- Copacabana, Norbury Youth Theatre, Droitwich - Barry Manilow's musical tribute to the movie musicals of the 1940s was a challenging ask for the Youth Theatre - but the enthusiastic crew carried it off well in front of an appreciative audience. While creating the world’s next big hit, aspiring songwriter Stephen is carried back to an era when “music and passion were always the fashion” at the world famous Copacabana nightclub in New York City. In his dream, Lola Lamar, a hopeful showgirl, is launched on the path to stardom as a Copa Girl with the help of Tony Starr, a bartender with dreams of his own. Captivated by Lola’s performance, the villainous Rico whisks her away to the Tropicana nightclub in Havana where a tale of old-fashioned love, jealousy, and murder in the entangled lives of Lola, Tony and Rico unfolds... (The Bromsgrove Standard, 11/24/2009)
http://www.bromsgrovestandard.co.uk/ents86932.html
- Great American songsmith Johnny Mercer - Barry Manilow offered his remembrances of Johnny Mercer on Radio 2 of the BBC Nov. 13 as part of the worldwide centennial celebration of the man widely considered America's greatest lyricist before Bob Dylan ... Mercer had a Palm Springs home and collaborated with many desert residents. Barry wrote his great ballad, "When October Comes" with a Mercer lyric given to him by Mercer's late wife, Ginger. Rancho Mirage resident Michael Masser considered Mercer his mentor. Like Barry, Michael is a member of the Songwriters Hall of Fame, founded by Mercer and music publishers Howie Richmond and the late Abe Olman. (The Desert Sun, 11/24/2009)
http://www.mydesert.com/article/20091124/LIFESTYLES01/911230337/1050/lifestyles01
- Tribute to Johnny Mercer - The folks at KFAI radio are going all out with a centennial tribute to songwriting legend and Southern-fried bon vivant Johnny Mercer. It's a two-part, six-hour, celebrity-packed profile that begins Wednesday, on what would have been his 100th birthday. Best known as the brilliant lyricist of such classics as "Moon River," "That Old Black Magic," "Autumn Leaves," "Come Rain or Come Shine," "Skylark" and "Blues in the Night," the versatile Mercer also was an actor, an occasional composer and a terrific vocal interpreter of his own material, including timeless tracks for Capitol Records -- which he co-founded -- plus groovy duets with Bing Crosby and Bobby Darin. The list of guests assembled by the "Rockin' in Rhythm" show's David Cummings and guest host Les Block reads like a "Who's Who" of American popular song, including Johnny Mathis, Tony Bennett, Kay Starr, Barry Manilow, Margaret Whiting, Nancy Wilson, "Moon River" hitmaker Andy Williams, composing great Johnny Mandel and the songwriter's daughter, Mandy Mercer. Dr. John, who recorded a CD's worth of Mercer material, also adds salty commentary, as does Philip Furia, author of "Skylark: The Life and Times of Johnny Mercer." The special airs from 6 to 9 a.m. Wednesday and Nov. 25 (at 90.3 and 106.7 FM). But the shows, which will wind up in the University of Georgia's Mercer archives, will be archived at www.kfai.org for easy computer streaming anytime you'd like. (Star Tribune, 11/16/2009)
http://www.startribune.com/entertainment/music/70218767.html
- Congleton Amateur Youth Theatre presents 'Copacabana' - Her name is Lola, she is a showgirl, and she'll be strutting her stuff on the stage of Congleton's Daneside Theatre next week. Congleton Amateur Youth Theatre will be recreating a time when "music and passion were always in fashion" as they present Copacabana, the musical by Barry Manilow. Based on the Grammy Award-winning song, the show is a colourful spectacle with fantastic dance routines. Lola La Mar, played by Jessica Smith, is a dancer who is launched on the road to stardom as a Copacabana girl by bartender Tony Starr, played by Keiran Wesley. Infatuated by Lola's performance, however, the dastardly Rico (Oliver Winnington) whisks her away to the Tropicana nightclub in Havana, triggering a drama of love, jealousy and murder that engulfs all three. Copacabana is at The Daneside Theatre from November 17 to 21. Telephone 01260 277502/271095. (This is Staffordshire, 11/13/2009)
http://www.thisisstaffordshire.co.uk/theatre/Centre-Stage-Alan-Cookman/article-1512851-detail/article.html
