- Throwback Thursday (October 23, 2014) ... Not Too Far Back!
Barry Manilow is pictured here with THE SHARK TANK’S Lori Greiner at QVC Headquarters right before his Q Sessions Live broadcast to debut MY DREAM DUETS (October 17, 2014)! Our friends at QVC still have a very limited quantity of their special version of MY DREAM DUETS with FOUR never released bonus tracks exclusive only to QVC. So, if you have not purchased your copy... you still can! You can get the QVC version of MY DREAM DUETS and watch the one-hour broadcast from last week right here: http://qvc.co/Dreamduets
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- Magic Johnson honored at Carousel of Hope Ball - Basketball legend Kareem Abdul Jabbar bestowed the Brass Ring Award on Saturday on NBA superstar Earvin "Magic" Johnson at the Carousel of Hope Ball. Hosted by Barbara Davis, and presented by Mercedes Benz, the biannual black-tie gala raised funds for the Children’s Diabetes Foundation and Barbara Davis Center for Childhood Diabetes. Emcee Jay Leno called himself "the least famous person in the room," and indeed, the Beverly Hilton’s ballroom was packed with music icons, such as Barry Manilow, Johnny Mathis, Rod Stewart, Natalie Cole, songwriter Diane Warren and Motown founder Berry Gordy; comedy greats Kathy Griffin and Jon Lovitz; actors, business leaders and others, including Anjelica Huston, Diane Keaton, Bellamy Young, Raquel Welch, Joan Collins, Kelly Lynch, Larry King, Nigel Lythgoe and Kat Dennings.
David Foster served as music director, George Schlatter as producer, and Quincy Jones and Clive Davis as music chairs. "You know what I love? It’s 10:30 and the room is still full," said Foster. "Now for L.A., that’s some kind of record." True, while gala-goers often head for the exit after the last spoonful of dessert, almost everyone stuck around to the very end of the sterling musical line-up: Josh Groban, Jennifer Hudson and Kenny "Babyface" Edmonds. Groban started the show, acknowledging that he performed at the Carousel Ball at about age 19. "Everybody still feels like they can pinch my cheeks," he said, later dedicating "You Raise Me Up" to Johnson. Hudson belted out her signature tune, "And I Am Telling You," and Edmonds took on the challenge of improvising a song, using the phrase "Carousel of Hope Delivers Dreams." (He rhymed it with "streams.")
In recognition of Johnson’s humanitarian efforts, Jabbar described the honoree as an extraordinary athlete, extraordinary human being and a proven leader, before adding a few words about Johnson’s famous smile. "You know that smile, the one that can light up a room, brighten an arena and illuminate the world," he said. Johnson, in turn, recounted his first experience with the Davis family, many years ago when he cold-called the event chair’s late husband. He hoped, he said, to get business tips from Marvin Davis, the former owner of 20th Century Fox. "I said, 'Marvin, can I take you to lunch?' and he said, 'No, but I’ll take you to lunch,'" Johnson recalled, before going on to praise Barbara Davis for raising millions of dollars to help people lead long, healthy lives.
