
BARRY MANILOW – ANOTHER STELLAR PERFORMANCE AT THE HILTON!
June 27, 2008 – Las Vegas Hilton—last show before vacation!
Cynthia B. Ainsworthe
I was one of the fortunate recipients of a fantastic show-stopping performance of the world-renowned Barry Manilow’s Music and Passion show in Las Vegas. His legendary delivery of lyrics and emotion kept the audience spellbound as every song he sang came from the depths of his soul. Throughout the entire performance, Barry was rewarded with standing ovations seasoned with “Love you Barry,” “You’re wonderful”, as well as “You’re fantastic!” His admiration for his fans was evident by his warm and generous smile, followed by his words, “Thank you all, so very much.”
The opening number of “It’s a Miracle” was upbeat, and followed by “Daybreak”. Barry’s emotional and very sensual interpretation of “Somewhere in the Night” brought fans to near pandemonium. The same is true when Barry sang, “Ready to Take a Chance Again”, “Weekend in New England”, and “Looks Like We Made It”. His unadulterated pure emotions came through every lyric, innuendo, every facial expression, and every musical phrase as audience members felt he sang only to one single special person. Such is raw talent, and Barry definitely has talent! His subtle hip movements suggested his love affair with his audience and was met with resounding approval; his every look, stare and clenching of fists emphasized a particular lyric. Breaths grew faster and hearts pounded with obvious appreciation of his never-ending talent.
As if this wasn’t enough, the audience was treated to “The Old Songs”, “Memory”, “I Made It Through The Rain”, as well as “Somewhere Down The Road”. Tears could be seen in the eyes of some of the audience members.
As a tribute to the 60’s, Barry sang “Can't Take My Eyes Off From You,” and “What The World Needs Now”. Again, another performance by Barry was beyond compare to all other singing artists—past, present and most assuredly in the future.
A special treat was afforded to his fans with the a cappella rendition of the “William Tell Overture” performed by Barry and his stellar background singers. Pure naked talent is the only way to describe this segment.
“Mandy” with the chorus of “Could It Be Magic” as the ending, was more dynamic than when I saw Barry in April 2008. “I Write The Songs” brought the audience to their feet with deafening applause.
The entire audience rocked to “Bandstand Boogie”, “New York City Rhythm”, “Can’t Smile Without You,” “They Danced”, and certainly to the finale of “Copa”. A reprise of “It’s a Miracle”, complete with streamers and confetti flowing from the ceiling brought the evening to an earth-shattering conclusion. Many an audience member sat mesmerized in their seats, staring at the now vacant stage; clearly in awe of the entire dynamic and utterly talented Barry Manilow—a man and his talent which will forever be indelibly etched in the hearts and memory of his audience.
I apologize if the song sequence is not in accurate order, as I too, was in a state of spell-bound admiration. I am, and forever will be Barry’s life-long fan.
My evening was brought to a beautiful and wondrous conclusion when I met with Barry backstage. Believe me, he is just a genuine and kind offstage as on.
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