- Copacabana set for seven-show run at King's Theatre - Music and passion are the fashion at the King's Theatre next week when the musical extravaganza Copacabana brings some Latin love to Glasgow. Inspired by the famous Barry Manilow song of the same name, Copacabana starts a seven-show run at the theatre from Tuesday. Featuring showgirl Lola, bartender Tony, the villainous Rico and songwriter Stephen, Copacabana's mixture of simmering music, dancing and costumes means this production is the hottest thing north of Havana. Showtimes are 7.30pm Tuesday to Friday and 8.30pm on Saturday. There are two matinees at 2.30pm on Wednesday and 5pm on Saturday. To book, visit www.ambassadortickets.com or call 0844 871 7627. (The Glaswegian, 11/12/2009)
http://www.theglaswegian.co.uk/entertainment-lifestyle/2009/11/12/
copacabana-set-for-seven-show-run-at-king-s-theatre-102692-21816111/
- 'Copacabana' opens next week in Mason - For a whole generation, the mere mention of Barry Manilow stirs up musical memories. Mason Community Players is working to create enjoyable memories of its own with its fall show, Barry Manilow’s “Copacabana,” at 8 p.m. Nov. 19 to 21 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 22 at Mason High School, 6100 Mason-Montgomery Road. Tickets cost $15 for adults and $10 for senior citizens and students. Christina Ballas of Mason Community Players said “Copacabana” features vibrant color, big dance numbers and a score that audience members will find themselves singing along to. “It’s a love letter to the Technicolor musicals of the 1940s,” Ballas said. “Copacabana” presents the story of showgirl Lola LaMar as told through the eyes of Stephen, an aspiring songwriter. The musical opened in London in 1994, made its U.S. debut in 1999 and started a national tour in 2000. A 24-member orchestra will play on stage through the production as part of the set design. Jeanne Huddleston, who has directed numerous shows for other groups before “Copacabana,” said the production is “a really huge song and dance piece” that employs a wide variety of choreography and a broad spectrum of emotion. “It runs the gamut,” she said. “It goes from real dramatic moments ... to some fun, tongue-in-cheek humor.” Mason resident Shannon Mahoney, who plays Lola, said the most enjoyable aspect of “Copacabana” is its plot. “It is extremely intriguing,” she said. “There’s romance, love and laughs, as well as drama, suspense and surprise.” WHEN: 8 p.m. Nov. 19 to 21 and at 2 p.m. Nov. 22. WHERE: Mason High School, 6100 Mason-Montgomery Road. COST: $15/Adults and $10/Senior Citizens & Students under 18. Tickets available online and at the door. TICKETS: Visit www.masonplayers.org or call (513) 398-7804. Seats are reserved. Group rates are available. (The Pulse-Journal, 11/11/2009)
http://www.pulsejournal.com/news/local-news/copacabana-opens-next-week-in-mason-396395.html?cxtype=rss_local-news
- Music and passion at the Copacabana - This week, Curtain Up Productions brings a distinct West End flavour to the Grimsby Auditorium with their stunning staging of Barry Manilow's Copacabana. Director Martyn Knight has once again steered the former Grimsby, Cleethorpes and District Amateur Operatic Society as they produce a show that is vibrant, glamorous and colourful. Unlike many West End musicals, this production even boasts a 15-piece orchestra and Keith Weston's conducting ensures the music is sweet as it moves from rhythm to Latin to big band. Copacabana is the story of Lola told through the eyes of aspiring songwriter Stephen who slips in to a dream as he struggles to pen the lyrics to the shows title song. In his dream, the year is 1947 and Lola is a wannabe singer, Tony falls in love with her and with his help, she becomes a Copa girl at the New York Copacabana nightclub. Unfortunately, gangster Rico abducts Lola and whisks her away to his own club in Havana and it falls to Tony and friends to rescue her... Copacabana is at the Grimsby Auditorium until Saturday. For tickets and times, visit www.grimsby.org.uk or call 0844 8472424 or visit the box office. (This Is Grimsby, 11/11/2009)
http://www.thisisgrimsby.co.uk/whatson/Music-passion-Copacabana/article-1502618-detail/article.html