The gala attracted nearly 1,000 guests with tickets priced from $1,000, tables ranging up to $100,000 and a live auction that included, among other items, a 2015 Mercedes-Benz S550 Coupe. The gala also featured a substantial silent auction. Final results are still being tabulated. (Los Angeles Times, 10/12/2014)
http://www.latimes.com/fashion/alltherage/la-ar-magic-johnson-honored-
carousel-hope-ball-20141012-story.html
   
- Jay Leno Hosts, Jennifer Hudson Sings at Carousel of Hope Fundraiser - Magic Johnson was honored at the star-studded event to raise money to fight children's diabetes. Before the Oct. 11 Carousel of Hope Ball began at the Beverly Hilton, Magic Johnson said the reason he agreed to be honored at the event’s 27th go-round was “diabetes is rampant in my community. It’s the work and Barbara Davis.” The Ball is definitely Davis’ baby. She’s the driving force that’s made the children’s diabetes fundraiser succeed 27 times and raise over $100 million since 1978. “It’s a good cause, but there’re a lot of good causes,” said Motown founder Berry Gordy. “Barbara is so committed, it’s hard to say no.” Among those in the crowd for the George Schlatter-produced show were Clive Davis, George Hamilton, Diane Keaton, Mimi Rogers, Barry Manilow, Sidney Poitier, both Jackie and Joan Collins, Raquel Welch, Rod Stewart, Kathy Griffin, Johnny Mathis, Derek Theler, Anjelica Huston, Quincy Jones and musical director David Foster. Before dinner, Davis spoke of the 30 million people in the United States who have diabetes, that one-in-three infants will develop it in their lifetime and how it’s “a devastating disease that’s nearly doubled in the last two decades.” After dinner (which featured a dessert of ice cream covered in meringue with chocolate sauce that any diabetics attending probably should have avoided) were performances by Josh Groban, Kenny “Babyface” Edmonds on acoustic guitar and a set by a Jennifer Hudson with the high-point coming on Leonard Cohen’s "Hallelujah." Former Laker Kareem Abdul Jabbar presented Johnson with his award, and the honoree in turn reminded the crowd of Jabbar’s five championship seasons and his being the all-time NBA point scorer. Johnson said his living for 25 years with HIV constantly reminds him that “what you do for people is so important ... God has kept his hands on me and let me do the things that I do.” (Hollywood Reporter, 10/12/2014)
http://www.hollywoodreporter.com/news/jay-leno-hosts-jennifer-hudson-740219
- Stars turn out for Carousel of Hope gala - Some of the biggest Hollywood stars turned up at the Carousel of Hope Ball on Saturday in Beverly Hills, California. The fundraiser was launched by Barbara Davis and her late husband and 20th Century Fox owner, Marvin Davis, in the 1970s, after their daughter Dana was diagnosed with diabetes. The event has helped raise more than $80 million (Dh293.9 million) to combat childhood diabetes. Attendees of the night included music industry executive Clive Davis, Scandal actress Bellamy Young and Magic Johnson, who was honoured with the Brass Ring Award winner for his humanitarian work. Johnson attended with his wife Cookie and family, including son Earvin III Johnson, the reality star of Rich Kids of Beverly Hills. Other attendees included Kat Dennings, Mimi Rogers, George Hamilton, Raquel Welch, Kathy Griffin, Angelica Huston, Barry Manilow, Rod Stewart and wife Penny Lancaster. Jennifer Hudson and Josh Groban performed. (Gulf News, 10/12/2014)
http://m.gulfnews.com/entertainment/celebrity/stars-turn-out-for-
carousel-of-hope-gala-1.1397313
- Copacabana at the Buxton Opera House - 'Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl’ ... The Hit Musical Copacabana by Barry Manilow is coming to Buxton Opera House for the first time in October. With Lyrics by Bruce Sussman & Jack Feldman plus sensational original songs by Barry Manilow, the famous tale of romance and stardom has captivated audiences across the globe. The show is known for its spectacular mix of not only razzle dazzle music but also sparkling costumes and fabulous choreography, producing a show that will leave you breathless! Having Just arrived from Tulsa, "Okla-nowhere," is Lola Lamarr; with two suitcases in hand and a number of thankless auditions under her belt, the wannabe star confidently strides into the nightclub Copacabana where she meets Tony Starr, a bartender with dreams of his own. Smitten by the sheer beauty and fiery spirit of the talented performer, Tony arranges an audition with the club proprietor, Sam Silver, launching Lola on the path to stardom as a Copa Girl. 