadway. "Harmony" tells the true story of the Comedian Harmonists, a German vaudevillian sextet in the 1920s and 1930s made up of three Jewish and three non-Jewish male performers. They offered something unprecedented in live performance at the time: complex six-part harmonies, vocal imitation of instruments and physical comedy. The men sold millions of records, starred in a dozen films and packed the houses of the most prestigious concert halls around the globe. However, their rise to international fame was cut short by the Nazis' rise to power. Leigh Ann Larkin - she uses her cousin's grandmother's maiden name as her stage name - plays the principal role of Mary Hegel. She is the non-Jewish girlfriend, fiancée and then wife of Josef Roman Cykowski, a rabbi from Poland who changes his career path when he joins the Comedian Harmonists as their baritone. He is the narrator of the show. Mary can foresee the conflicts brewing in Nazi Germany. "She's strong, grounded and the voice of reason," said Larkin, 33. "What I love most about the story is that it's true," Larkin continued. "We're playing real people and revisiting a time in history that's important to remember. We get to experience these men whom we otherwise would not have had a chance to hear. The story is full of great music. It's introspective, funny and heartbreaking." When Manilow and Sussman chose Larkin for the part, she was thrilled. "I had tears in my eyes!" she exclaimed. She said working alongside Manilow has been equally thrilling. "He is awesome! He never puts himself above anyone else. He's very collaborative and is very interested in what we bring to our songs. He's so vested in this piece, and that helps us to be even better," Larkin said. Still, she has discovered that the highlights of doing a new show often coincide with the challenges. "It's amazing to create a whole new role. You can do just about anything with the character," she said. "But that's also the hardest part because there are no guidelines or precedents to let you know whether you're doing it right or wrong ...You're laying down new land for what may well be the next iconic Broadway show!" Performances have been sold out or nearly so, Larkin said. The cast has received standing ovations, she said, and the show has gotten good reviews. Larkin, meanwhile, has gotten good reviews from Manilow and Sussman. "Leigh Ann may well be one of the greatest singers we've ever worked with. Add to that her deep understanding and love for the character she plays and, suffice to say, we could not have asked for more from her," they said in a statement. Larkin will audition for TV and film opportunities before the opening of another run of "Harmony" from March 4 to April 13 at the Ahmanson Theatre in Los Angeles. After that, Manilow, Sussman, and the cast and crew hope to finally take the show to Broadway. "I think it deserves to go to Broadway. ..." said Larkin, who lives near Broadway, on New York City's Upper West Side; her parents, Ed and Marilyn Wielgus still reside in Ross Township. "It would be my ultimate dream to portray Mary on Broadway." (TribLIVE, 10/2/2013) http://triblive.com/neighborhoods/yournorthhills/yournorthhillsmore/ 4779604-74/larkin-ann-broadway#axzz2gcnMuUUo

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