- Review: Copacabana, Theatre Royal - You've got to hand it to Barry Manilow, creating a spectacular two-hour show from a three-minute pop song is no mean feat. And you've got to hand it to Nottingham Operatic Society for triumphantly transferring his Broadway hit to the amateur stage because that is no mean feat either. Manilow's story about a show girl named Lola who arrives in New York from Hicksville searching for fame, falls in love, gets drugged, kidnapped and almost murdered, is as pacy, dazzling and dramatic as it sounds ... and NOPS rise admirably to the challenge. Talented acting school graduate Andrew Regester, who takes the lead role of Tony the struggling songwriter, is a real bonus for the company with his professionalism and confidence, and those assets rub off on the rest of this enthusiastic cast who attack the work with a real sense of fun. Cathy Miller does a great job as Lola, ditzy and dishy in equal measure; Vanessa Christian relished her tough girl role as gangster's moll Conchita, and Dan Armstrong as Rico, the villain of the piece, also gave a powerful performance. And there was strong support from Jayne Russell and Lyndon Warnsby, plus a camp cameo by Paul McPherson as Willie the waiter who raised a laugh every time he quickstepped across the stage. Sparkling costumes and witty choreography all added up to an enjoyable night and I wouldn't be surprised to see this production in the running when the amateur awards are handed out. (This Is Nottingham, 11/11/2009)
http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/entertainmentnews/Review-Copacabana-Theatre-Royal/article-1502697-detail/article.html
- KFAI Centennial Tribute to Johnny Mercer, November 18 and 25 - In a unique locally produced radio broadcast, pianist and producer Les Block and KFAI radio personality David Cummings will present an all star celebrity tribute to revered songwriter Johnny Mercer on the anniversary of his 100th birthday. The two-part broadcast airs November 18th and 25th. The show will feature interviews with renowned singers, performers and writers most associated with Mercer's songs. Among the celebrities who have agreed to be interviewed for the show are singers Tony Bennett, Nancy Wilson, Dave Frishberg, Barbra Streisand, Johnny Mathis, Andy Williams, Diahann Carroll, Dr. John, Margaret Whiting, Barry Manilow, Monica Mancini, Daryl Sherman, David Allyn, composer and arranger Johnny Mandel, Mercer biographer Philip Furia, and Robert Kimball, author of The Complete Lyrics of Johnny Mercer. In addition, such legends as Fred Astaire, Mel Torme, Jack Lemon, Woody Herman and Steve Allen will come alive through the presentation of archived interviews on Mercer. Mercer, who lyricist Oscar Hammerstein claimed was "the most perfect American lyricist alive," was also a highly successful singer with thirteen Top Ten hits including four #1 smashes. As a songwriter, he received 18 Academy Award nominations and four Oscars. He was also one of the three founders of Capitol Records and the company's president. From among the 1500 published Mercer songs, those that will be featured on the show include “One for My Baby,” “That Old Black Magic,” “Too Marvelous for Words,” “Blues in the Night,” “Moon River,” “The Days of Wine and Roses,” “I Remember You,” “Skylark,” “Satin Doll,” “The Country's in the Very Best of Hands,” “Accentuate the Positive,” “Laura,” “Autumn Leaves,” “Early Autumn,” “Midnight Sun” and “Come Rain or Come Shine.” The tribute will be broadcast in two parts on KFAI Radio, 90.3 FM Minneapolis, and 106.7 FM St. Paul on consecutive Wednesdays, November 18 and 25, 6:00-9:00 AM. The program will be streamed live on the Internet and subsequently available on the station's archives at www.kfai.org/rockininrhythm. (Jazz Police, 11/8/2009)
http://www.jazzpolice.com/content/view/8673/115/
- Radio 2 to celebrate work of Johnny Mercer - BBC Radio 2 is to celebrate the birth centenary of lyricist Johnny Mercer, with an evening of programmes next month. Friday Night is Mercer Night - Pardon My Southern Accent will be broadcast on November 13, and will feature a special edition of Friday Night is Music Night, presented by American singer-songwriter and saxophonist Curtis Stigers. The concert will come live from London’s Mermaid Theatre, and feature performances from Nigel Harman, Sally Ann Triplett, Ruthie Henshall and Stigers himself. It will feature some of Mercer’s most famous songs, including "Hooray for Hollywood," "Autumn Leaves," "Jeepers Creepers," "Fools Rush In," "Come Rain or Come Shine" and "Moon River." The concert, to be broadcast from 7.30pm, will be preceded by a 30-minute programme hosted by Clarke Peters, who will explore the way in which Johnny Mercer’s birthplace, Savannah, Georgia, influenced his songs. Radio 2’s evening will conclude with a programme hosted by Barry Manilow, in which he presents his own personal view of Mercer and talks about how he composed melodies to lyrics Mercer penned, which were discovered after his death. Mercer was born on November 18. 1909, and died in June 1976. (The Stage News, 10/23/2009)