'His name was Rico - He wore a diamond - He was escorted to his chair. He saw Lola dancing there...' Captivated by Lola, adorned in a revealing Carmen Miranda style costume the famous villain Rico pursues Lola, whisking her away and holding her captive at the Tropicana club in Havana. Will Rico ever let Lola out of his sight? Will Tony risk his life to rescue the girl of his dreams? ... Starring in Copacabana will be S Club 7 and West End star Jon Lee (Jersey Boys andLes Misérables) and Richard Grieve (Neighbours and Home and Away), featuring hits such as the Grammy award-winning Copacabana, Dancin Fool, Who Needs to Dream, and Welcome to Havana, the Opera House will be the hottest spot north of Buxton! Copacabana takes place from Wednesday 15 to Saturday 18 October at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets are priced at £22 and £24 and discounts are available. To buy tickets or for more information call the Box Office on 0845 127 2190 or buy online at www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk. (Leek Post & Times, 10 October 2014)
http://www.leek-news.co.uk/Copacabana-Buxton-Opera-House/story-
23090575-detail/story.html
- Why Big Artists Are Banking on Year-End Covers Albums - Aretha, Streisand, Manilow and more are banking on old favorites this holiday season - On deck for the fourth quarter: a virtual avalanche of all-covers albums. From the divas (Annie Lennox' Nostalgia, Barbra Streisand's Partners, Bette Midler's It's The Girls, Lady Gaga & Tony Bennett's Cheek To Cheek, Aretha Franklin's Sings the Great Diva Classics) to the showmen (Barry Manilow’s My Dream Duets), rock radio vets (Bryan Adams’ Tracks of My Years) to hipsters du jour (She & Him’s Classics), it seems established artists have found a new safe haven for full-length releases, a role that holidaycollections have served in the past. And it’s no wonder: Covers offer a low-risk alternative for an artist not only to take a creative break while maintaining their public presence, but also to have the potential for big returns.
|  | The two best examples from the last decade: Rod Stewart, who revitalized his career with his five-volume Great American Songbook series, which debuted in 2002, and Ray Charles, whose multiplatinum, Grammy-sweeping Genius Loves Company duets album landed in 2004, just before his death. The economics of such compilations, particularly those released by major labels, defy the typical album creation process. For instance, cover albums can be put together relatively quickly and inexpensively because no songwriting is required. Moreover, they save the artist recording costs and deal points. Big sales for original material from mature acts are never guaranteed, and the fourth quarter is when cover albums’ target demographic -- adults age 35 and older -- is most likely to buy music for the holidays.
So far, the category is off to a strong start, as Barbra Streisand’s Partners debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard 200 dated Oct. 4 with 196,000 sold in its first week (according to Nielsen SoundScan), the biggest week for a female artist’s album in 2014. "This year’s schedule is overkill," says Trans World’s Mark Hudson. But even he concedes, "We were amazed by the Streisand sales."
http://www.billboard.com/articles/6274238/year-end-cover-albums-
barbra-streisand-rod-stewart-barry-manilow |
- Copacabana at the Buxton Opera House - 'Her name was Lola, she was a showgirl’ ... The Hit Musical Copacabana by Barry Manilow is coming to Buxton Opera House for the first time in October. With Lyrics by Bruce Sussman & Jack Feldman plus sensational original songs by Barry Manilow, the famous tale of romance and stardom has captivated audiences across the globe. The show is known for its spectacular mix of not only razzle dazzle music but also sparkling costumes and fabulous choreography, producing a show that will leave you breathless! Having Just arrived from Tulsa, "Okla-nowhere," is Lola Lamarr; with two suitcases in hand and a number of thankless auditions under her belt, the wannabe star confidently strides into the nightclub Copacabana where she meets Tony Starr, a bartender with dreams of his own. Smitten by the sheer beauty and fiery spirit of the talented performer, Tony arranges an audition with the club proprietor, Sam Silver, launching Lola on the path to stardom as a Copa Girl. 'His name was Rico - He wore a diamond - He was escorted to his chair. He saw Lola dancing there...' Captivated by Lola, adorned in a revealing Carmen Miranda style costume the famous villain Rico pursues Lola, whisking her away and holding her captive at the Tropicana club in Havana. Will Rico ever let Lola out of his sight? Will Tony risk his life to rescue the girl of his dreams? ... Starring in Copacabana will be S Club 7 and West End star Jon Lee (Jersey Boys andLes Misérables) and Richard Grieve (Neighbours and Home and Away), featuring hits such as the Grammy award-winning Copacabana, Dancin Fool, Who Needs to Dream, and Welcome to Havana, the Opera House will be the hottest spot north of Buxton! Copacabana takes place from Wednesday 15 to Saturday 18 October at 7.30pm, with a Saturday matinee at 2.30pm. Tickets are priced at £22 and £24 and discounts are available. To buy tickets or for more information call the Box Office on 0845 127 2190 or buy online at www.buxtonoperahouse.org.uk. (Leek Post & Times, 10 October 2014)
http://www.leek-news.co.uk/Copacabana-Buxton-Opera-House/story-
23090575-detail/story.html
- Win tickets to see Copacabana starring S Club 7 singer Jon Lee - Barry Manilow’s hit musical, Copacabana is visiting Buxton Opera House on its first UK tour in ten years. Jon Lee from pop sensations S Club 7 stars as an aspiring songwriter who dreams of creating a big hit. His quest takes him back to an era when music and passion were always the fashion ... at the Copacabana nightclub. Richard Grieve (Emmerdale and Neighbours) plays the gruff but kindly manager of the nightclub in New York. The show is packed with hits such as Dancin’ Fool, Who Needs to Dream, and the Grammy award-winning Copacabana. This glamorous show will be staged at the Opera House from October 15 to 18 at 7.30pm with a matinee on October 18 at 2.30pm. To win tickets for the performance on October 15, complete the name of the show’s superstar composer: Barry ....... Email answer with your name, address and phone number, marking Barry in subject line, to: competitions@matlockmercury.co.uk. Entries close Oct 13. (Derbyshire Times, 06 October 2014)
http://www.derbyshiretimes.co.uk/what-s-on/win-tickets-to-see-
copacabana-starring-s-club-7-singer-jon-lee-1-6875945
- Copacabana at The Kings Theatre Southsea - Last night saw the opening night of the touring production of Barry Manilow's Copacabana at the Kings Theatre in Southsea. Starring S Club 7 and Jersey Boys' Jon Lee, Neighbours, Home and Away and Emmerdale star Richard Grieve and introducing Jennifer Harding as Lola in the timeless tale of the 1940's nightclub scene, this is a musical you will not want to miss! It is hard to believe that this show introduces Jennifer Harding. Her professional and cool approach to such a powerful musical made it seem like she had been doing it all her life. Equally Jon Lee, who is best known from his 90's pop career, won the show with his unique and show-stopping voice, which was complimented by Grieve who was so convincing in his performance you could easily remember his soap career as an after-thought! From the very start this production exploded on stage as a cascade of colour and vibrancy with super-charged energy which enchanted and engulfed the audience so much that you would be forgiven for thinking there had been a power-cut when it ended. Fans of this show will know how the story is brought to life by continuous song and dance, and this production did not disappoint as the vocal talents, and ridiculously energetic dance routines projected off the stage, bringing the audience back in with it. But it wasn't just the main players who impressed. The chorus line, as would have been at the actual Copacabana, were flawless - with particular mention going out to the Copa-Boys whose acrobatics were executed with unbelievable synchronicity and accuracy, always with the brightest smiles to accessorise. If you have never seen this show before, it is a fantastic way to spend an evening and will have every audience member, young and old, up on their feet clapping and singing along. Copacabana is playing at The Kings Theatre until Saturday 11th October - Click here to book your ticket now and avoid disappointment, we can't imagine there will be an empty seat in the house! (AboutMyArea Portsmouth, 07 October 2014)
http://www.aboutmyarea.co.uk/Hampshire/Portsmouth/PO6/News/Reviews-and-
Features/278752-Copacabana-at-The-Kings-Theatre-Southsea