http://www.thestage.co.uk/news/newsstory.php/25986/radio-2-to-celebrate-work-of-johnny-mercer
- Clint Eastwood Presents Johnny Mercer: The Dream's On Me (TCM) - Film director Clint Eastwood's love of jazz and American popular song is far from a secret, especially following his feature-length biopic about alto saxophonist Charlie Parker (Bird, 1988), during which the ever restless Eastwood got the idea to produce a feature-length film about pianist Thelonious Monk, released somewhat later during the same year as Straight No Chaser. Hence, it should surprise few that Eastwood will introduce viewers to a month-long 100th birthday celebration of American lyricist Johnny Mercer on Turner Classic Movies (TCM), beginning with Eastwood Presents Johnny Mercer: The Dream's On Me, which will be telecast in the US on Wednesday, November 4, 2009 with a repeat on Wednesday, November 18. Throughout the month of November, when Mercer would have been 100, Wednesdays on TCM will be devoted to classic Hollywood films with lyrics penned and, in some instances, performed by Mercer, who not only wrote but sang more hit songs than virtually any other American songwriter ... While Mercer's is a familiar voice and face to anyone who remembers the popular music of the 1930s and 1940s, as well as his later work with singers Bobby Darin, Andy Williams and Barry Manilow (who set his elegiac lyric "When October Goes" to music before releasing a recorded performance posthumously), it comes as a surprise to even many of his steadfast admirers to learn that it was Mercer who founded Capitol records, which would go on to become one of the several most important recording companies of the latter half of the 20th century. But above all, Mercer was a man of words. And more than that he possessed an ear for the vernacular that was capable of transforming song lyrics into poetry... (All About Jazz, 11/6/2009)
http://www.allaboutjazz.com/php/article.php?id=34636
- "CHRISTMAS CHEERS," the new album from Straight No Chaser, has arrived at all stores and DSPs today. The collection features a selection of holiday-themed classics, reworked in the acclaimed a cappella group's inventive and original style. The compilation is led by the brand-new single "The Christmas Can-Can" and also features a studio version of the YouTube hit "The 12 Days of Christmas." Straight No Chaser is currently heralding the album's release with a major U.S. tour. Straight No Chaser -- who recently supported Barry Manilow's sold out Hollywood Bowl solo concert -- will be appearing on QVC on November 25th, with multiple appearances all through the day. What's more, the group is scheduled to appear on the Christmas Day edition of NBC's "The Today Show," performing holiday favorites throughout the broadcast. (Market Wire, 11/3/2009)
http://www.marketwire.com/press-release/Atlantic-Records-1070497.html
- Senior Samaritans salute singer - Desert Samaritans for the Elderly is proud to be one of many worthwhile recipients of the Barry Manilow “Gift of Love” concert charity series scheduled at the McCallum Theatre in December. The executive board and staff of Desert Samaritans for the Elderly, along with the countless number of seniors in need who receive help through the organization's many services and aid programs, wish to thank Mr. Manilow in advance for his generosity. The benefits of his charitable support through his beautiful music will enrich our organization for a long time to come. - Lisa Karr, Palm Desert (The Desert Sun, 11/6/2009)
http://www.mydesert.com/article/20091106/OPINION02/911050414/-1/newsfront/Senior-Samaritans-salute-singer
- Bop along to feel-good Copacabana - Musical comedy Barry Manilow's Copacabana is showing in Nottingham. Presented by the Nottingham Operatic Society, the show will take place at the Theatre Royal from tomorrow (Tuesday) to Saturday. The evening show will begin at 7.30pm, and a Wednesday and Saturday matinee will start at 2.30pm. To book tickets, from £8.50 to £17.50, call the box office on 0115 989 5555. Information: www.nottinghamoperaticsociety.com. (Grantham Journal, 11/9/2009)
http://www.granthamjournal.co.uk/leisure/Bop-along-to-feelgood-Copacabana.5806747.jp
http://www.nottinghamoperaticsociety.com
- Nottingham Operatics perform Copacabana - Just for next week, her name will be Lola. She will, indeed, be a showgirl. And yes, before you ask – yellow feathers in her hair – check! Dress cut down to there – all present and correct. Cathy Miller, 33, a solicitors' secretary from the city centre, will be taking on the role of one of pop's most famous tongue-in-cheek tragedy queens in Barry Manilow's Copacabana at the Theatre Royal from Tuesday. Copacabana is another sure-fire hit, following on from the Operatics' sell-out success with Oliver! last year. It contains a similarly catchy score, composed by Dear Old Bazza which incorporates a couple of his other hits: "Sweet Heaven" and "Who Needs to Dream." "It's in the same genre as Mamma Mia – it's going to be a really good feelgood show," says Cathy. For those unfamiliar with the production, apparently the lyrics to Barry's hit song are a pretty accurate indication as to the content of the show. "It's really similar – the lyrics do tell the story of the show," says Cathy. Well, almost. Lola does not losing her mind – although she does go through a bit of a rocky patch. "Poor old Lola – she does go through it!" laughs Cathy. "And it's all Barry Manilow's fault." And Tony (Andrew Regester) may actually survive his shoot-out with the evil Rico (played by Dan Armstrong, a doctor in Chesterfield). To find out if that's the case, you'll have to book a ticket. All ticket sales help to fund the Operatics' performances, with any profits going to charity. (This Is Nottingham, 11/6/2009)
http://www.thisisnottingham.co.uk/entertainmentnews/Nottingham-Operatics-perform-Copacabana/
article-1487229-detail/article.html
- Blantyre actor Gary Bennet to star in lead role - A talented Blantyre actor will take to the stage later this month at the King’s Theatre in Glasgow. After a hugely successful sell out run playing Roger in the rock musical 'Rent' at the Gilmorehill G12 in May, Gary Bennet is set to tread the boards in ‘Copacabana’ at the city theatre. Gary has landed the lead role of Stephen/Tony in Barry Manilow's Musical Comedy which runs from November 17-21. ‘Copacabana’ is inspired by the unforgettable opening of Barry Manilow’s Grammy award-winning hit song and tells a tale of old-fashioned love, jealousy and murder which unfolds amidst dazzling costumes, spectacular sets and sensational choreography. Gary said: “Copacabana is very different to shows I have appeared in before but I have always wanted to do a show like this. As I am a romantic at heart and I'm a big fan of the old 1940's-50's MGM style movie musicals starring idols I greatly admire such as Frank Sinatra, Dean Martin and Gene Kelly. I play two characters in the show. Stephen, a songwriter who lives in present day New York and his imagined alter ego Tony who lives in 1940's New York.” ‘Copacabana’ will also see a young Hamilton woman make her debut at the King’s Theatre in a principal role. The University of the West of Scotland journalism student, Maria Boyle, will be taking on the role of Latina bombshell Conchita Alvarez. (Hamilton Advertiser, 11/5/2009)
http://www.hamiltonadvertiser.co.uk/news/local-news/hamilton-news/2009/11/05/
blantyre-actor-gary-bennet-to-star-in-lead-role-51525-25092490/
- Copacabana show at GATE Theater - The Guam Department of Education GATE program will present Barry Manilow's Copacabana at 7:30 p.m. Nov. 12-14 and 19-21 at the GATE Theater, Tiyan. Ticket are $10 per person, available at the GATE theater. Call 475-0598/0552 for more information. (Guam Pacific Daily News, 11/6/2009)
http://www.guampdn.com/article/20091106/LIFESTYLE/911060326/Things+to+do++places+to+go
- Barry Manilow Working on 'Make-Out Album' - Per suggestion of music industry producer Clive Davis, Barry Manilow is to create a record of, 'The Greatest Love Songs of All Time.' But don't expect to hear Manilow's classic '70s make-out tracks -- Manilow and Davis have plans to feature songs by legendary lyricists Gershwin, Irving Berlin, Burt Bacharach and more. (AOL Radio Blog, 11/3/2009)
http://www.aolradioblog.com/2009/11/03/barry-manilow-working-on-make-out-album/
- CRANBERRY CHRISTMAS on ABC Family, Monday, December 7 (7:30-8:00 PM ET/PT) - Based on the popular children's book series, "Cranberry Christmas" tells the story of a New England stalwart, Mr. Whiskers, and his efforts to keep the local skating bog from the evil clutches of his notoriously mean neighbor Cyrus Grape. With the help of young Maggie and her Granny, it's up to Mr. Whiskers to prove the bog is his own and save Christmas day for all the children of Cranberryport. Barry Manilow wrote two original songs for this holiday special. (The Futon Critic, 11/2/2009)
http://www.thefutoncritic.com/news.aspx?id=20091102abcfamily01
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