- Review: Copacabana at The Playhouse in Harlow - Tales of starstruck young performers turning up at big city nightspots, determined to find fame and fortune, are legion within the entertainment world. As soon as song and dance girl Lola Lamar (Jennifer Harding) sets foot on the stage, bursting with enthusiasm and naivety in equal measure, there are no prizes for guessing where this story is going – or where it is going to end. In Barry Manilow's cheery and fast-paced musical, the gullible but talented youngster is initially rebuffed by the Manhattan nightclub management, then given her chance – only to be drugged, kidnapped and flown off to Havana (this is pre-revolutionary Cuba) by sinister club owner/crime boss Enrico Castelli (Ricky Johnson). Can she be saved? Of course she can! Nightclub favourite Tony Starr (former S Club singer Jon Lee) dashes to the rescue, winning the heart of the lovely Lola and guaranteeing the requisite happy ending. Written by Manilow and his long-time collaborators Bruce Sussman and Jack Feldman, Copacabana has not been seen in the UK for 10 years and this three-night run at Harlow premièred a revised version of the original show. With a pared-down set and the highly accomplished band tucked away under an elevated walkway, the performers were able to command the stage with their dazzling costumes and stunning dance routines. But it was Manilow’s songs that truly grabbed the attention. Hits including Dancin’ Fool, Who Needs to Dream, Welcome to Havana and, of course, the Grammy Award-winning Copacabana (At The Copa), had the audience on their feet and dancing in the aisles. And the cast worked hard to deliver the songs in style with some powerful vocal performances. Jennifer Harding (Lola) and Sharon Sexton (Castelli's discarded mistress Conchita) brought warmth and passion to their roles while Ricky Johnson's rich baritone voice made for a suitably sinister Castelli. There was humour too, thanks in the main to Lucy Garrioch's feisty and magnificent cigarette girl, Gladys, while Jon Lee made for a charming and romantic Tony. A great show! I heard the phrase "West End standards" mentioned on more than one occasion. No wonder the audience was on its feet and clapping along to the beat. Manilow fans must have been wishing the great entertainer himself could've been up on the Playhouse stage. That was never going to happen, of course, but they had the next best thing - some of his best-loved songs. (HarlowStar, 06 October 2014)
http://www.harlowstar.co.uk/Review-Copacabana-Playhouse-Harlow/
story-23050331-detail/story.html
- Jon comes to the Copa - A fresh new version of musical Copacabana, plays at the Kings Theatre next week featuring a familiar face. Copacabana follows Stephen, a young songwriter trying to write his first hit musical. As he works Stephen journeys into his own imagination where he takes on the alter-ego of Tony Forte, a songwriter in 1940s New York working at the Copacabana nightclub where he meets and falls for the beautiful singer Lola de Mar. Taking on the role of Tony is Jon Lee, probably best known as a member of pop sensation S Club 7. However, Jon also has many theatre credits including playing Frankie Valli in Jersey Boys (Prince Edward Theatre), Aladdin in Aladdin (Mayflower, Southampton) and Marius in Les Misérables (Palace/Queen’s Theatre). "It’s one of those shows that I’ve known since I was a kid," says Jon. "The songs are written by Barry Manilow so they’re very catchy. I wake up at four in the morning with them going round my head!" The show features hits by Barry Manilow including Dancin’ Fool, Who Needs to Dream and the Grammy Award-winning Copacabana. "I’m really proud to be part of Copacabana," says Jon. "The cast is a really talented bunch. We’ve got people from Oliver, Jersey Boys and Priscilla Queen Of The Desert and it’s come together really well – it’s been a really creative process. Copacabana is really fun, it’s great drama and comedy and it’s a great family show too." Copacabana will be at the Kings Theatre, Southsea, from Monday, October 6 - Saturday October 11 at 7.30pm with 2.30pm matinees on Wednesday and Saturday. Tickets: £22-£29, call (023) 9282 8282 or visit kingsportsmouth.co.uk. (Portsmouth News, 05 October 2014)
http://www.portsmouth.co.uk/what-s-on-theatre/jon-comes-to-the-copa-1-6333649
- Things to do in and around Harlow this weekend ... #5 - The Playhouse: Her name was Lola and she was a showgirl. So begins Copacabana, a musical romance that has captivated audiences in the West End, Atlantic City and on-screen across the US. With original songs by Barry Manilow, dazzling costumes and fabulous choreography is a show that will leave you breathless. Runs from Thursday to Saturday, with performances starting at 7.30pm. Tickets cost £14-£19. Details: (01279) 431945. playhouse@harlow.gov.uk. (HarlowStar, 03 October 2014)
http://www.harlowstar.co.uk/fashion-shows-clairvoyance-10-things-Harlow/
story-23039310-detail/story.html
- Jimmy Osmond to star in Copacabana at St Helens Theatre Royal - Copacabana is heading for Merseyside next year for the start of a UK tour and the cast is to be led by none other than Jimmy Osmond. The show will come to St Helens Theatre Royal in February at the start of a UK tour. The 51-year-old member of the Osmond clan - who had a Christmas number one hit with Long Haired Lover From Liverpool – will play the role of Sam Silver in the musical, written by Barry Manilow and long-time collaborators Bruce Sussman and Jack Feldman. He will be joined on stage by S Club 7’s Jon Lee as Tony Starr, and Canadian Jennifer Harding as Lola. The new production, packed with Manilow songs including Dancin’ Fool, Who Needs to Dream, Welcome to Havana, and the Grammy Award-winning Copacabana (At The Copa), revisits the original stage version first performed in the US in 1991. Aspiring songwriter Tony is working as a pianist in a bar when he meets Lola, who is determined to make it in showbiz. At Manhattan’s Copacabana Lounge both start to find fame, before fate steps in and Lola is swept away to Havana to work in a nightclub. But her new mentor and boss Rico may demand a high price for putting her name in lights. Barry Manilow said: "I’m honoured Copacabana will return to the UK stage and send my wishes for success to Jon, Jimmy, and the entire company." Theatre manager Chantelle Nolan said: "Our programme grows in quality and diversity year on year. We’re thrilled our popular venue starts the 2015 UK tour, and this will be the first chance theatregoers will have to see Jimmy Osmond as part of the hit musical." Copacabana is at St Helens Theatre Royal from February 2-7. (Liverpool Echo, 02 October 2014)
http://www.liverpoolecho.co.uk/whats-on/whats-on-news/
jimmy-osmond-star-copacabana-st-7869348
- Jimmy Osmond to star in Copacabana at Theatre Royal - The baby of the Osmond family will star in Copacabana which opens in St Helens next February. Barry Manilow’s hit musical will tour the UK, beginning at St Helens Theatre Royal. Jimmy Osmond, who found fame with hits including Long Haired Lover from Liverpool and Love me for a Reason, will star alongside Jon Lee, a member of '90s pop group S Club 7. The production will re-imagine the original stage version of Copacabana, which was first performed in the US in 1991 and has never before been seen in the UK. Barry Manilow said: “I’m honoured that Copacabana will return to the UK stage and send my wishes for success to Jimmy, Jon and the entire company.” Featuring Manilow hits including Dancin’ Fool, Who Needs to Dream, Welcome to Havana and of course, the Grammy Award-winning Copacabana which was released in 1978, this production promises to have audience members dancing in the aisles. The story of Copacabana follows aspiring songwriter Tony who works as a pianist in a bar when he meets the gorgeous Lola, who is determined to make it in showbiz. Quickly falling for Lola, Tony does everything he can to assist her attempts to find stardom. At Manhattan's Copacabana Lounge both start to find fame, before fate steps in and Lola is swept away to Havana to work in a night club. But Lola's new mentor and boss Rico may demand a price for putting her name in lights. Jimmy Osmond will star as gruff Copacabana manager Sam Silver and Jon Lee will play Tony Starr. The production introduces Jennifer Harding as Lola. Jimmy is the youngest member of the world famous Osmond family, and for nearly 50 years has performed with The Osmonds. Together they have sold over 100 million records, earning more than 53 gold and platinum records. As a solo artist, Jimmy has accumulated six gold records, one platinum record and two gold albums. Copacabana will run at the theatre royal from Monday to Saturday, February 2 to 7 at 7.30pm. There will be matinees at 2.30pm on the Wednesday and Saturday. (St. Helens Star, 02 October 2014)
http://www.sthelensstar.co.uk/news/11509855.Jimmy_Osmond_
to_star_in_Copacabana_at_Theatre_Royal/
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